Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

May 16, 2025

Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive.



What Are Concessions and Incentives?

When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive. 

  • A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal. 
  • An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises and offers up front to attract and encourage buyers.

Today, some of the most common ones are:

  • Help with closing costs
  • Mortgage rate buy-downs (to temporarily lower your rate)
  • Discounts or price reductions
  • Upgrades or appliances
  • Home warranties
  • Minor repairs

For buyers, getting any of these things thrown in can be a big deal – especially if you’re working with a tight budget. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: 

“. . . they can help reduce the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home.”

Builders Are Making It Easier To Buy

It’s not just one builder willing to toss in a few extras. A lot of builders are using this tactic lately. As Zonda says:

“Incentives continued to be popular in March, offered by builders on 56% of to-be-built homes and 74% of quick move-in (QMI) homes, which can likely be occupied within 90 days.”

That’s because they don’t want to sit on inventory for too long. They want it to sell. And according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), one of the strategies many builders are using to keep that inventory moving (and not just sitting) is a price adjustment (see graph below): 


Around 30% of builders lowered prices in each of the first four months of the year. While that also means most builders aren’t lowering prices, it also shows some are willing to negotiate with buyers to get a deal done.

This isn’t a sign of trouble in the market, it’s an opportunity for you. The fact that the majority of builders offer incentives and roughly 3 in 10 are lowering prices means if you're looking at a newly built home, your builder will probably try to make it easier for you to close the deal. 



Existing Home Sellers Are Offering More, Too

More existing homes (one that someone has lived in before) have been hitting the market, too – which means sellers are facing more competition. That’s why over 44% of sellers of existing homes gave concessions to buyers in March (see graph below):


And, if you look back at pre-pandemic years on this graph, you’ll see 44% is pretty much returning to normal. After years of sellers having all the power, the market is balancing again, which can work in your favor as a buyer.

But remember, concessions don’t always mean a big discount. While more sellers are compromising on price, that’s not always the lever they pull. Sometimes it’s as simple as the seller paying for repairs, leaving appliances behind for you, or helping with your closing costs.

And considering that home values have risen by more than 57% over the course of the past 5 years, small concessions are a great way for sellers to make a house more attractive to buyers while still making a profit.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking at a newly built home or something a little older, there’s a good chance you can benefit from concessions or incentives.

If a seller or builder offered you something extra, what would make the biggest difference to help you move forward?

Let’s talk about it and see if it’s realistic based on inventory and competition in our local market.


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D-FW real estate roundup: Multimillion-dollar homes take shape in Frisco and more deals

May 30, 2025
North Texas Real Estate Update: Luxury Homes, Major Developments, and Strategic Investments The Dallas-Fort Worth (D-FW) real estate landscape is bustling with activity, from the rise of multimillion-dollar homes in Frisco to significant commercial and residential projects across the region. Here's an overview of the latest developments: The Preserve at Fields: Frisco's New Luxury Enclave Construction is progressing at The Preserve, a gated community within the expansive 2,500-acre Fields development in North Frisco. Spearheaded by developer Fehmi Karahan, the first phase will feature 233 custom homes on lots ranging from 6,800 square feet to over an acre. Amenities include PGA golf courses, over 25 miles of trails, and the exclusive Brookside Club. Home prices start at $3.5 million, with the first residents expected by spring 2026. Dallas Invests in Transit-Oriented Development The Dallas City Council has approved $14.5 million in incentives for the Palladium Buckner Station project, a mixed-income, transit-oriented development in southeast Dallas. Located at 8008 Elam Road, the project will transform an underutilized parking lot into 304 apartments, with approximately 80% designated for households earning at or below 60% of the area's median income. AT&T Expands in Richardson AT&T is relocating and expanding one of its call centers to Richardson, investing $15.8 million in building improvements. The city is collaborating with Provident Realty Advisors on modernization grants and permit fee waivers to facilitate the move. Build-to-Rent Communities on the Rise ONM Living is set to begin construction on two build-to-rent communities: Cottages at Century Farms near Anna and Cottages at Providence Commons in Providence Village. These developments will offer a combined 478 homes, with rentals expected to commence in late 2026. The total investment for these projects is $100 million, with plans to develop an additional 1,000 rental units over the next three years. Frisco Station's Medical Office Building Breaks Ground Cambridge Holdings Inc. has initiated construction on an 85,800-square-foot medical office building within Frisco Station's Health and Wellness District. Anchor tenants include Compass Surgical Partners, Orthopedic Institute of North Texas, and Lam Vascular & Associates, offering a range of specialized medical services. Luxury Apartments Coming to Denton HighPark Capital, in partnership with Phoenix Capital Management, has commenced construction on a 242-unit luxury apartment complex in Denton's Rayzor Ranch development. Amenities will feature a resort-style pool, pickleball courts, fitness center, yoga studio, and outdoor kitchen. The project is slated for completion in early 2027. Sherman Commons Acquired by Dallas Firms Kobalt Investment Company and The Retail Connection have acquired Sherman Commons, a 275,477-square-foot shopping center in Sherman. The center is 98% occupied, with major tenants like Academy Sports + Outdoors, Kohl’s, and PetSmart. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Olivia Clarke Homes Joins Scott Felder Homes Austin-based Scott Felder Homes has acquired Olivia Clarke Homes, a D-FW homebuilder known for properties in Celina, Providence Village, and Lakewood Village. The acquisition, completed on May 13, aims to expand Scott Felder Homes' presence in North Texas. ACIS Relocates Headquarters to Allen ACIS, an HVAC company, is moving its headquarters to Allen's 121 Tech Park, signing a 12-year lease for a 33,000-square-foot space. The new facility will accommodate over 150 employees, with the move expected in the third quarter of 2025. Hugs Inc. and KDC Break Ground in McKinney Real estate developer KDC and Hugs Inc. have begun construction on a $10 million headquarters and training academy in McKinney. The 13,500-square-foot facility will house Hugs Café, training kitchens, administrative offices, and learning areas, supporting adults with disabilities. The project is scheduled to open in summer 2026. ProSource Industries Expands to Grand Prairie ProSource Industries has leased a 104,000-square-foot facility at 602 Fountain Parkway in Grand Prairie. The company specializes in manufacturing wire harnesses, cable assemblies, and electrical control panels for original equipment manufacturers. Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors Seek New Headquarters Dallas-based litigation firm Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors, is exploring options for a new headquarters to accommodate expansion. Potential locations include areas east of downtown Dallas, Knox-Henderson, and South Dallas, with a move anticipated in 2026. West Plano Medical Village Changes Hands Los Angeles-based Stockdale Capital Partners has purchased West Plano Medical Village, a 49,228-square-foot outpatient facility developed in 2022. The fully leased property houses tenants such as Catalyst Physicians Group and Baylor Scott & White. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. These developments underscore the dynamic growth and investment opportunities within the D-FW real estate market. Stay tuned for more updates as the region continues to evolve.

