Get a broker on your side.   "In most states, real-estate agents work for the seller, not the buyer. This means that the agent wants to get the seller the best price possible. Using a buyer's broker, who has your best interest in mind, may help you shave thousands off a home's purchase price, mortgage or various other costs, and there is no fee to the consumer." Woman's Day suggests to find a buyer's broker, you should call one of the many referral services across the country such as Buyer's Trust - "Cutting Your Expenses" by Karen J. Bannan was featured in the January 2nd. edition of Woman's Day Magazine