Real Estate Secret: How To Get A Deal On A Home

Rather than offering a lower price, ask the seller to cover your closing costs, which can add up to $8,000 plus.

New home builders prefer this tactic because it allows them to record the sale at full price and agents like it because their commission is based on a higher value. The downside is that some states use the sales price to establish your annual property tax assessment, and a higher purchase price equals higher property taxes.