Michelle Parra November 14, 2026
The best deal isn't always a lower price. On the LA Westside right now, it's often a smarter structure.
Whether you're buying or selling in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, Mar Vista, Culver City, Playa Vista, Westwood or West LA, seller concessions are one of the most effective ways to get deals done today. Instead of only cutting the price, the seller puts dollars toward the buyer's costs. Here are two real examples from a lending partner.
A $1,595,000 home wasn't getting enough interest. Rather than a $160,000 price cut, the seller split the money:
A $24,000 price cut would have saved the buyer about $150 a month. Instead, the buyer asked the seller to pay the first year of HOA dues and help with closing costs.
Year | Estimated Monthly Savings for the Buyer |
|---|---|
Year 1 | $2,400 |
Year 2 | $1,600 |
Year 3 | $820 |
Same seller dollars, much bigger impact, and the buyer keeps more cash in the bank.
When rates fall, buyers come back all at once. Westside inventory stays tight, so more competition means multiple offers, fewer concessions and higher prices. Buying now lets you negotiate while sellers are flexible, then refinance later if rates drop (refinancing has costs, so plan with your lender).
You can change your rate later. You can't change the price you paid.
A seller-paid credit that lowers the buyer's rate by 3% in year one, 2% in year two and 1% in year three before it returns to the full rate.
For many buyers, yes. Less competition means more negotiating power today, and that leverage usually shrinks once rates fall.
I'm Michelle Parra, a Compass real estate agent serving Los Angeles' Westside. Before you list, lower your price or write an offer, contact me at (323) 422-3344 or [email protected] and let's find the strategy that works for you.
Examples are illustrative and based on real scenarios shared by a lending partner. Actual savings depend on loan program, rate, down payment and lender approval. Seller concessions are subject to loan program limits. This is not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Let Michelle put her expertise to work for you. She understands that buying or selling can be a pivotal time, and she will list your property expertly and with results in mind. If you are making a move and searching for the perfect space, or if it’s time to list your residence, Michelle’s wide network, and deep resources will get the job done.
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MICHELLE PARRA | CA DRE# 02062427 COMPASS CALIFORNIA, INC. | CA DRE# 01991628