Seller credits are being wasted (Here’s How Smart Agents Use Them)

Описание: Seller credits are one of the most powerful tools in today’s market…
and most agents are absolutely wasting them.
And before anyone gets defensive —
I’m not saying you’re bad at your job.
I’m saying the market changed…
and a lot of offer strategies didn’t.
Most agents hear ‘seller credit’ and immediately think one thing:
closing costs.
That’s it.
That’s the entire playbook.
And honestly?
That’s amateur hour.
Because seller credits don’t just help deals close.
Used right, they control cash flow, risk, and long-term leverage.
I’m going to walk through a few ways smart offers are being structured right now —
starting with the ones most people don’t talk about.
Let’s start with one almost nobody uses.
Buying down mortgage insurance.
Lower MI or no MI equals a lower monthly payment.
Lower payment equals higher cash flow.
It’s quiet.
It doesn’t show up on Zillow.
But it makes the buyer’s life easier every single month.
That’s leverage.
Next one — inspection leverage that actually saves deals.
Seller credits can fund repairs after inspection through escrow holdbacks.
Roof issues.
HVAC concerns.
Electrical stuff.
Instead of blowing up the deal or renegotiating price five times,
the buyer feels protected…
and the seller still closes.
That’s how deals survive inspection season.
Home warranties don’t sound sexy.
But they matter.
Peace of mind in year one.
Less post-closing panic.
Especially for first-time buyers or older homes.
This isn’t about excitement.
It’s about confidence.
Now here’s the one almost no one knows.
On VA loans, seller concessions can be used to pay off buyer debt.
Credit cards.
Car loans.
Up to four percent of the home’s value —
and this is on top of standard closing costs.
That means lower DTI.
Stronger approvals.
And buyers who can finally breathe again.
And yes — similar strategies are allowed on many Non-QM loans too.
Bank statement.
Asset depletion.
This is where creative offers quietly win.
Now let’s talk about the stuff everyone thinks they understand —
but still uses wrong.
Stop cutting price by default.
Price cuts feel good.
Payments matter more.
A permanent rate buydown often beats a price reduction every single time, unless your buyers are only planning to keep this property short term.
Smaller loan.
Lower payment.
Savings every month — not just at closing.
This is how affordability actually changes.
Temporary buydowns still matter.
3-2-1, 2-1.
1-0 buydowns.
Lower payment in year one, two, or three.
Easier transition into the home.
Perfect for buyers expecting income growth, bonuses, or career moves.
This is how hesitant buyers say yes.
Here’s the opinion I’ll stand on.
Seller credits aren’t filler.
They’re leverage.
And in a payment-sensitive market,
agents who understand this win more offers —
even without being the highest price.
If your offer strategy starts and ends with price,
you’re already behind.
If you want help structuring smarter offers that actually protect your buyer long-term,
I’m always happy to talk it through.
No pitch.
Just better deals.