Get It In Writing!

You want to make an offer on a home, but you're not willing to pay the asking price.  Wouldn't it be easier to ask the seller if he or she would sell for less than to make a written contract offer?  Yes, easier, but not more effective.  Talk is cheap.  If you really want to buy that property, go to the trouble to get a contract form and fill it out (or have a lawyer, or realtor, do it for you if you're uncomfortable working on your own).  When the buyer receives a written contract offer, he or she will give it full attention knowing that the buyer means business and is not just on a fishing expedition.  Your offer may not be accepted, but if not, it's apt to be "countered" with something less than the original asking price.