---
title: The Seller Paid for Their Rate | The Leverage Letter 009
description: Same $15,076. One version saved my clients $1,508 at closing. The other saved all of it.
---

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[The Leverage Letter](https://winwithwolff.com/letter?hsLang=en) · Issue 009

# The seller paid for their rate.

October 2, 2026 · by [Wyatt Wolff](https://winwithwolff.com/about?hsLang=en) · as sent to subscribers

*Same $15,076. One version saved my clients $1,508 at closing. The other saved all of it.*

## THE LEVER

Moneyball, in one line: buy what everyone else undervalues. In a purchase contract, that's generally the seller credit. Everybody fights over price, and that is the one you hear about most, but almost nobody fights over credits. At least not as hard as they should.

Clients of mine just closed on a condo in Arizona. $575,000, 10% down. They negotiated $11,500 in seller credits up front. Then the inspection came back and they went back for $3,576 more. Total: $15,076.

That paid every dollar of their financing costs. Origination, processing, and the points to buy down the rate. $12,681 in all, with $2,395 left over for title.

Now run it the other way. Say they'd knocked $15,076 off the price instead.

SAME $15,076. TWO WAYS TO TAKE IT.

|  | Price cut | Seller credit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cash saved at closing | $1,508 | **$15,076** |
| Monthly payment | About $98 lower | Lower rate, paid for by the seller |

Real closing, this week. $575,000 purchase, 10% down, 7.875% rate. Not a quote.

The price cut needs 11.5 years to catch up. Will you still have that loan in 2038?

The seller nets the same either way, but you don't. Think about it. Every dollar you bring to closing is a dollar you already paid tax on. A seller credit lets you keep those taxed dollars. That means more cash for your next down payment.

Know your ceiling before you ask:

QUICK REFERENCE: MAX SELLER CREDIT

| Loan type | Max credit |
| --- | --- |
| Conventional primary or second home, under 10% down | **3%** |
| Conventional primary or second home, 10% to 24.99% down | **6%** |
| Conventional primary or second home, 25%+ down | **9%** |
| Conventional investment | **2%** |
| DSCR | **6%** |

Important to note: The credit can only pay real costs: closing costs, prepaids, points. Ask for more than you can use and you lose the extra. If you HAVE extra, buy the rate down as much as possible.

So before you write the offer, reply to this email. I'll tell you (and your agent) how much we can push for.

## FROM DANE

Dane is putting together seller credit tips from a few of his own deals. Decided that will be its own email since we just closed this beautiful example this week.

## THE W

I was out sick for part of this week, right when we're busier than we have ever been. The team stepped up and handled almost everything while I was gone. Some hiccups, but all things considered, I'm proud of the way they stepped up.

## THE L

I was going to meet a friend and colleague of mine in person for the first time this week. Then I got some kind of September flu and had to cancel. I was looking forward to it, not only to shake his hand, but because he is a wealth of knowledge and industry insight. Will rebook. Still a bummer.

## ON THE RADAR

1. As the market becomes more volatile, I am having more and more conversations with investors. Two real splits: some very optimistic, some very apprehensive. The main difference I am noticing between them is the amount of cash on hand. I may write a followup on this.
2. There is NO right answer, only the right answer FOR YOU. Over and over, I am seeing this is true across domains in life. Besides water. The right answer is to drink more water. Always.

Cheers,  
Wyatt

*The Leverage Letter | When you know the game, nobody can play you.*

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Numbers reflect one real, closed 2026 client file, anonymized. Rates and terms are that deal's, not a quote or a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval and underwriting. More in the archive: [every issue](https://winwithwolff.com/letter?hsLang=en).

**Win with Wolff** · Wyatt Wolff, NMLS #2264646 · Kinfolk Home Loans, NMLS #2336233 · ⌂ Equal Housing Opportunity

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