Lifestyle

5 Fees You Can Negotiate When Buying or Selling a Home

By Erica Coleman · July 8, 2026

Closing costs on a home purchase average 2 to 5% of the purchase price — $8,000 to $20,000 on a $400,000 home. Most buyers and sellers accept the itemized list on the closing disclosure without questioning any of it. Real estate attorneys and experienced agents say at least five of those line items are negotiable.

1. The real estate agent’s commission

Since the 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement, commissions are no longer standardized. The traditional 5 to 6% split between buyer’s and seller’s agents is now openly negotiable. Some agents will accept 4% or even 3% depending on the market, the price point, and the amount of work the transaction requires. If you’re selling, ask the agent directly: “Is your commission negotiable?” The answer is almost always yes.

2. The loan origination fee

Lenders charge an origination fee — typically 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount — for processing and underwriting your mortgage. On a $350,000 loan, that’s $1,750 to $3,500. Some lenders will reduce or waive this fee to win your business, especially if you have strong credit and are comparing multiple lenders. Get quotes from at least three lenders and use the competing offers as leverage.

3. The title insurance premium

Title insurance protects you and the lender against claims on the property’s ownership history. The premium is a one-time fee at closing — typically $1,000 to $3,000 — and the rate is set by the title company. What most buyers don’t know: you can shop for title insurance. You are not required to use the title company the seller or lender recommends. Getting quotes from two or three title companies can save $500 to $1,000.

4. The home inspection fee

Home inspections typically cost $300 to $500. While this isn’t paid at closing, it’s part of the transaction cost. Some inspectors offer discounts for repeat clients, referrals, or for bundling services (general inspection plus radon plus sewer scope). Ask before you book. The inspector who charges $500 may offer a $400 rate for a returning client.

5. Seller concessions for closing costs

In a buyer’s market — or when a seller is motivated — you can negotiate for the seller to pay a portion of your closing costs. This is written into the purchase agreement as a seller concession, typically capped at 3 to 6% of the sale price depending on the loan type. The concession reduces your out-of-pocket cost at closing. Your agent can advise whether the market conditions support the request.

The closing disclosure arrives three days before closing. Review every line item. Ask your lender and agent to explain any fee you don’t understand. The fees that seem fixed are often the ones that move when you ask.