How to buy a HomeSell property at Auction

During the marketing period:

During the marketing period the seller will gather feedback from the buyers who inspect the property in order to set a reserve (usually on the day of the Auction). The seller is simply aiming to get an indication of value, in order to be realistic with their expectations on Auction day.

If you are interested in buying the property, you need to arrange your finance approvals plus do your homework on the property to be ready for Auction day (or earlier if a pre-auction offer is made).

Auction Day:

At the completion of the final open home on Auction day, the Auctioneer will gather those attending, explain the Auction process and list out the Particulars and Conditions of Sale. They will then start the bidding.

What are the normal conditions I would buy under at Auction?

1. If you are the successful bidder, you will be required to pay 10% of the purchase price on Auction day (unless otherwise arranged with the seller and/or the Auctioneer prior to the Auction). You will needs to have the funds in your account to cover the deposit, request the sellers lawyers trust account details and transfer the deposit funds to this account during the following 24 hours.
2. It is considered that if you bid at Auction, you are essentially making a cash unconditional offer ie if your bid is successful, you have bought the property. There are no conditions to be met, you have done your homework and have sought the correct advice prior to the auction.
3. Possession is as per the Particulars and Conditions of Sale, set out by the seller, however you may however wish to discuss an amendment to the possession date with the seller and/or the Auctioneer prior to the Auction.
4. Chattels are normally mentioned in the Particulars and Conditions of Sale. Check these to make sure these are exactly what you expect to be left in the property.
5. GST will also be mentioned in the Particulars and Conditions of Sale and you should check that this tallies with what are expecting (NOTE, there is normally no GST payable on a residential home).

Pre-Auction offers:

If you wish to make an offer before an auction is held, the offer must be on an Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate by Auction.

If the seller is interested in the price, they will then contact other potential buyers to advise they have received an offer which is of interest to them. If there are other interested parties who are willing to make an offer, then the seller can either;

a) Arrange with the auctioneer and interested parties to bring the Auction forward. Your offer (or any higher pre-auction offers) will become the reserve and the Auctioneer opens the bidding at that level. You can of course increase the bidding during the auction should you wish to do so.

b) Alternatively, the seller may choose to accept an offer without going to Auction. They (or a seller’s representative) may call each interested party to establish the highest cash unconditional offer. This method may involve several phone calls, but serves to give each buyer equal opportunity to be the successful buyer.

Frequently asked questions:

Do I have to be in a cash position to bid?

Yes...to bid at an Auction you need to have arranged your finance and completed any due diligence. If your bid is successful, then 10% deposit is payable right away and the balance is due on the settlement date.

How do I work out what price I should pay for the property?

The auction process allows you, along with the rest of the market, to first view the property and then determine what you’d pay for it. The seller may have a rough indication of what they think it is worth, however as the buyer, you will often have your own thoughts, based on your experience of viewing other similar properties and doing your own homework. If you are still uncertain, there are cost effective online reports available or you can get an Independent Registered Valuation for added peace of mind. Feel free to phone HomeSell for advice on who to use in this regard.

What if I need to sell my own house?

With prior permission from the seller, you may be able to arrange a longer settlement in order to organise and get your own property sold once you’ve successfully bought this property at the Auction (or prior to auction). With the speed in which property marketing now reaches the potential buyers for your home, this may be a feasible option, so talk to HomeSell about getting your property on the market ASAP! Alternatively you may be able to arrange ‘Bridging Finance’ with your bank to cover any over-lap.

How do I borrow the money when I don’t know what price I’ll buy the property for?

Most lending institutions are conversant with the Auction process. Once you’ve worked out what you think the property is worth, speak with your bank about arranging pre-approval on finance up to a certain bidding level. You will then know just how high you can bid at the auction. Depending on your position, some banks may require a registered valuation. Make sure you speak with your lender as far in advance of the Auction date as possible to ensure you are in a position to bid on the day.

Can I have someone else bid for me?

Of course! This may be an experienced member of the family, trusted friend or your solicitor. You will need to ensure they know how high you can go and you will need to be there to sign the paper work and pay the deposit if successful. If you are not able to be present, ensure they have permission in writing nominating you as their representative on the day. If you will not be contactable by phone during the bidding, then the form giving permission must also state a maximum figure of which to bid. Alternatively, with prior approval from the seller and Auctioneer, you may be able to bid by phone.

Happy bidding!

Disclaimer: This guide is offered in good faith as a guide only and it is recommended that all parties should seek legal and/or professional advice before entering into any agreement or bidding at Auction. HomeSell accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies in a) this guide or b) the marketing information supplied by the vendor or c) changes made during the sale process by the vendor.