How Offering a Buyer Closing Cost Credit Can Help You Sell Faster in Today’s Market
How can offering a credit toward a buyer’s closing costs help you attract more offers and close faster—even in a high-interest-rate market?
If you're thinking about selling your home in San Antonio, offering a credit toward a buyer’s closing costs can be a game-changing incentive—especially for buyers looking to buy down their mortgage interest rate. This strategy not only helps you stand out from the competition but also makes your home more affordable without having to lower your asking price.
What Is an Interest Rate Buydown?
An interest rate buydown is a strategy where a buyer pays additional upfront costs (known as “points”) to reduce their mortgage interest rate. A lower rate can dramatically reduce monthly payments.
Here’s an example:
- Without a buydown: $350,000 loan at 7% = ~$2,329/month (principal + interest)
- With a 1-point buydown to 6.25%: ~$2,155/month
That’s a savings of about $174/month—or over $2,000 per year.
For many buyers, that monthly affordability is the difference between moving forward or walking away.
Why Sellers Should Offer a Closing Cost Credit
Rather than reducing your list price, offering a closing cost credit allows buyers to use that money toward:
- Discount points for a lower interest rate
- Lender fees and title charges
- Escrow or prepaids (insurance and taxes)
This strategy works well in a market where interest rates are elevated and affordability is tight.
Key Seller Benefits:
- Attract more buyers who are payment-conscious
- Maintain your list price instead of negotiating down
- Close faster by making your home stand out in a crowded market
Buyers may be more willing to stretch if they know they’ll get payment relief right out of the gate.
How to Promote This Incentive Effectively
When you offer a credit, make sure your listing and marketing materials communicate it clearly:
- "Seller offering $7,500 toward buyer closing costs or rate buydown!"
- Include in MLS agent remarks and public remarks
- Use bold signage in open houses and social media posts
Work with your agent to ensure the credit is structured properly in the contract—and to show buyers exactly how it impacts their bottom line.
Offering a closing cost credit isn’t just a financial tool—it’s a powerful marketing strategy. By helping buyers lower their monthly payments through an interest rate buydown, you increase your pool of interested buyers and improve your chances of a smooth, timely sale.
Want more smart strategies for selling your home in San Antonio?
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Contact Mark Stillings, Associate Broker, M.B.A., REALTOR
Phone: 210.772.3123
Email: mark@markstillings.com
Instagram: @mark_stillings
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