How missing records change an apparent rate
In a hypothetical set of 100 closings, 30 show a positive concession, 50 show a recorded zero and 20 are blank. The rate is 37.5% among 80 known records. Across all closings, 30% have a recorded positive amount. Both can be reported with labels; they answer different questions.
| Record group | Count |
|---|---|
| Positive amount | 30 |
| Explicit zero | 50 |
| Unknown or blank | 20 |
| Positive among known | 30 ÷ 80 = 37.5% |
Keep assistance categories distinct
Capture closing-cost assistance, repair credits and other incentives separately when the source supports that distinction. Do not infer a lender-approved credit from an MLS remark. Financing programs and actual loan documents determine usable amounts. Publish the median positive concession separately from an average across all known records, because zeros change the interpretation.
Report two denominators for concessions
Show the total number of eligible closed records and the smaller number with a usable concession field. Calculate the observed concession rate among usable records, then explain how missing entries limit any statement about the full cohort. Keep a dollar amount separate from a rate buydown or repair agreement unless the source documentation defines how those items are recorded.
Sources & further reading
- CFPB determine a comfortable home budget checked 2026-09-26
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