Asking for Closing Costs vs. Higher Price (Same netback)

[Steve A]

What are the factors to consider when deciding whether to ask the seller to pay for closing costs or just boosting the offering price to compensate.

Sample deal:

Offer 1- $515K, each party pays his own closing costs.

Offer 1a- $500K, seller pays first 3% of buyer’s closing costs.

On the face, both offers net the seller $500K (less commission, etc.).

Which offer is better for the buyer? The seller? Why?