How to negotiate private sale?

[Slowlybutsurely]

Help, husband and I have viewed a house that will shortly be going on market but isn't yet. Owners willing to sell privately- saving estate agents fees. House is lovely but needs updating- kitchens, bathrooms- although is perfectly livable in! However, judging by recent sold prices of other houses on street, some with more bedrooms or bigger gardens, they are going to by asking a little too much (other houses 20-25k cheaper). Scared of negotiating and causing offence, especially as we will be dealing directly with them! Any advice?

Make them a friendly offer at the level you're happy with. Don't try too hard to get a bargain - be realistic.

If they don't like it then they'll go to the market. IME it's quite likely they'll do that anyway - people are generally curious about the "true" worth. Remain on friendly terms and you may well find the ball back in your court.

Good advice from whatkatydid. Unless you offer them what what they want I can't imagine they will agree to a private sale at this point. We bought a house privately and we offered them what they asked for less agency fees. However we thought it was worth that amount.