It is naive to assume that both parties are working toward the complete mutual
satisfaction of all parties concerned, especially when the dollar amounts
involved become large. But it is also naive to assume that everyone is a business
mercenary out for his own particular self-interest to the exclusion or sacrifice
of the other party. For example, a seller who sets too high an asking
price will likely meet with a longer sale process and much frustration. And a
buyer who offers too low a purchase price (low enough to be insulting to the
seller) will hurt his own credibility and undermine his ability to negotiate
with that seller in the future.