Wow. Those replies to your question are complicated. Try this on for size. 1) Complement the property owner on the house and how much you enjoy living there and 2) get to the point, ask the property owner if they have considered selling and if so, do they have an idea what they might like to receive. If they say yes but have no idea of what that number might be, why not suggest that they have a minimum of three local Realtors come buy to give a quick assessment of resale value.

And take it from there. And remember, as Kevin put it, do not be offended if they toss out a $ figure that is way higher than you feel fare. Be cool, tell owner you will get back to them, and research what you feel is a fare number.

Hope this helps.

The first thing to do is make some preliminary assessments. First, what is the ability for you to obtain a loan. Second, what do you believe is the fair market value of the property. Being fully educated is important to the negotiation process.

Once you have obtained that information. Talk to you landlord to see if he is open to you purchasing the property. Again, everything is for sale at a price. But you do not want to overpay. Depending on your ability to finance the property yourself, it can be done as a straight bank finance, lease with option, or the seller taking back all or part of the note.

Also, be pragmatic, when money is involved people get emotional. Can you remain cool and calm during the negotiations, can you or your landlord be easily insulted? Consider bringing an objective third party into the process.

Hello:

All you have to do is make the seller an offer and see if they take it! Homes don't need to be on the market in order for them to change hands. But do your homework first - make sure you know what it's worth. Don't pay a premium just because you don't want to move, that would probably not be a good idea, unless its a very small premium.

It depends on if the current owner is willing to sell. My suspicion - given the economy - is all owners will likely entertain (at least the idea) of selling. One option would be to simply approach the owner (without hinting towards a formal offer and purchase number) and find out more information about their investment plan with the property (if it's something they plan to hold on to for a long time or if it was originally meant to be a short term investment). If the owner shows interest in selling I would then suggest you hire a buyers agent to help you value the property based on current market conditions and sold data in Malden, put together a formal offer and help you negotiate the lowest price. Another option is consider hiring the buyers agent first, have them value the property before approaching the owner, and then put together a formal offer and have the buyers agent approach the owner to gauge interest in selling. Sometimes it helps to have a 3rd party involved, especially if you are currently renting from the party you plan to negotiate with.

Hope that helps!