Have you ever just asked if its for sale??

only one thing to add to that......and thats a fair statement.

in the game of buying/selling.....buyers have certain "powers"...and sellers have certain "powers".

I give up no buying power either intially, or after the price has been set.
My mindset is to get the product for the lowest price.
If I go straight for : Do you want to sell that 1971 Plymouth Hemi' Cuda Convertible sitting in the yard......I give away that what they have is rare/desireable/and not forgotten, right off the bat......then they come back with: Ohhh you KNOW about that there car, huh?....and ya we've considered selling it for $250,000....since it IS a rare car.

But if I say that "old car".....they think I am interested in fixing up an old car....which is less destructive to their "selling" power,...and "productive" in MY buying power......where they would have to SHOW ME, the value of whatever they are holding.

You can do it how ever you want....I'm telling you what works for the Buyer.