When selling a home can you negotiate relator fees? We hate the thought of giving 6% to a relator or is it worth the $ to get a better price?
You absolutely can, whether or not you should depends on your experience and the market. Often a good agent can net you more than their fees through their marketing, so you get a higher price. Other times, particularly in hot markets, it won't matter, and you might be able to negotiate, or go without an agent, FSBO.
We found a few realtors that will help sell our home for a flat fee but that just covers basic service but it could potentially save us $$.
Yes, this can be a good scenario, to get your house listed on the MLS, but not necessarily have to pay all the agent's percents--keep in mind though, you'll still have to pay the buyer's agent, if any.
Also any thoughts on buying a newly built home? Is there any flexibility in price or is it usually firm?
Again, depends on the market. In a sliding down market, builders often will offer significant discounts to get the homes off their books. In a hot market, less flexibility.
A lot of the above just has to do with being in buyer's, or seller's, markets. And it will depend on your area as well, likely. :)