[redwitch]

I'm one of those oddballs that will nearly always try to negotiate a price, so if I were buying a new house now, I'd offer lower. What's the worst they can say? No, this price is firm? You've lost nothing by asking. I doubt they're going to turn you down if you then say okay, I'll take it at your price.

I know when I bought a new townhome in California, the price was firm. However, I negotiated getting almost everything upgraded without paying a penny more. Sure wouldn't have happened if I hadn't asked. It kind of went ...

Me: I love this place but want to pay $10K less than you're asking. I've looked around and that's a fair price.

SalesRep: Sorry, the price is firm.

Me: Okay, then how about if you upgrade the carpet to this plush; the tile to marble entryway; the kitchen to this tile rather than linoleum; and a whirlpool bath.

SalesRep: Let me see what we can do. Okay, you have a deal.

Sales Rep was happy. I was happy and I'll never ever have a tile floor in my kitchen again!