So lets say I wanted to buy a website of a fellow Dp member and we agreed on a price. What is the best way forward if the seller wants the money upfront but I wan't to pay after the domain is transferred. Stalemate as they say.....Any ideas?
Make sure that you have an account at the same registrar and do a domain push. It is free and if the original domain owner doesn't get paid he/she can ask the registrar company to reverse it and they usually will.
Make an agreement and notarize it or involve the registrar. I know that some registrars have additional services with the transfer and changing of domain owners of course it will be in extra fee, but you will be warranted that you will get the domain.
I also agree on using domain push. It's the safest method. Spend that extra little to secure yourself the hassle of losing $xxx or $XXXX from scams. Downpayment's the same thing... He might run off with your downpayment, or the buyer wouldn't trust you either.