6 Negotiable Items to Save Money When Buying a Home in Fargo-Moorhead

By Christopher Leigh
July 21, 2025, 9:10 AM CDT

In today’s Fargo-Moorhead housing market, where mortgage rates hover near 6.75% (Freddie Mac, July 17, 2025), saving money at closing is crucial for homebuyers. Whether you’re exploring homes in South Fargo’s Deer Creek or West Fargo’s vibrant neighborhoods, negotiating key items can reduce your costs significantly. Vision Realty, your local expert at 509 Front St, Hawley, MN 56549, shares six negotiable factors to help you save—contact us at (701) 715-4747 or visit visionrealty.us for guidance!

1. Home Repairs

A home inspection, costing $300–$500 in Fargo-Moorhead, is essential to uncover issues like outdated HVAC systems or roof damage. You can negotiate with the seller to cover these repairs, potentially saving thousands. Work with your Vision Realty agent to review inspection reports and prioritize repairs that impact safety or value, ensuring compliance with North Dakota and Minnesota real estate laws.

2. Closing Costs

Closing costs, including appraisal fees, title insurance, and lender charges, typically range from 2–5% of the home’s price. Buyers can negotiate for sellers to cover part or all of these costs, especially in a buyer’s market. In subdivisions like Horace’s Cub Creek or Moorhead’s Johnson Farms, sellers may offer this concession to close quickly.

3. Closing Date

The closing timeline is flexible. In Fargo-Moorhead, 30 days is standard, 45 days offers extra time, and 21 days is a rush. Negotiate a date that suits both parties to reduce stress. A longer timeline can help you transition smoothly from your current home, whether in Fargo, Moorhead, or beyond.

4. Appliances and Furnishings

Many Fargo-Moorhead listings specify included appliances, like refrigerators or washers. You can negotiate to keep additional items, such as furniture, by clarifying terms in the purchase agreement. For example, in newer developments like Davies, sellers may include appliances to make the deal more attractive—always confirm in writing.

5. Home Warranty

A home warranty, typically lasting 1–2 years, covers repairs for systems like plumbing or heating. Negotiate for the seller to pay for it, especially if they decline repairs. In Fargo-Moorhead’s harsh winters, a warranty offers peace of mind. Kevin Esquilin, cited by Realtor.com, notes this can save buyers from unexpected post-closing costs.

6. Interest Rate Buydowns

With inflation up 2.7% year-over-year in June 2025 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and 30-year fixed mortgage rates at 6.75% (Freddie Mac, July 17, 2025), negotiating seller credits for an interest rate buydown can lower your payments. A 2/1 buydown, reducing the rate for the first two years, is ideal for first-time buyers in areas like Osgood or South Fargo.

Why Negotiations Matter

“Most aspects of a home purchase are negotiable,” says Kevin Esquilin in a Realtor.com interview. In Fargo-Moorhead, where every dollar counts, these strategies can make homeownership more affordable. From starter homes to investment properties, negotiating wisely ensures you get the best deal.

Protect your Fargo-Moorhead home purchase with Vision Realty. Visit visionrealty.us for more tips. Broker: Christopher Leigh, GRI, RSPS, e-PRO. Equal Housing Opportunity provider—content for informational use only; consult professionals.