Budget-Friendly Home Updates: Designer-Approved Dupes for a Stylish Makeover

May 30, 2025
How to Update Your Home on a Budget: Designer-Approved Dupes That Deliver Style Giving your home a fresh look doesn’t have to mean emptying your savings. Interior designers Kim Armstrong and Liz Dauwe, both based in Dallas, believe you can achieve a high-end feel with smart, budget-conscious choices. Here are some of their favorite decor "dupes" — affordable pieces that look like luxury. Upholstered Beds: High-End Look, Lower Price Splurge: A custom, French-style upholstered bed that can cost around $8,000 Save: A similarly styled upholstered bed for around $3,000 Kim Armstrong loves the elegance of custom pieces but often chooses a well-crafted alternative and customizes it with new fabric and paint. The result? The same designer impact for much less. Burl Wood Nightstands: Timeless Texture, Affordable Option Splurge: Designer burl wood nightstands available only to the trade Save: Classic burl wood nightstands that retail around $400 Burl wood brings warmth and sophistication to any space. Liz Dauwe recommends styling a budget-friendly version with a chic lamp, books, and a decorative box for a layered, polished look. Bold Fabrics: Statement Prints Without the Price Tag Splurge: A vibrant designer fabric at over $270 per yard Save: Comparable fabric patterns for around $15 per yard Armstrong loves eye-catching textiles and finds Spoonflower a great source for designer-inspired prints. She suggests ordering them in Belgian linen or cotton-linen canvas for a similar texture and finish. Wallpaper: Botanical Prints on a Budget Splurge: High-end wallpaper with detailed botanical patterns Save: Affordable digitally printed wallpaper with similar aesthetics In one of her projects, Armstrong swapped an expensive wallpaper for a more budget-friendly botanical print that delivered the same fresh, colorful vibe — perfect for a powder room or accent wall. Statement Mirrors: Designer Reflection for Less Splurge: Large designer round mirror priced near $2,000 Save: Oversized round mirrors under $1,000 Dauwe loves using large mirrors as focal points, especially in entryways or living rooms. A well-selected dupe offers scale and elegance at a fraction of the cost. Sculptural Decor: Modern Accents That Won’t Break the Bank Splurge: Designer link sculptures in premium materials Save: Stone or ceramic link sculptures for under $100 Decorative links add a sculptural touch to any coffee table or shelf. Dauwe recommends using them with stacked books or trays to add depth and interest to your styling. Pendant Lights: Sleek Fixtures, Smaller Price Splurge: Designer pendant lighting with sleek finishes Save: Stylish pendants with similar shapes available at hardware stores For modern pendant lighting, Dauwe loves affordable finds that mimic the look of high-end brands. Use globe or tubular bulbs to give them that designer edge. Updating your home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With the right choices and a designer’s eye for detail, you can create a space that looks elevated—without the luxury price tag. Looking for more interior design tips and renovation ideas? Stay tuned for inspiration, insights, and budget-friendly updates for every room in your home.
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