Strategy/Benefits For Off-Market Deals from Owner/Agent

[Daniel French]

Good Morning BP World!

I recently found a steal-of-a-deal condo in the NoLibs Philadelphia area. The current owner is a RE developer and wife is the RE agent....really nice / straightforward people. We are both motivated to move/close quickly and plan to work out a deal before they list on the MLS. I am comfortable with the Asking Price and don't plan to do much negotiating based on the current price, as it will definitely go for above-asking if they go to MLS.

Therefore, I am looking for some insights/opinion on the questions below:

1. I am currently not working with a REA, can I use the seller's wife to handle both sides of the deal seamlessly? Any risk to that approach beyond the obvious "best-interest"of her and her husband on the sales price?

2. Any potential savings tactics available? Ask for one side of the commission to be put towards closing costs?

3. Any inherent risks of an off-market deal?

Thanks for your insights and opinions!

Dan