Domain Names...

[Squarehed]

So, to set up email for my family, I'd like to order the domain name of 'lastname.com'. It's taken so i've tried to contact the owner using his whois details (all short of phoning him).

His house is up for sale and all the email addresses for him that i could think of, including the one given as a contact are bouncing.

So I've tried everything in purchasing it. I then noticed that having been registered in 1998, it'll expire next year as he's had it for (the maximum term of) 10 years. Last database activity is shown as last October, so this again suggests he's really not using it at all so will hopefully not renew it.
My question to you (and sorry if this shouldn't be in GD) is: Can i place an order on this domain name for when it becomes available next year, and is there any way I would be able to get it now.

 

[Squarehed]

Googled his address.

 

[Squarehed]

Sign up for a free acount at 123 Reg, then purchase a 'domain watcher' for £15+VAT. This allows you to snatch the domain the day it's released and becomes available. You'll be notified by email as soon as it's complete. Of course, this assumes he doesn't renew the domain. As soon as you express an interest, for the sake of a couple of quid, he could hold you to ransom and charge you hundreds.

Keep quiet, don't tell him, purchase the watcher and wait.

Edit: beaten by Stoofa

Thanks, that's the kind of service i've been looking for and thank you stoofa also for the information there.

I'm pretty sure he's not got a valid email address for his WHOIS info (this is from the company that hold his domain name as well). Must all of the information be wrong or just a part of it be unable to be contacted in order to be violating the rules?

Furthermore, because the emails have bounced i'm pretty sure he won't realise that i'm interested. The name I'm looking for is certainly uncommon. Nice house though.

Also, perhaps he's dead?