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First time home buyer. How to negotiate price?
Do some homework to determine what is really a fair price for the house.  Zillow helps.  County tax records help, including last sale price and mortgage, if any (yes, it's public).  Start at the low end of fair. Don't rely on the Realtor.  He gets paid only if a sale occurs, and he's already coaxing you closer to a paycheck.  He might be right with the numbers, though, so check for yourself. When you get within a thousand or two of acceptance, "shut up".  I don't mean that in a rude way.  A negotiating class I took taught me how effective silence can be, at the right time.  The other side knows you're close and the highest you've offered.  If they would be willing to find a way to come down to that, this is the time.  The awkward silence is surprisingly effective.