What to cover in first conversation with a seller?

[Anssi Viljanen]

Hello Community,

My wife just find out that our sweet retired neighbor couple owns a number of vacant houses. It seems like they really don't know what they have in their hands. The houses came up in the same conversation as the retired lady was musing where to get a part time job to supplement her retirement. It seems like there is a need that would be well taken care of I bought some of the houses.

I want to approach the couple to see if they would like to sell. But how to approach the conversation? How does a typical conversation go to find out whether a seller is motivated? Furthermore, if the seller turns out to be motivated how do I base my offer? I think that basis for the offer is even more important than usual when the seller is getting a tiny bit senile and I don't want to take advantage of them.

Thank you already in advance!

Anssi