"What's Your Best Price?"

Tvad,
The Buyer knows what is "true" for him/her, and likewise the Seller. I think what baka1969 and a few others are saying is that whatever it takes to make the deal go through is what it takes, and the "truth" which gets both sides there is what it is. I should keep that in mind myself.

My "best price" is the most I can get.

But circumstances change.There are a lot of Americans who would gladly sell their house today for 20% less than a number they would have laughed at 4 years ago.

T_bone, I don't think anyone here disagrees with your point.

Asking a seller "what's your best price" as your first communication -- without expressing any independent interest or making a counter offer to the seller's asking price -- is ALWAYS an a-hole move. Period. It should be ignored or responded to in-kind. The question is an insult to the seller b/c it suggests that you think the seller stupid enough to negotiate against himself. The fact that the seller might be willing to take less than the asking price is no defense to this strategy and doesn't relieve the buyer from making a counter-offer to find that out.

it suggests that you think the seller stupid enough to negotiate against himself. The fact that the seller might be willing to take less than the asking price is no defense to this strategy and doesn't relieve the buyer from making a counter-offer to find that out.

That says it all, Jeffrey. Never negotiate against yourself. If your ad says OBO, then its up to the buyer to make an offer.