According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average family spends nearly $7,798 a year on housing. Whether you own your home or rent, it pays to negotiate. See if one of these tips can help you pay less.

Ask for a lower rate. Refinancing a mortgage usually requires thousands of dollars in closing costs. If you own, ask your mortgage holder if you qualify for a lower rate; you might if you’ve had the mortgage for at least a year, you’ve made all the payments on time and you have a decent credit score. You’ll be charged $1,000 or so, but you’ll avoid the closing costs.

Talk to your landlord. If you rent your house or apartment, consider asking your landlord to lower your rent, especially if you’ve always paid it on time or you’ve made improvements to your home. You may also get a lower rent if you sign a longer lease. But keep in mind that this may not be an option if the real estate market in your area is hot.

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Tags: Finance, Housing, Quick Tip, Refinance, Rent