Seller concessions have hit a record high in 2026, with nearly half of all U.Seller concessions have hit a record high in 2026, with nearly half of all U.S. home sales now including credits, buydowns, or repair allowances. Agents who understand how to frame the concession conversation early, backed by current data, are the ones protecting their sellers’ bottom line and closing more deals.
With 47% more sellers than buyers in the market currently, you’d think listing appointments would be easy to come by. But here’s what is happening now: sellers are interviewing more agents than ever before, comparison shopping for commission rates, and asking tougher questions about marketing strategy. Sellers know it’s a buyer’s market, and they’re looking for the agent who can prove—not just promise—they’ll get their home sold.
The art of pricing right has become the defining skill that separates top-performing agents from those watching their listings sit. Recently homes flew off the market regardless of price, but those days have shifted. Today’s serious, qualified buyers are actively looking—they’re just no longer willing to overpay. Homes priced right are selling within weeks, while overpriced listings languish for months. The difference? Usually just 5-10% in asking price, but the impact on your success is dramatic.
What’s considered ‘stale’ in today’s market would have been perfectly normal just a few years ago. With mortgage rates hitting 7% and inventory up 14.1% year over year, the market is simply returning to historical norms. The agents who adapt their strategies accordingly won’t just survive—they’ll dominate.
