"Or just really tight BM's who live in the past.........." Well, it takes both sides to agree on a price, so if you think you're being reasonable, and the other person isn't, just insist on your limits, and walk away if you have to.
If you're selling, you ask for as much as you think "the market will bear". If you're buying, insist on what you feel is reasonable, and refuse to go over that. Sheesh, if you've got unlimited funds, none of this matters, but most of us don't. I sure don't!!