First a qualification. I am far from expert on antique rugs - far.
Next, part of what I will say may even be thought of as somewhat heretical by some of those who post here - for whom I have the greatest respect and admiration and from whom I have learned much.

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I note that the description of that ebay item refers to the Karastan Multi Panel Kerman. Since you admit your own lack of knowledge, I must wonder why you would want this kind of purchase. If you are thinking of it as an investment I can only say that anytthing you want as an investment should be well known...I think you should have great knowledge of the product or at the least of the investment professional helping you. This seller will provide no support. The seller clearly states no returns accepted. A good rug professional won't say that. If you get the rug and discover problems that were not mentioned - you're stuck.

So on to the heresy. If the color/pattern is appealing to you then that Karastan 700/717 could be a good option for you to check out and you are more likely to be able to see one in person. Oh, okay, it's a machine made rug and not a genuine oriental rug but I can personally vouch for having seen this rug 30 years old and sold it (8'8" x 12') for just over $1900. (3 years ago) I don't know what they paid for it 30 years before but it sure wasn't $1900. (I wouldn't count on that as a return, just note that it may be possible and that one was in mint condition.)
Size is different. The 717 comes in a 10 x 14 and 11'6" x 16. (and just ftr, I no longer sell Karastan - new employer is not a dealer for them.)

Next (best?) option - go to a local store or three, shop and learn. A rug professional will be glad to help you.

Thanks for your responses!

Karastan just isn't on my radar. I prefer the intrinsic vitality of handmade. I know a 20th c rug can't compare to an earlier one, but the price range, color scheme, and design of this one appeal to me. I'm not looking at this as an investment piece. I have a pre-schooler and serve red wine. :D I also like that the dyes are natural/berry/vegetable.

What makes this a Lavar? I saw one thing online that indicated that a higher knot count determined that, but is 250 sufficient? Just curious.
I am interested in having something that appeals to me rather than adhere to market trends. But, of course, am also looking for a price that is 'a good deal' and that I could probably recoup most of should I decide to sell. I know that there are no guarantees and that I am not going to stumble upon an absolute steal on Ebay. :D
Does 1920 seem about right or does the rug appear to be later?
What is a reasonable offer?

Regarding size: The room is wonky and probably needs a 9x12. I currently have an 8x10 plus a runner for the entrance and it doesn't quite work. The area by the stairs is one foot on/one foot off with the 8x10 and getting that entirely off the rug is not feasable. The other area can certainly have a different rug, but I think I could make the 9x15 work since that is what the rug I like happens to be.

From what I have seen online, the colors of this one seem to be more vibrant than the other Kerman panels listed tend to be. Is that the case, or is it just a lack of experience?

Thanks again.

It's nearly impossible to tell from the photos if this rug is as nice as it first appears...the fringe is worn off, have you contacted the seller with any questions about damage (moth holes, dry rot, repairs)? See if he will issue a return, if you are unhappy with the rug (this means losing $ shipping both ways). I offered another seller with a simular priced rug $1000, (83% discount off asking price) got the rug, but found out it's not really worth the price I paid...had the option to return, which is important to avoid heartbreak.