Vacant land adjacent to my property

[David Lewis]

Hi all,

I bought my home about 6 years ago, and have spent that last few years renovating it.  I recently installed a pool in my backyard and am fortunate that the yard backs up to a wooded area and a creek, so I don't have to worry about privacy issues at the rear of my property (fencing is not allowed in our subdivision).

On the other side of the creek is a vacant lot which has been for sale for years.  It is currently off the market however.  The last time this lot was on the market, the asking price was about $60K.  The reason this lot doesn't sell, in my opinion, is that it fronts to a major road and access is not easy.

I have found the owner through the assessor's office and am thinking of making a very low-ball offer on the land.  My reasons for doing so have less to do with wanting the property as an investment and more about not wanting anyone to build behind me.  Although, in time, I would assume this land would become more valuable and I may be able to build something on it myself (no plans at the moment).

My questions are, would you buy this lot if you were me?  And if so, how would you go about contacting the owner to make an offer?

Thanks in advance!!