Why don't properties always get to a foreclosure auction on the date the judge assigns?

[Nat C.]

When banks receive a final judgement order and a foreclosure auction date is listed on the order, why don't they always go to auction on that date? I see it quite often when researching current foreclosure auctions. One house was listed to be auctioned in 2012 on the final judgment order but it didn't actually reach the online auction until 2015. There is a house I'm interested in buying which was listed for auction in January 2015 on the final judgment order but it didn't get auctioned off. I am curious as to why. The house is in ruins and the 95 year old owner is nowhere to be seen and I somehow doubt he filed for bankruptcy. I was thinking about contacting the plaintiffs attorney and asking to buy the note for a reduced amount.