There isn't really any protocol that they follow, it depends on the assest mgr at the bank as to how much they will negotiate, I hve seen them take 50% of list price and I have seen them turn down full price offers if the buyer asks for closing costs, I have seen banks be willing to paint the interior and exterior of a property and put in a new ac system, but I have also seen them refuse to treat for termites or even to pay for a termite inspection,
so it really just depends,
the best advice I can offer is "make an offer" they may accept it, they may counter it, and they mat just decline it.
Just realize that by making low offers that don't "really" have a chance of getting accepted, you will be leaving the property on the market longer and other people may make offers as well, sometimes my clients get it into thier head that they are going to get an unbelievable deal on some house and then, against my advice make offers way too low, and end up losing the property to someone willing to make a reasonable offer on a property already priced below market value!!
Remeber this If you think it's a good deal somone else probably does as well
hope this helps
Jaime Osborn
Vision Investment Propery.com - Sun Sep 20 2009, 12:58