How to avoid offending an owner but coming out happy with a price

[Kelsey Cole]

I am hoping for some advice from a seasoned group of people. I am currently looking at acquiring my first property. This is an off market duplex that I found while walking around an area I was interested in. I was able to find out that it was listed a year ago and the listing expired after 6 months. The owner absolutely wants to sell. Here is where I’m struggling. Obviously I want a good deal on the property but my realtor is advising me not to “lowball” the owner. I totally understand what she’s saying but I am not 100% comfortable at the price point she is recommending. What should I do? I don’t want to offend the owner but I want to be comfortable with numbers. Any advice is extremely appreciated!