Can I put an offer in on a foreclosure before the auction?

[Samuel Watts]

Hello, 

I am new to investing and am considering buying my first property from a courthouse commissioner sale. I have been looking over the properties that will be for sale at the next auction and have found a property that I am interested in. Is there any reason that I couldn't contact the owner of the property before the auction and put an offer to purchase from them prior to the auction?