But once most homeowners move in, they promptly forget every savvy maneuver they learned at the bargaining table. They go back to paying list price for home essentials when a little creative bargaining can pay off.

If you're bargaining on price, rather than just shopping around, it may feel uncomfortable at first. Not to worry, says New York attorney Adam Leitman Bailey, author of "Finding the Uncommon Deal."

"You have nothing to lose. If you're going to ask people, 'What's the lowest price you'll give me,' they may not tell you," he says.

Here are five examples of where your costs might not be as fixed as you think, with tips to help navigate the best price on goods and services for your home.

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