I do have another question for you all that I have been told 2 different things by different people....How common or uncommon is it for the seller to pay for closing costs????

Depends on the Market and the motivation of the Seller.

In a hot market, you can generally "forgetabout it" unless the list price is inflated.

You can sometime make an adjustment in the sale price Upward to cover the buyers closing cost with out too much concern from the seller, if the house has no problem making the appraisal.

Generally, just asking for Seller to pay the closing cost is considered by most agents to indicate the marginal ability of the Buyer to perform to contract... it does not provide a warm feeling. Unless the market is poor... you will very often find such offers rejected with out counters being made.

Just want to add to RealtyCheck's post. Homes that attract 1st time home buyers with little cash would have no other alternative but to negotiate seller to pay closing costs. For example, HUD financing will have the buyers put down a small percent for downpayment and require the seller to pay "points" for closing costs.

WELL.............in answer to the last post you COULD get a USDA Rural loan (dont have to live on a farm) and have the closing costs rolled in for a true no money down loan.

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www.HonestMortgage.net

Thanks everyone for yur thoughts. We did find a home that we love with a new agent and the seller did agree to pay all closing costs.