Here are a few advantages to buying in a buyer's market:

• Lower sales price.
  Prices have declined 10-20% since 2006 depending on the town and neighborhood.
  Sellers are more willing to negotiate because they know if they refuse to accept your offer, they might not receive another. When fewer homes are selling, prices typically fall.
  
• Buyers can command concessions.
  Buyers can ask sellers to pay their closing costs, providing their lender will allow the credit. Buyers can also expect sellers will pay for special reports such as pest inspections or roof certifications and a home warranty. I recommend HMS Home Warranty. www.thinkhms.com 
    
• Request for repairs easily negotiated.
  If the home is in need of repairs or updating its systems, sellers will often credit the buyer for the repairs or fix the problem(s) noted by a home inspector. I have a list of inspectors who are professional and licensed by the state. 
   
• Buyers control the transaction.
  Buyers can ask for longer inspection periods, extend closing deadlines and ask for early possession -- terms that would be automatically rejected in a seller's market.