The Concession Trend of 2025 Leaves Buyers With Broken Homes. Here's How Agents Are Turning That Into An Advantage.

In 2025, concessions dominate.  In Q1 alone, a Redfin analysis revealed that 44.4% of U.S. home sales included concessions, up from 39.3% the year before. That's right under the 2023 record of 45.1%. Seattle actually saw 71% of deals involve concessions.

Buyers may leave the closing table with extra cash in hand, but they often move into homes with broken items or missing updates the seller had avoided. The property is theirs now, and so are the problems.

Most agents stop once they hand over the keys. Which is what creates the opportunity for agents looking to differentiate themselves. 

The post-closing problem no one talks about

Concessions and repair credits often mean sellers negotiated out on post-inspection repairs or passed on pre-listing upgrades. Buyers inherit the to-do list without a plan. If left unaddressed, the list can turn into frustration, regret, and costly surprises. It's more than likely a homeowner will think, "Why didn't my agent help me with this? Isn't that what I paid them to do?" Some agents will pushback on that and say, no, the contract's signed, it's no longer my job. Sure, that could be true to you. But is it true to your client? Whose truth matters when it comes to leaving a review? To recommending you?

Yours? Or theirs?  

The hidden advantage for proactive agents

Proactive agents can step into that gap and help clients prioritize the best use of concessions and credits: what to repair, what to update, and, probably most importantly, who to use. That positions the agent as a long-term partner in the homeownership journey. Such an approach:

• Protects the agent's reputation by ensuring repairs get done right.

• Prevents buyer remorse before it takes root.

• Keeps the agent top-of-mind for repeat business and referrals.

Why updates matter as much as repairs

Fixing what’s broken isn’t enough. Small updates, like new carpet, fresh paint, modern lighting, smart thermostats, etc., change how buyers feel about their home from day one. Agents who include updates in their post-close workflow make it easier for buyers to settle in and love their purchase.

Integrate repairs and updates into your workflow

• Keep a list of reliable, available vendors. Before closing, check in on availability. 

• Offer a “move-in" concept sheet buyers can review. It should include both common tips and deal-specific insights. 

• Help the buyer determine potential time frames for the work. 

• Check in 30–60 days post-close to confirm everything’s complete and clients are happy.

In a market where every agent promises “full service,” details after the sale set you apart. With concessions leaving more homes in less-than-perfect shape, post-closing repair and update support becomes a competitive advantage.

If you want to add that advantage without building it from scratch, just use Bluetape. We're a one-stop-shop that is always available, meaning your client doesn't have to worry about multiple vendors, multiple quotes, scheduling, project managing, etc. Our repair team is fully-licensed, completely in-house, and always available. You can rest easy knowing your client is in good hands.

Also, if you want more ways to edge out the competition through repairs, check out our Guide To Real Estate Repair Workflows. Reduce friction in your workflow, and recover hours per transaction.