Negotiating can be daunting.

And whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, there are a lot of things to consider to make sure you get a good deal on your new house.

When it comes to negotiating the purchase of a new home, don’t be afraid to ask for something you want. There is a lot of flexibility in this kind of transaction. And the worst you will hear is, “no.”

So, what can you negotiate on?

1. Closing costs

Closing costs are one-time expenses such as property transfer taxes, lawyer fees, and inspection fees. Generally, these must be paid up front, just like the down payment, and equal about 3-4% of your purchase price.

You can ask to have the seller cover some or all of the closing costs. They may be especially willing to do so during a buyer’s market, because they will be eager to complete the sale of the house. If you notice repairs or updates that you want made to the home, you can request a credit from the seller in order to cover those costs.

Another way to reduce your closing costs is by negotiating with your lender. A lender may be willing to give you a discount on their fees, or to arrange for you to find less expensive vendors for required services such as inspections.

2. Furniture and fixtures

It is quite common for buyers to negotiate with sellers to keep some of the furnishings in the house, especially for first-time buyers. If you really love the way the space is decorated, or foresee difficulty in finding furniture to fit the unique layout of the space, then you can ask to include some of the furniture in the deal, usually at little to no additional cost.

On the other hand, if there are appliances or furnishings that you do not want, you can also negotiate to have the seller remove them before you move in.

3. Closing time

The timeline for inspections and closing can be a stressor for both buyers and sellers. If you can, you may want to offer the seller a shorter closing time. This will appeal more to sellers who have had their home on the market for a long time and are hoping to get the deal done quickly. If you currently have a lease that is less flexible, you may even be able to negotiate to have the seller pay part of this off so that you can move in sooner.

When shortening the timeline, be sure to give yourself enough time to get inspections and financing done.

If, conversely, you need to give the seller more time, you can negotiate a longer closing period or draw up a rental agreement to give them more time in the home before you move in.

4. Home warranty

Home warranty covers the unexpected costs of repairs to appliances and systems such as heating and cooling, water heaters, etc. Sellers will often agree to pay the premium at the time of closing and then hand it off to the buyer(s). You would then be responsible for the deductions on any future claims.

5. Repairs and upgrades

The appraisal and inspection process may uncover issues with the house. Whether you find cosmetic issues or larger safety problems, you can negotiate to have the seller pay for these before closing or ask for a price reduction to cover the cost of repairs and upgrades. Anything that could create a safety risk, or that significantly lowers the value of the house, should absolutely be negotiated.

You should have no problem negotiating repairs with a seller as they know that these items will be an issue for any future buyers if they do not take your deal.

Take time to carefully consider negotiations when purchasing your next home. Know what it is you want and need, and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Your real estate agent will work to get you what you want whenever possible. But know that it is up to you to decide what to negotiate and where you can be flexible.