Help: How to buy "low-value" domain name?

[dmano]

I'm trying to buy a domain name for the first time and did my research. The domain name has low value in my opinion since

- it is combined of two words that seems nobody uses frequently togheter
- none of the other common domains are registered, other than by me recently (.net, .us)
- the .com was taken one-two week before I thought of it (whois record created in end February and I thought of it in first week of March). in fact is potted the registrants information before that person made it private. did keep note of it though....
- currently there is nothing on the site
- whois record shows expire in 2 years with private registration
- <automated appraisals> list its value of less than $100. to $3000+
- i have not done the name valuation listed on this forum library, but review it and think it should be pretty low

I want this domain name as it has a certain ring to it I like. I did a lot of research on how to approach this person here and on the internet, but need some suggestion on how to approach this. Help would be really appreciated!

[edited by: Webwork at 2:08 pm (utc) on April 11, 2008]
[edit reason] Removed <useless> auto-appraisal service names [/edit]

[Webwork]

Offer 50% of what you are willing to pay and see what happens. IF you really want the domain AND IF you are really prepared to pay $10 then you shouldn't worry IF the seller agrees to sell for $5. Forget the Monday morning quarterbacking ("Dang, I should have offered $2!") and be happy you acquired a domain you really wanted for 1/2 you were prepared to pay.

There's no formula. No answer. Each domain is unique. Experienced domainers are easy to deal with so long as you make a reasonable offer. Noob domainers are harder to predict.