As others have noted, in foreclosures and short sales the banks are notoriously uncooperative. As a licensed agent I can contact the buyer and bank on your behalf. Depending on the relationship I can act as a buyer's agent or transaction broker. The differences are important, so get that established first. JoanInBreck

You need to locate the owner of the property. The owner is the only person who has the power to sell you the house. The bank can do nothing until they foreclose.

How do you know the lender and the foreclosure date? If you are using a service such as Realty Trac, don';t count on picking up the home for the price they have posted. There are usually other liens and lenders against the property. Hire a Realtor to help you. Banks are not licensed to sell homes and will refer you back to a real estate agent.

Absolutely, if the house is not actively on the market, your realtor can contact the home owner and try to work a deal. Before foreclosure occurs is, in my opinion, THE TIME to get a great deal.