For everything from livestock to acreage, auctions have been around a very long time. Now, although those “real world” auctions are still operating, the auction process has moved to cyberspace – and online housing auctions are claiming a sizable number of real estate transactions. Online auctions offer an easy way for lenders to dispose of distressed properties and investors can snap them up at low prices with a click of a mouse – but buying real estate this way calls for a hefty dose of the prudence and wisdom that King Solomon advocates.
Online auctions conducted by reputable auction companies work in ways similar to physical auctions – bidders have the option to place a bid on a property from anywhere. Posted prices to start the bidding can sometimes be laughably low – a few thousand dollars for a large home with acreage, in some cases.
The highest bid at the close of the auction window gets the home. Transaction fees are handled through the auction house and deeds and other documents are transferred to the new owner once those fees are paid. Auctions typically expect buyers to produce cash, or to be able to arrange financing with a cash down payment that’s held in escrow during the bidding process.
It sounds like an easy, fast way to buy investment properties – and to make investment dollars stretch. But some caveats apply. Although houses go up for auction for a variety of reasons, the majority of properties sold at auction are distressed properties, primarily foreclosures that didn’t sell in the standard real estate market.
Homes sold at auction are typically “as-is.” That means the buyer accepts whatever flaws the property has, with no recourse, although there’s generally a grace period of a few weeks to allow a buyer to back out of the deal. Real estate professionals advise prospective buyers to conduct careful inspections where possible before placing a bid.
Because most houses on auction are foreclosures or other kinds of orphan properties, there’s no owner involved. Financial and title institutions take care of the transaction. Once a buyer wins the bid and pays the money, they receive the keys and the deed, and the deal is done.
If you’re considering trying an online auction, real estate experts stress that it’s essential to do a lot of homework. Before putting any money down for a bid, check the auction company’s reputation and track record. Investigate any financial entities associated with the purchase, such as lending and title institutions.
Investigate the property thoroughly, too. Photographs and descriptions posted on the auction site aren’t enough to accurately show the actual state of the home. If you’re bidding on a property that’s not in your local area, try to arrange for an inspection or visit the place yourself.
Tally up all fees and expenses before you bid, too. In addition to the bid price and the usual closing costs, auction houses may assess their own fees as well. Make sure you understand the procedures for handling the return of escrowed funds if you don’t make the winning bid.
In the age of the digital marketplace, online real estate auctions can make it easy to acquire investment properties – and help stretch those investing dollars. And if as Jason Hartman advises, you’re willing to educate yourself and enter the process with eyes wide open, it’s possible to grab the property you’ve been looking for with just the click of a mouse. (Top image:Flickr/GoldBeach)
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