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?

[Blake Jarrett]

Typically the amount they list on the foreclosure website as the starting bid is the amount owed plus any fees they need to re coup. You need to do your homework though because you could be bidding on a home equity loan or second mortgage etc which still has an original mortgage attached. That's my experience anyway.