Buy the House and the Antique Armoire in It

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SmartMoney

Perusing the market for a house? Youmay be able to catch a couple of freebiesduring the process. The housing markettoday has led to more standoffs betweenbuyers and sellers than a year ago. Andwhile prices haven't drastically droppedyet in the face of this softer market, magazine says a variety of dealsare becoming more common for buyers.Nowadays, an oriental rug can make orbreak a deal as sellers are agreeing (ornot) to throw in "extras" or to pay forhomeowner's association dues, transfertaxes, and move-in fees. Realtors are offering"givebacks"—refunding a percentagepoint of their commission to the buyer inthe form of a credit at the closing or a giftcertificate. Even home builders are offeringthat extra perk to hook buyers on thefence. Today, 40% of home builders, upfrom 28% in 2004, are including upgradesat no charge—like granite countertops.While buyers seem to have the upper handin many negotiations lately, warns not to be overly greedy. Any sellercan walk, so it is not worth letting thewhole deal ride on an antique armoire.