3 Tips For Buying At A Real Estate Auction

If you are planning to buy a property, there's a good chance you've been checking out real estate listings and working with an agent. While the traditional method of finding real estate works, there are alternatives. Real estate auctions are an excellent way to buy real estate, but there are a few things you need to know before jumping in. Here are three tips that can help you navigate a real estate auction. 

Understand The Risks

Before heading to an auction, it's essential to understand the risks of this type of real estate transaction. The main draw of real estate auctions is that they often lead to homes and properties selling for below market value. Buying at an auction can be an excellent investment. However, not every property is a good deal. The main risk of purchasing through an auction is not having all the details on the property. You will have a different level of access to a home sold at auction than you would for one sold in a more traditional manner. Auction properties are usually sold as is.

Get Your Financing Ready

Despite the risks, using real estate auction services can pay off as long as you do your research. Before heading to an auction, you'll need your financing ready for the purchase. When it comes to auction properties, cash is king, but there are other ways to pay if liquid funds aren't available. Personal loans, hard money loans, and peer-to-peer lenders can help you get cash for an auction. If you own a property, you can tap into your equity to buy a new property through an auction. 

Know The Auction Rules

Real estate auction services vary depending on who's offering them. Local real estate agents, brokers, and governments are great resources for finding auctions. Once you find a few that you are interested in attending, you'll want to look closely at the auction rules. Most auctions require a refundable deposit of 5 to 10 percent of the anticipated sale price. There are also different types of auctions. In an absolute auction, the winning bid gets the property. In a lender confirmation auction, the highest bid doesn't necessarily win since the lender doesn't have to accept the offer.

If you are planning to buy a property at auction, these tips can help. First, understanding the risks of buying at an auction is as important as understanding the potential rewards. Second, you will want to make sure you have your financing ready to go. Finally, understand the auction rules before participating. 

Contact a local real estate auction service, such as STEVENS AUCTION SERVICE LLC, to learn more.