As of this date, August 26, 2008, the real estate market is slowly but surely "winding down" or slowing down for the season. Many Sellers and Buyers already made their sales; settled, closed or went to escrow on their new residences, properties and investments. There are some very old, yet very true sayings in real estate and law: 1) "When it isn't in writing, it simply doesn't exist." 2) When the Seller names the price, the Buyer names the terms. When the Buyer names the price, the Seller names the terms. Very, very seldom does one party name the price AND the terms. Granted, there may be room in the middle to reach "common ground"; that's why they call the contract "the agreement". 3) "A property is ONLY worth what one party is willing to sell it for AND what the other party is willing to buy it for AND when there is financing involved, what the lender will provide a mortgage for. NOT ONE PENNY MORE." You can continue negotiating - "in good faith" - BUT DON'T even try "sticking it" to the SellerBuyer. That's one of the reasons why the Seller pays a commission to the listing agent. Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it - or doing my best to provide a different perspective. VTY, Ron Berue Yes, that is my real last name! Sources: My wonderful family! In the real estate business over 34 years in PA My wonderful coaches and mentors! Yes, after all these years, I continue having them in my corner. THE ABSOLUTE BEST, MOST WONDERFUL real estate investment group in the world, which I was very proud to be a member of! "THE University of Hard Knocks" Also known as ("a/k/a") "life's valuable lessons".