Bargaining for a lower rate?

You should have a R.E. Agent to represent you. Sellers pay their commission, not the buyer. They will be able to help you to negotiate on sales price and seller contribution toward closing costs. They will know what the other homes are going for in the neighborhood, etc.

Don't just bargain to bargain. It might be a great deal at the price it is, in which case you do not want to alienate the seller by lowballing them. You could turn them off and they can refuse your offer and any future offers from you.

Your agent is your best source for advice. They can pull comps of other similar properties and you can see what they are selling for. As the buyer, you pay nothing to the agent, so get one for yourself, if you use the seller's agent keep in mind their fiduciary duty is to the seller, not you.

good luck!

Pull up recent comparables to gauge how much the last few sales for similar properties went for. Base your offer on this, minus a few thousand. The seller can always counter offer. Your agent needs to help you with the comps. No Agent? maybe try zillow.com

You should first do a bit of research to determine exactly what the comps are selling for...not what they are asking. This is the hest determination of what will be considered a reasonable offer.

Try this site for values in the area...input the address and it will give you a range of value with comps in the area.