Play Hardball With Your Real Estate Agent

Even if the value of your house dropped nearly 9 percent last year, that doesn't mean you have to pocket 9 percent less when you sell. Pass along the pain.

Pay a lower real estate commision. You can negotiate down from the going rate—5 to 6 percent, depending on your market—by pointing out that you are the sort of reasonable seller who is willing to price your house realistically for a quick sale. (Be sure to use the words "reasonable" and "realistically," and also throw in "motivated" for good measure.)

Yes, haggling makes us feel creepy too. But feeling creepy was a luxury that disappeared with the seller's market. On a $200,000 sale, paying a 4 percent commission will put $2,000 more in your pocket than paying 5 percent.

[Photo Credit: Ezrealestateguide]