The Seller Can Help With Closing Costs.

Seller concessions, also called interested party contributions, can cover closing costs within program limits.

Qualified Seller Concessions Closing Costs Limits By Program Negotiated In Contract Qualified Seller Concessions Closing Costs Limits By Program Negotiated In Contract

Money toward closing, not toward your deposit

Concessions offset closing costs, and the ceiling depends on the program.

  • Seller concessions are contributions from an interested party toward your closing costs.
  • One program allows up to six percent toward closing across all occupancy types.
  • Limits vary by program and by whether the home is a primary residence, second home or investment.
  • Concessions are negotiated in the purchase contract, not added afterward.
  • They offset closing costs rather than reducing what you contribute at closing.
  • Amounts above the applicable ceiling are not permitted and must be restructured.
Two-story house behind trimmed hedges on a sunny day

Interested party contributions

Up to six percent on one program

Ceiling varies by program

Varies by occupancy type

Negotiated in the contract

Applied to closing costs

What are Saxton seller-paid closing costs?

A seller contribution toward the costs of closing, within defined limits.

Closing costs are the expense buyers most often underestimate. Title work, appraisal, prepaid taxes and insurance, lender fees. They arrive together at the end, and they arrive in cash. One of the most useful things a buyer can negotiate is having the seller cover some of them.

In the guidelines this is called a seller concession, or an interested party contribution. It is a contribution from someone with an interest in the transaction toward your closing costs. One of our programs permits up to six percent toward closing across all occupancy types, and the ceiling on other programs varies.

Two things are worth knowing before you negotiate. The limit depends on the program and on whether the property is a primary residence, a second home or an investment. And concessions are applied to closing costs rather than to your own contribution at closing, so they change how much cash you need on the day without changing the structure of the loan itself.

Signing a purchase contract at a table

Why ask Saxton about seller concessions?

For buyers writing an offer who want to know what they can actually ask for.

Know The Ceiling First

The limit varies by program and occupancy. Knowing your number before you write the offer is more useful than finding out after it is accepted.

Real Cash At Closing

Concessions reduce what you bring on closing day, which is often the binding constraint rather than qualifying itself.

Negotiated, Not Added Later

This is part of the purchase contract. It is difficult to bolt on afterward, so it belongs in the conversation with your agent early.

Occupancy Changes It

A primary residence, a second home and an investment property are not treated the same. We will tell you which applies to you.

We Will Check Your Program

Different products carry different ceilings. Rather than quote a general figure, we will confirm the one that applies to your file.

Above The Ceiling Fails

Anything beyond the applicable limit is not permitted and the transaction has to be restructured, so knowing your number first matters.

Hear From Homeowners Like You

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about having the seller cover closing costs.

Yes, within limits. Guidelines call this a seller concession or interested party contribution, and it is a normal part of many purchase contracts.

It depends on the program and the occupancy. One of our programs permits up to six percent toward closing for all occupancies, and other products set their own ceilings.

No. Concessions are applied to closing costs. They change how much cash you need on closing day rather than the structure of the loan.

Yes. Limits differ between a primary residence, a second home and an investment property.

During the offer. It forms part of the purchase contract, so it is much easier to include from the start than to add later.

Anything above the applicable ceiling is not permitted and the transaction has to be restructured. This is a good reason to know your number before negotiating.

No. They are applied toward closing costs. What you contribute yourself is looked at separately.

Find out what you qualify for

Before you write an offer, it is worth knowing exactly what the seller is allowed to contribute. Ask us and we will confirm your ceiling.

Get Pre-Qualified
Written by Saxton Retail Mortgage · Reviewed by Saxton Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1717191 · Last updated August 27, 2026

*Seller and interested party contribution limits are set by the applicable program and vary by occupancy type and transaction. Contributions are applied toward closing costs and are subject to program guidelines, credit approval and verification. Amounts exceeding applicable limits are not permitted. Not all applicants will qualify. Saxton Mortgage, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender.