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15 Creative Negotiation Tactics for Homebuyers to Save Money and Stress

The median home price in the U.S. hovers around $412,000 as of mid-2025. Rising interest rates further strain budgets, making it critical for buyers to maximize every opportunity to reduce costs. Yet, approximately 79% of older Americans, those aged 65 and over, own their homes in the US. However, people planning to retire are still struggling to own a house.

Creative negotiation tactics can make homeownership more attainable by lowering upfront costs, reducing long-term expenses, or adding value to the deal.

Below are 15 surprising strategies that can save you thousands or enhance your home purchase, drawn from my decade of experience as a real estate agent.

15 Negotiation Tactics

  1. Seller Concessions (Buyer Credits)
    Request the seller to cover closing costs, typically 1-2% of the purchase price, to ease the financial burden. For example, credits can cover attorney fees or title insurance, helping buyers who are cash-strapped after the down payment.

  2. Mortgage Rate Buydown
    Use seller credits to lower your mortgage interest rate.

  3. Personal Property Inclusion
    Ask for items like furniture, rugs, or appliances to be included. Sometimes sellers leave precious items that you can use or sell.

  4. Comprehensive Due Diligence
    Negotiate for specialized inspections like radon, mold, or lead paint tests to ensure the home’s safety and avoid future costs.

  5. Pre-Closing Repairs
    Request repairs for issues found during inspections. These may also be required by the lender so pay attention.

  6. Rent-Back Agreements
    Offer a rent-back to let the seller stay post-closing for a set period, making your offer more appealing. This can be at market rate or a nominal fee, giving sellers flexibility.

  7. Appraisal Gap Coverage
    In competitive markets, agree to cover an appraisal gap up to a capped amount.

  8. Professional Cleaning Services
    Negotiate for the seller to pay for professional cleaning, carpet shampooing, or junk removal to ensure the home is move-in ready.

  9. Warranties for Appliances and Systems
    Request warranties for new appliances or systems, especially in new constructions, to protect against unexpected repair costs.

  10. Pre-Closing Access
    Secure access before closing for measurements, contractor visits, or early storage.

  11. Landscaping Improvements
    Ask for landscaping or exterior repairs, like tree trimming or lawn reseeding, to enhance safety and curb appeal.

  12. Prepaid HOA Fees or Taxes
    Negotiate for the seller to cover HOA dues, condo fees, or property taxes. Paying fees upfront can also give discounts

  13. Permits and Documentation
    Ensure all permits for major work are closed out and request documentation like inspection reports or certificates of occupancy for transparency.

  14. Escalation Clause
    Use an escalation clause to automatically increase your offer in response to competing bids, up to a cap. For example, an offer of $700,000 could jump to $725,000 to beat a $720,000 bid, keeping you competitive without overpaying.

  15. Small Gestures for Goodwill
    Offer light-hearted perks like filling the seller’s gas tank or sending a post-closing pizza to build rapport and smooth negotiations. This doesn’t matter much but could help create a bond, which pays off.

With home affordability increasingly challenging, these negotiation tactics empower buyers to stretch their budgets and secure better deals.

Social Security Transitions to Electronic Payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that, effective September 30, 2025, paper checks for Social Security benefits will be discontinued, aligning with a Treasury Department mandate for all federal payments to go electronic. This affects approximately 0.8% of beneficiaries—around 500,000 recipients—who must now opt for direct deposit or a Direct Express prepaid debit card.

Why the Change?

  • Security: Paper checks are prone to fraud, and electronic payments reduce this risk.

  • Cost Savings: Issuing paper checks costs about 50 cents each, while electronic transfers cost less than 15 cents.

  • Modernization: The shift supports a government-wide initiative to streamline payment systems.

Exceptions:

  • Beneficiaries without bank accounts or those facing hardships (e.g., mental impairments, remote locations, or age 90+) can request waivers to continue receiving paper checks. Contact the Treasury’s Waiver Line at 1-855-290-1545 or download the waiver form from the GoDirect website.

Next Steps for Retirees:

  • Enroll in direct deposit through your bank or the SSA website.

  • If no bank account, sign up for a Direct Express card.

  • Contact SSA for assistance if a waiver is needed.

👩🏽‍⚖️ Legal Stuff
Nothing in this newsletter is financial advice. Always do your own research and think for yourself.

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