Online Property Auction: Benefits and Risks

Bidding in an online property auction provides real estate investors the chance to participate in distressed real estate sales all around the country, without leaving the comfort of their own home or office. As with all venues used to purchase real estate, bidding through Internet bidding sites for real estate carries significant benefits as well as risks.

The most obvious benefit of an online property auction is the ability it gives the buyer to bid on homes and commercial real estate regardless of the geographic location. Even if you live 500 miles away from a particular building, you can bid on it by bidding from your computer. For potential investors who live in secluded areas or areas with strong real estate investment competition, this opens the door to greater potential returns.

For some, bidding in a regular sale situation creates a bidding frenzy that could cause them to bid more than they intended just so they “win.” Some of this is eliminated through Internet bidding scenarios. You simply enter your maximum bid and walk away. If someone outbids you, you just move on to the next home or piece of real estate. 

With an online property auction bidding opportunity, you have the opportunity to view many properties all at the same time. You can be more selective in the properties you bid on, because you have so many to choose from. 

Of course, as with any investment opportunity, bidding on the Internet does have its downsides as well. If you are bidding on homes far from your geographic area, you will not have the opportunity to visit them in person. This could mean that there is a significant problem with the home that you are unaware of prior to purchasing it. One way to combat this potential problem is to hire a local agent to scout the homes on your behalf before you bid.

Also, sometimes you will pay high fees for the benefit of bidding through an online property auction. Make sure you research the costs before you sign up for an account or place any bids. Many of these sites have reasonable fees, so avoid those that over-inflate their costs in order to make an additional profit off of your purchase. 

Whether you are held back due to geographic constraints or simply want to expand your investment potential, bidding in an online property auction provides an ideal setting in which to benefit from tax sales, foreclosures, and other discount real estate scenarios. Do your research prior to bidding to ensure you get a good discount on the home, and soon you will see significant profits rolling in.