Based on when various home sellers bought their homes, and what they paid for them, many sellers could negotiate heavily on price, but they might still choose not to do so.

If a current home seller bought their home ten years ago for $325K they might be selling it today for $450K based on recent comparable sales.

The might feel quite confident about that $450K price point given the three recent sales in the neighborhood at $440K, $450K and $460K.

But... technically, they probably could negotiate heavily on price and sell for $425K, $410K or even $400K... with some important caveats.

Why could they sell for $400K?  Well... they bought for $325K, and they might have financed $300K, and that loan balance might now be $240K, so regardless of whether they're selling for $400K, $410K, $425K or $450K... they'll be walking way with significant net proceeds.

But, despite that, keep in mind that...

1.  They might rather wait for a buyer who is willing to pay close to market value ($440K) rather than sell to someone now for $400K, $410K or $420K.

2.  They might feel the need to sell for $440K in order to have enough funds available for their next home purchase.

3.  They might have refinanced a few years ago and owe much more on their mortgage than we realize.

So... assume nothing... no need to assume that every seller must sell right at the market value suggested by recent comparable sales... but also, no need to assume that they won't negotiate heavily on price.

Make the offer... see how the seller responds.