Seller contributions toward a buyer’s closing costs are a common aspect of real estate transactions, particularly those involving conventional mortgages. These contributions, often expressed as a percentage of the sale price, can assist buyers with expenses like origination fees, discount points, appraisal fees, and other charges associated with securing a loan and finalizing the purchase. For example, on a $300,000 home, a 3% contribution would provide the buyer with $9,000 to offset these costs.
Limiting the amount a seller can contribute helps maintain property values and avoid artificially inflated prices. The practice encourages realistic appraisals and prevents situations where inflated sale prices are used primarily to provide the buyer with cash back or cover excessive closing costs. These parameters are important because they contribute to the stability of the housing market, ensuring that lending practices remain responsible and that loan values accurately reflect the underlying worth of the properties being financed.