Cash Guide

Can the Seller Pay My Closing Costs?

Yes. Conventional loans allow seller concessions toward closing costs, prepaids, and discount points — up to limits that usually depend on your down payment and occupancy. Structured well, seller credits can sharply cut cash to close.

How Seller Concessions Work

The purchase contract sets the credit; loan guidelines cap how much can be applied.

{[ ["Contract first", "Seller credits must be written into the purchase agreement."], ["Guideline caps", "Maximum contributions often rise as your down payment increases."], ["Eligible uses", "Credits typically cover closing costs, prepaids, and points — not usually a cash refund at closing."], ["Occupancy matters", "Investment properties often have tighter concession limits than primary homes."], ["Appraised value still rules", "An inflated price just to fund credits can fail if the appraisal does not support it."] ].map(([title, desc], idx) => (

))}

Common Cap Patterns

Exact limits depend on LTV and occupancy — we confirm on your file.

  • Primary residences with larger down payments often allow higher percentage credits
  • Lower-down primary purchases usually have lower concession caps
  • Second homes and investment properties frequently allow less
  • Credits cannot normally exceed actual allowable costs
  • Lender overlays may be tighter than agency maximums

Negotiation Tips

Balance price, repairs, and credits together.

  • Ask for a credit that matches your estimated closing costs
  • Compare a price reduction versus a closing-cost credit
  • Use credits for points only if the rate buy-down is worth it
  • Confirm the credit will not exceed guideline caps
  • Keep appraisal risk in mind if price is stretched

How We Structure Seller Credits

We size the credit to what guidelines will actually allow on your loan.

{[ ["Estimate cash to close", "Know the real gap before you offer."], ["Check concession limits", "Match LTV and occupancy caps."], ["Write the contract language", "Coordinate with your realtor on credit wording."], ["Apply it on the CD", "Make sure the credit shows correctly before signing."] ].map(([t, d], i) => (

Step {i + 1}

))}

2MG Daily

Recent articles from our blog on conventional loans, credit, and homebuying.

) : blogError ? (

) : blogPosts.length === 0 ? (

No related blog posts yet. Check back soon for the latest updates.

Conventional

Read more
})}

Frequently Asked Questions

Want Help Sizing a Seller Credit?

Ryan or Steve can estimate your closing costs and the maximum seller concession your conventional loan allows.