If you want to buy a new house or condo, can't you just say you want to buy it now instead of bidding on it?

Does there have to be bidding and having the bank sit on the offers? Can you just say you want to buy it right now instead of waiting to hear back from the bank?

Or can a buyer deal directly with a bank? Is it necessary to deal with a real estate agent?

This is regarding a bank owned property.