Real Estate advice needed

I saw a pre-foreclosed property listed on Zillow.com. It's not in the MLS yet. Is it OK to approach the owner before it's foreclosed on/listed for sale? Can she sell it to me without getting permission from the lender?

hot to trot
• No and no.

• What does pre-foreclosed mean? If the property is in the process of foreclosure the lender will have to sign off on any deal. If the lender is threatening foreclosure reach out to homeowner tomorrow.

• r2, A Notice of Default/Lis Pendens was given to the homeowner. Is there still time to approach the homeowner directly?

• OP, real property laws differ from state to state -- where is the property located?