Found potential first property - need help on how best to approach selelr

[Sarah Ali]

Hi everyone!

Through the help of many on here, I have made a lot of progress since joining about a year ago. I've finally found a property that could be a good fit for my primary residence- if I can get a good price on it. It will be my first home purchase. I may be able to STR a spare bedroom but that would be for later.

Background:

A fixer upper, but I do not know how much fixing is required.  I would have to have a walk through with a professional to give me an appropriate estimate.  House has been on the market for many months and no takers. So it must be something pretty big, right?

Question:

Should I approach the seller directly or go through a RE agent? If approaching the seller directly, how do you recommend I go about it? I was able to to skip trace his email, address, and phone number.  I personally feel it's very intrusive to call someone like this, but maybe it's considered acceptable? If I do contact him, what should I say?

Regarding price, do you have any suggestions on how I can get him to agree to a lower price? I am assuming here, but if it's been on the market so long, it's priced too high for it's condition.  So logically he should consider lowering the price, but we all know how illogical sellers can be.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions!