Auction Buyers FAQ

Buyer’s Information

Getting Started

Buying real estate or personal property also called chattels (any personal possession that isn’t real estate), at auction is easy and fun. The information below is provided to help educate you before your first auction or before your first time bidding at an auction.

Getting Ready

The 30 days leading up to the auction is the time for you to get questions answered, attend open houses of the homes you are interested in, and determine what you can afford to spend. The actual auction is simply the time to offer the price you are willing to pay for those properties.

Auctions go fast

The auction itself moves fast. First time attendees are usually surprised to learn that the sale they are attending is over within a few minutes. In many cases, if the auction is for a single home with nothing else to be sold, the entire process lasts less than 15 minutes. So, don’t be late!

Registration

On auction day, prospective buyers register for a bidder number by showing a valid driver’s license and filling out some simple information. The registration period usually begins 1-2 hours prior to the scheduled auction time. There is no fee to register at the auction and high bidders may use cash or personal checks for down payment. You can also get all last minute questions answered and tour the home one final time, if you wish.

Before Bidding Begins

The auction begins promptly at the appointed time with opening remarks summarizing, for the record, the terms of sale, the methods of bidding, and any last minute changes or disclosures. These comments usually take only a few minutes, concluding with the auctioneer answering any final questions. Then the bidding is ready to begin.

Buyer’s Choice

Available at some auctions, if there is more than one property or parcel being offered, the “Buyer’s Choice” method is often used. In a “Buyer’s Choice” sale, items will be numbered or lettered for identification purposes. The number or letter will not relate in any way to when the property will be sold. Instead, each time the auctioneer says “sold”, the person with the high bid will choose which parcel(s) or property(s) they want to purchase by announcing the number(s) or letter(s) describing that property(s) or parcel(s). The high bidder can take as many parcels or properties as they want from those that remain unsold, and in any order or combination. His or her high bid is simply multiplied by the number of properties or parcels they have chosen at that time. Once chosen by a high bidder, and unless otherwise announced, that property is “sold” and no longer available. It is therefore very important that bidders realize if they do not have the high bid, the property or properties that want could be chosen (sold) to the high bidder and will no longer be available. Sometimes the high bidder will choose many properties at once, and in some sales, choose every property available, therefore bringing the auction to a close. “Buyer’s Choice” allows buyers, not the auction company or seller, to determine how, when, and what price they will purchase property.

Real Estate Buyers

BAER will have information available on the property and be ready to answer your questions regarding the property or the auction process. The successful bidder will be required to sign the real estate purchase agreement and addendums and deposit the pre-determined deposit. Auction advertising will specify the earnest money required for the day of the auction.

Auctions are not always a cash only purchase as we will work with all lending institutions.

Title Insurance

Title insurance assures you a clean, clear, marketable title to the purchased property. Title insurance will be offered on the property. The cost of the title insurance, is in most cases, shared between the buyer and the seller.

Closing

The real estate purchase agreement will usually call for the closing on or before 30 days following the auction. Customarily, the closing cost in most instances will be shared between the buyer and the seller. When marketable title is obtained and both parties are prepared to close, we often accommodate the buyer with an earlier closing. For most parties, time is of the essence for both the buyer and the seller and our services cater to the needs of both parties.

Possession

Keys and possession will be given at the time of closing, subject to existing lease or rental agreements, if any.

Taxes, Leases, and Rents

All previous years taxes will be paid to or at closing by the seller. Current year taxes, leases, and rents will be prorated to the day of closing.

Absolute Auction

An absolute auction is when the seller is willing to take any offer on the day of the auction regardless of price. Properties sell “As-is” in present condition on the day of the auction. All inspections must be done prior to bidding on the property. Information given is from sources deemed reliable but NOT guaranteed by the seller(s) or the Realtor(s)/Auctioneer(s).

All purchases at auction are sold “As-Is”, meaning the properties and items are selling without warranties as to condition. Buyers are solely responsible for examining and inspecting items and property. BAER auctioneers will do their best to disclose any information known about the properties or items being sold. All pertinent information regarding properties will be on display the day of the auction. Displayed items may include: disclosures, surveys, zoning and other reports. All information is provided to give you confidence in the purchasing process of an “As-Is” property. If you have additional questions ask the Auctioneer or Realtor conducting the sale. They will do their best to answer all of your questions.

Announcements made the day of the auction shall take precedence over anything previously stated or printed.