Real estate auctions can be a great place to find a hidden gem. Smart investors use real estate auctions as one of their many sourcing strategies for good real estate investments, but beware; real estate auctions can also hold many dangers.
Prepare for the Auction
Most auctions send out a property list some time before the auction or hold a public viewing of the properties before the auction. These are a must visit for any investor potentially looking to purchase a property at the auction. Investors should do their best to take pictures and do a thorough review of the physical property. If possible bring an inspector along. They can point out the not so obvious issues with the property and even give an investor a potential costs to correct any damages. While this look will certainly be preliminary, it should help an investor avoid an obvious bidding mistake.
Next, head down to the local courthouse and do a lien search. Investors that want to become serious bidders at auctions should be very familiar with this process. To be certain that when the property is purchased from the primary lien holder, its ownership will revert to the investor, an investor must verify that there are no other lien holders. Most importantly, any property taxes or government liens on the property will not mysteriously go away after the auction process. These must be paid or settled and should be factored into the bidding price.
Last, come up with a maximum bid price. Create an investment plan for the asset and then work backwards. Understand how much a fully renovated property would sell for, how much it will cost to renovate the property, pay off the liens and hold the property until a buyer is found. Add a healthy profit margin for cost overruns and that will be the maximum price.
Bidding at the Auction
After preparing for the auction, investors should take their time at the auction. It’s helpful to have multiple properties researched and ready to bid on in case there are multiple bidders. It helps to come early to get an understanding of the environment and the bidding process. Stick to the maximum and never go over. If investors do their homework right, they should never have a reason to increase their maximum bid despite human nature.
Auctions are a great way to find good investment opportunities. They are often quick sales and require quick analysis of the properties and a quick ability to close them. Investors that prepare and understand the process, stand to reap huge rewards from this buying method.
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