The short answer: Ask for it.
With home prices at rock-bottom and fewer people able to qualify for mortgages, sellers are offering all kinds of discounts and incentives to anyone who wants to buy. So it’s easier than it used to be to negotiate with the seller for extras like help with closing costs, repairs, moving and even furniture. Ask for what you want, even if you think you’re unlikely to get it. You might be surprised.
Also, look at lots of homes. There are lots of them for sale. And because the prices are lower than normal, it’s likely you will be able to afford a place that has the “extras” you always wanted but never dared to go after: things like granite countertops, an outdoor kitchen or a home theater. Keep looking until you find the house with the amenities you want at a price you can afford.
