Real Estate Auctions – The New Land Rush

On a sunny afternoon in Florida, an energetic crowd gathers on the lawn of a high end luxury estate. A loud and eager banter between an auctioneer, a group of bidders and bidder assistants fills the air. For several minutes the auctioneer asks for the next highest bid and the bidders respond. Suddenly the bidders grow silent. The high bidder holds his breath in anticipation of winning the auction. The auctioneer calls for one more bid. In a loud clear voice which rolls over the audience he says, “Fair warning, last chance” the auctioneer pauses, “SOLD!” And in less than 10 minutes another multimillion dollar estate has changed owners.

Successful real estate auctions like the one above are happening all over North America and the Caribbean. Recently real estate auctions have been on the rise, the increase in popularity is partly driven by growing inventories and fading buyer confidence. Properties that were selling in weeks using traditional methods are now languishing on the market unable to attract buyers even as seller’s lower prices. Many say the real estate boom is over but savvy buyers and sellers are profiting from real estate auctions.

Real Estate Auctions Work in Up or Down Markets.

Regardless of trends or market cycles, real estate auctions provide an open and transparent process for buyers and sellers. Properly conducted real estate auctions attract ready and willing buyers and motivate them to act now.

The auction method removes the “wait and see” attitude which serves to further depress real estate values. Buyers are always concerned about overpaying. Buyers gain confidence with their purchases at real estate auctions because they can see what others are willing to pay.

When market demand is high and inventories low, real estate auctions can deliver selling prices well above what a willing seller would have accepted in a negotiated private treaty sale. In good selling climates many property owners using traditional real estate methods; negotiating with one buyer at a time, leave thousands of dollars of equity on the table. During up markets real estate auctions are the best way to establish top market price.

Evaluating Your Real Estate for Auction

Not every property or seller for that matter makes a good candidate for auction. First of all sellers must be ready to sell now and for the current market value. Also a real estate auction will not fix problems caused by a downturn in market value of your property, if you owe more than a willing buyer will pay, be prepared to come to closing with your check book.

Properties that do well in real estate auctions have a high uniqueness factor. Ask your self, “What makes my property different from most others?” Maybe you own a resort property or high end luxury home, commercial properties and land do very well at auction. Real estate auctions thrive on uniqueness. If your property is like everyone else’s, the best thing you can do is offer the most competitive price.

Most importantly sellers must be reasonable about setting a minimum bid. A seller must look at the lowest, most current comps and price below that to generate the interest and urgency necessary for a successful real estate auction. Once the auction begins and qualified bidders start competing against one another you can watch the selling price increase.

Locate a Qualified Real Estate Auctioneer

Start by checking with the National Auctioneers Association, the best real estate auctioneers belong to this organization. These real estate auctioneers are well trained and adhere to a standard of practice and a code of ethics. Many attend the annual International Auctioneers Conference where the latest techniques and innovations in the real estate auction industry are presented.

Find out if the company you are interviewing is a full time real estate auction firm. Many real estate agents are getting auction licenses yet have no experience with the auction method of marketing. Conducting a successful real estate auction is nothing like (private treaty) traditional real estate sales. Go with a real estate auction pro.

You’re probably better of with an auction house that specializes in real estate auctions. There are many qualified auctioneers who have generations of experience selling personal property; furniture, dishes, lawn equipment and the occasional rare painting. Selling real estate at auction is a complex matter that should only be attempted by full time experienced real estate auction professionals.

Commissions and fees may vary, sellers must pay all marketing expenses up front and buyers typically pay 10% of the sales price to the auctioneer of which a share goes to participating real estate agents.

Types of Real Estate Auctions

Auctions are effective because they create a seller’s market. Professionally conducted real estate auctions create urgency, a reason to buy today and competition for the property. Terms and conditions of sale are established ahead of the auction. Real estate auctions will follow one of these three approaches:

Absolute Auction

The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price- using this process often returns the highest sale price.

Minimum Bid Auction

Seller agrees to sell at or above a published minimum bid price – this method is useful for internet auctions.

Seller Confirmation or Reserve Auction

With a reserve auction, the seller “reserves” the right to accept or decline any bids usually within 48 hours of the auction. Reserve auctions are used when there is a lien on the property from a lender or a court ordered sale with a minimum selling price.

