Offer the $300. Who knows, he may just say “Don’t worry about it” and give it to you, but if it’s worth $300 to you, you should be willing to pay it whether he’s family or not. Value is value.
I agree, pay the $300. There are so many benefits to this.
A. Keeps peace in the family.
B. If you decide to get rid of it...having bought it makes this possible. I would feel like I could never get rid of it if I didn’t buy it.
C. if it gets scratched/stained/dog eats it no one will be upset but you and you don’t have to give it back in a lesser condition than when you got it.
Money is known to cause problems in families. (even if they are little problems it’s not worth it.)
Just my two cents.