Any experience negotiating directly with the bank after auction?

[Jared Romaine]

Hi fellow BP forum members!  I'm new to the forum but I've been listening to the podcasts for several months and reading every real estate book I can get my hands on.  My question is regarding foreclosure auctions.  

I live in New York and I have identified a home that I am interested in purchasing as my primary residence.  It is currently scheduled to go to foreclosure auction at the county courthouse on February 8.  From the research I've done, I'm betting that the amount owed to the bank is much higher than the current value of the home.  I have also located and spoken to the current owner who informed me  that he left the house 2 years ago and has not been in contact with the bank.  As a result, I anticipate that the auction will not be cancelled or delayed and that the bank (Wells Fargo in this case) will own the property at the end of the auction.

My question is this:  Does a representative for the bank or the bank's attorney attend the auction in person? If so, has anyone had experience talking with that person after the auction has ended to see if the bank would be willing to work directly with you on a deal for the property?  It would save them some time and possibly some realtor fees.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.