Learn How You Can Start Your Own Home Based Business

If you are not personally effected by the current economic crisis, you are sure to know someone who is. In every town and on every street there are people currently struggling. You can learn how you can start your own home based business, right on the internet! If you search you can find the perfect online home based business opportunity, for you.There are many reasons why starting an online home based business is the solution to the current economic situation, here will will concentrate on some of the primary ones.

Good Business Practices: When you own your own home based business, you are in control of how it is conducted. There is no CEO pirating all the company income for their outrageous salaries, and golden parachutes. And there are no under the table or shady deals that you are unaware of.

Limited Start Up Expenses: Most home based businesses can be started on a limited budget, with a limited amount of time available to devote to it, and a limited amount of knowledge about it. In many home based business you can learn how to run your business as you work to develop it.

No Discrimination: When you have your own business, you will never be told your salary has been maxed out, or that there are no higher positions you can attain. If you are a minority (race, female, or elderly) it is never an issue when you work for yourself.

Greater Productivity: People are more productive when they work for themselves, and their income is directly proportional to the work they accomplish.

Corporate Security Myth: The days when working for a corporation ensured that you would have a decent retirement, adequate health care, or even steady work are long gone, if that ever really existed. Loyalty to and dependence on a corporation gets you nothing in return.
Today more than ever people are finding out that they have only themselves to rely on. They are discovering that the solution to their personal economic situation as well as the global economy are far more secure in the control of someone with a commitment to the growth of the business. Who has more commitment than the owner? No one! You should really seriously consider if an online home business solution, is what you have been searching for. Becoming a online home business owner can be very rewarding for the person who is serious about securing their future.

Small Business Failures: 6 Pitfalls to Avoid

Everyone wants to share the upside of small business and entrepreneurship. It’s easy to find helpful hints and inspiring success stories, but what about the dark side – the real insight into entrepreneurship, the mistakes! Small business failures occur every day – actually about 50% of them fail.1) Venturing Out AloneSo often I find that business owners want to start and remain as a one-man show. Some entrepreneurs trust only themselves, a partner, or a spouse when facing key decisions. However, it is vital to avoid small business failures to have a team supporting you. They should include, an attorney, a CPA and a financial advisor/banker. This team of advisors should be dedicated to helping you succeed and communicating with each other to accomplish this goal.2) Wearing All the Hats”A jack of all trades, is seldom the master of one.” One sure way to quickly hit the “small business failures list” try to do EVERYTHING yourself. Cash-strapped startups often begin this way because it is well it, cheaper. However, as your business grows, it’s essential to get help. Responsibilities such as bookkeeping, taxes and payroll take up time you could spend serving your customers. Even more importantly, getting them wrong can be dangerous. Hiring a professional not only helps prevent errors, but shifts much of the risk to someone else.3) Keeping Your Head DownBusiness owners also need to make time to seek wisdom in the wider world. For example, some business owners may not be aware that there’s a fairly simple way to get their website ranked higher on Internet searches.If you are seeking wisdom every day this is the kind of useful information you will find. Research and planning for the future can’t seem like secondary concerns, especially when you’re not sure where to go for information.Numerous small business failures occur because business owners aren’t willing to take advice. Whether your quest for knowledge includes online research, trade shows, Chamber meetings, or networking with peers, it’s out on ways to improve your business, such as funding opportunities for small businesses or educational resources to help you tackle tomorrow’s challenges.4) Running Lean on CashKeep at least three months of cash flow on reserve to be ready for season fluctuations of the inevitable dry spell. It is often difficult to do so, especially if you developed frugal habits when you just were getting started. Use automatic drafts to ensure your commitment to saving monthly. Think of it as a sort of insurance policy.5) Avoiding Credit ApplicationsThis small business failures tip is closely related to Step #4. Minimizing your debt mat be a good goal for your personal life, but most businesses will require some level of borrowing capacity at some point. You have a fresh credit profile with your business, use it! In many cases, if you wait until you actually need credit it can be harder to get.6) Combining AccountsNot separating business and personal accounts may be one of the most common small business failures of all. Like any other situation, when it comes to banking, keep your business & personal life SEPARATE! If you are mixing funds, it is hard to keep track of your business cash flow. Building a credit history in the business’ name, which can make it easier to secure financing.Do any of these sound familiar? To avoid small business failures take a long look at the way you work and follow practices that will keep you moving forward.Remember, You Can Avoid Small Business FailuresI’m headed for the top, I know you’re coming with me!