Also—-escrow = look for reasons to reduce the price.

I believe the sentiment is that a seller will rather wait this out and sell "after CV", whenever this is than reduce their price expectations.

There's always a way to reduce living expenses by leveraging yourself, you'll need to get creative.

Given the current scenario (he works in banking), he is bracing for the possibility of a reduced income up to 50% reduction(lack of bonuses or possible job transfer pay cut etc. 

It sounds like  you’re willing to give up that 3% seller credit but the buyer needs that, so keep the 3% credit intact and reduce the purchase price by 3% instead- you will essentially net the same amount.  

We're probably look for cheaper insurance next year and claim homestead to reduce the taxes.

This is the same as #2, only worse, because you will be past even the last of the 4 payment dates, and your penalty/interest will be higher.There're ways to reduce or avoid the estimated payment penalty by planning ahead, but it's case by case.Finally, if your income is uneven, and most of it came late in the year, for example you sold a large property towards the end of the year - the rules are different, and it's best to consult an accountant.

I've been hearing of landlords preemptively reducing rents to help their tenants out.

ie, does it bisect a building or reduce the frontage below the required minimum?

Should we reduce the price?