Question on purchasing from the same owner

[Jennifer McElliott]

Hi All,

Has anyone been in the situation where you find that 2 separate properties that you want to buy are actually owned by the same person (in our case, same couple)...?

If so, have you done anything to strike up a conversation w/ the (previous) owners to possibly negotiate a better deal?  

Currently we're in contract for one of their duplexes and just found out that another duplex up the street that we're interested in is also owned by them and listed w/ the same realtor. Both duplexes have had a bit of a history on the MLS - i.e. they were originally listed over 96 days ago, went into contract and for various reasons fell out of contract. We're getting the first duplex at a discount now since they want to be done w/ the showings and the ups and downs of selling.

Thanks in advance for any insights or past experience in this area!!