Skip to main content
The Mortgage Expert
Down Payment

Can the seller pay FHA closing costs?

Short answer

Yes — up to 6% of the purchase price toward closing costs and prepaids. Seller credits cannot replace the buyer's minimum required investment.

Plain-English explanation

What this actually means.

The 6% covers third-party fees, title, prepaids, and discount points. It does not cover the down payment. In a softer market, sellers will entertain credits in lieu of price reductions.

Practical example

What this looks like on a real file.

On a $400,000 FHA purchase, the seller can credit up to $24,000 toward closing costs and prepaids. In a softer Florida market, asking for a 3–6% credit instead of a price reduction often closes more deals than haggling on price.
What can change the answer?

Where this can move.

Gift source and donor eligibility, seller credit limits, down payment assistance program rules, and source-of-funds documentation can change the answer.

Your next step

The cleanest action from here.

Estimate my FHA cash to close
04 / Let's talk

Ask the question. Get the straight answer.

Send the scenario and I'll tell you what I'm seeing. No application fee. No long form just to get a basic answer.

Text your scenario: (407) 906-6414
NO APPLICATION · NO CREDIT PULL · NO PRESSURE
Direct line
(407) 906-6414
Office
Orlando, FL · serves all of Florida
Licensing
NMLS 186790 · Company NMLS 2412313 · Florida MBR5733
Equal Housing Opportunity

Educational only. FHA guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review. Mortgage Expert, Inc. is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, or any government agency.