What Seller Concessions Tell Us About Q3 2026 Market Update

 

A closer look at how seller concessions are shaping negotiations across El Paso County.

 

When it comes to buying or selling a home, the list price is only part of it. One of the biggest factors influencing today's real estate negotiations is seller concessions, and the latest third-quarter numbers give us an interesting look at what's happening across El Paso County.

Thanks to our friends at Chicago Title, we're taking a closer look at seller concessions from July through September 2026 to better understand where buyers and sellers are finding opportunities in our local market.

 

The Numbers: Seller Concessions Remain a Big Part of the Conversation

 

Across El Paso County, approximately 65% of closed home sales included seller concessions throughout Q3.

Here's a look at the monthly breakdown:

  • July: 65.6% of closings included concessions, with an average concession of $10,252.

  • August: 64.6% included concessions, averaging $10,977.

  • September: 66% included concessions, averaging $10,659.

Even more interesting? The median concession remained right around $10,000 each month.

Collectively, sellers contributed more than $18.2 million toward buyer concessions during the third quarter alone.

That's a significant amount of negotiating power being used to help transactions come together!

 

What Does This Look Like Across Different Price Points?

 

Seller concessions aren't limited to one particular price range.

In fact, the $300,000–$500,000 price range consistently saw some of the highest percentages of transactions involving concessions. In September, nearly 80% of homes selling between $300,000 and $400,000 included a seller concession.

Even in the higher-end market, concessions remained part of the conversation. September saw 46.3% of homes priced above $1 million close with concessions, with an average concession of $14,770.

The takeaway? No matter the price point, there may be opportunities to negotiate beyond the purchase price.

 

A Look Around Our Local Communities

 

It's also interesting to see how concessions vary depending on where you're buying.

During September:

  • Colorado Springs: 66.4% of closings included concessions.

  • Peyton: 78.7%.

  • Fountain: 73%.

  • Monument: 47.8%.

  • Manitou Springs: 50%.

These differences are a great reminder that real estate is local, even within the same county. Neighborhoods, inventory, price points, and buyer demand can all influence how negotiations unfold.

 

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

 

For buyers: Don't assume the purchase price is the only thing worth negotiating. Depending on the property and the seller's circumstances, concessions may help cover closing costs, reduce upfront expenses, or potentially help with a mortgage rate buydown. The right strategy can make a meaningful difference in your overall purchase.

For sellers: Understanding concessions doesn't mean you need to give away your equity. It means knowing how to position your home competitively and evaluate the entire offer, not just the number at the top of the contract. Sometimes a thoughtfully structured offer with concessions can be more beneficial than a higher offer with less favorable terms.

 

The Bottom Line

 

The Q3 numbers tell us that seller concessions continue to play an important role in Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities. But statistics only tell part of the story. The best strategy always comes down to your specific property, your goals, and what's happening in your immediate market.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the Colorado Springs market, having the right information (and the right team in your corner) makes all the difference.

 

Curious what these numbers mean for your neighborhood or price range? Let's talk! We'd love to help you make sense of the market and put a strategy together that works for you.

 

Market data courtesy of Ben and the team at Chicago Title. El Paso County closed sales, July 1–September 30, 2026. Special thanks to Chicago Title for providing these local insights and helping us dig deeper into our market.

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