UNDERSTANDING THE TWO TYPES OF AUCTIONS FOR YOUR REAL ESTATE

1. Absolute Auction (or auction without reserve)

1. The property is sold to the highest bidder, regardless of the price.
2. Since a sale is guaranteed, buyer excitement and participation are heightened.
3. Generates maximum response from the market place.
4. Many sellers, including financial institutions and government agencies have begun to use this method more frequently.

2. Reserve Auction ( an auction subject to Confirmation)

In this scenario, the high bid is reduced, in effect to an offer not a sale. A minimum bid is not published, and the seller reserves the right to accept or reject the highest bid within a specified time -- anywhere from immediately following the auction up to 72 hours after the auction concludes. Sellers predetermine the price at which the property will be sold and are not obligated to confirm a sale other than at a price that is entirely acceptable to them. The main disadvantage of a Reserve Auction is that prospective buyers may not invest the time and expense of due diligence when there is no certainty they will be able to buy the property even if they are the highest bidder.