I laughed out loud when I read this column. House sales are down and now these fools are trying to convince me that buyers are getting “freebies”, give me a break ! It’s called NEGOTIATING !!! I have something to sell and you want to buy from me, guess what happens. We have a discussion. Just like buying a new car, or furniture or any large consumer item, we banter back and forth.

Don’t try to BS me on the poor new home builder giving me “free” landscaping, or appliances, or upgraded carpet, or better kitchen cabinets/counter, who are you kidding ? You think the new builder pays retail prices, give your head a shake. Wake up and pay attention, it’s called marketing your product based on the economics of the country. Real estate is down. Even incentives are a form of marketing. What do you think happens when a seller can’t sell, they have SALES BLOWOUTS or DISCOUNTS or they go bankrupt.

Don’t get taken in by this crap, nothing is free, plain and simple. Don’t get hosed.