Last updated on July 21st, 2025 at 05:29 am

If you have never thought about auctioning your home for sale, it might be the fastest way to get a great price. Most sellers turn to selling methods everyone is familiar with like listing a home on the MLS, but property auctions offer some advantages that sellers can’t see

Auctions create urgency, attract serious buyers, and can drive competitive bidding that maximizes your property’s value.

Should You Auction Your House?

A guide to selling your home through auction in 2025

30
Days average closing time for auctioned homes vs. 90 days for traditional sales
95%
Acceptance rate of auction offers, indicating higher buyer satisfaction
10%
Of all US home sales now happen through auctions, with growing popularity

The House Auction Process

1
Choose an Auction Company
Select a reputable company with real estate experience
2
Set Your Reserve Price
Establish the minimum price you’ll accept
3
Marketing Campaign
Professional promotion to attract qualified buyers
4
Auction Day
Competitive bidding determines final price
5
Closing
Typically occurs within 30-45 days
👍 Advantages
  • Faster sale with defined timeline
  • Attracts serious, pre-qualified buyers
  • Competitive bidding can drive up price
  • Ideal for unique or problem properties
  • Greater certainty of closing
👎 Potential Drawbacks
  • Price uncertainty if bidding is low
  • Higher fees (5-7% commission)
  • Less control over terms and timeline
  • Limited pool of auction-comfortable buyers
  • Can be emotionally stressful

What is a House Auction?

A house auction is a public sale where potential buyers bid against each other to purchase a property. This isn’t a scenario where buyers negotiate silently with the sellers. Auctions are transparent; everyone knows what the price is.

Modern house auctions can be conducted:

Is Auctioning Right for Your Property?

Ideal Properties for Auction

Auctions tend to work best for:

Market Conditions Matter

Auction success is influenced by:

Personal Circumstances Where Auctions Excel

Consider an auction if you:

Costs Involved in House Auctions

Who Pays the Auctioneer?

The seller typically pays all auction fees, including:

Budget for Additional Expenses

Other potential costs include:

Bottom Line: Is an Auction Right for You?

Auctioning your house offers distinct advantages in speed, certainty, and the potential for competitive pricing. However, it’s not the right approach for every seller or property.

Consider an auction if:

Before making your decision, we recommend:

  1. Speaking with several auction companies to compare approaches
  2. Getting a traditional market analysis from a real estate agent
  3. Understanding all costs involved
  4. Setting realistic expectations about the process and outcomes

Whether you choose an auction or traditional sale, understanding all your options ensures you make the best decision for your specific situation.