By The SHERIDAN Team

• Posted in Real Estate
• SEPTEMBER 2, 2025
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Real estate auctions can be an exciting and efficient way to buy property, offering unique opportunities for bidders to secure valuable assets. Whether you’re participating in a Timed Online Auction or a Live Auction, understanding the process is key to making informed decisions. At SHERIDANS, we strive to make the auction experience straightforward and transparent for all participants. Here’s what you can expect as a bidder at one of our real estate auctions.

1. How Do I Bid?

For Live Auctions:

Bidding is as easy as a nod, a raised hand, or showing your bid card. We recommend notifying one of our auctioneers of your intent to bid before the auction begins. This ensures they can watch for your bids during the event.

For Timed Online Auctions:

Bidding is simple and accessible through our website. Each property listing includes a dedicated bidding portal. If you’re a new bidder, complete the online registration process. Once submitted, our team will contact you to authenticate and activate your account.

If you’ve participated in one of our auctions before and already have an account, you can simply log in with your existing credentials to access the auction portal. We recommend checking your account status early to ensure it is active and ready for bidding.

For Simulcast Auctions:

Simulcast auctions combine the convenience of online bidding with the excitement of live onsite participation. Bidders can choose to attend the auction in person and place bids directly with our auctioneer or bid remotely using our online bidding portal. The bidding portal for simulcast auctions operates in real-time, allowing online bidders to compete seamlessly with onsite participants.

Our Auction Agents are available to assist you with registration, whether you're attending onsite or bidding online, ensuring a smooth and straightforward experience.

2. What is the Property Worth?

The value of a property is determined by what a knowledgeable buyer is willing to pay and a willing seller is prepared to accept. To help you make an informed decision, we provide a detailed Bidder Package for every property. This package includes vital information such as property details, terms of sale, and auction-specific guidelines. Assess the property’s value based on your personal goals and budget. Remember to have your finances in order, including pre-approval for any necessary loans and funds for the required deposit.

3. What Can I Expect from a Real Estate Auction?

For Timed Online Auctions:

The process is similar to other online auctions, but the stakes are higher. Bids placed during the closing minutes of an auction will automatically extend the bidding period, ensuring fairness and preventing last-minute disruptions.

For Live Auctions:

The event begins promptly at the scheduled time, starting with opening announcements and a review of the purchase terms. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions before bidding starts. The pace of bidding is quick but well-managed, and auctioneers ensure clarity throughout the process.

4. What Happens if I Am the High Bidder?

The outcome of the auction depends on the sale type:

• Absolute Auction: The property will sell to the highest bidder, regardless of price.
• Reserve Auction: The property will only sell if the bidding meets or exceeds the seller’s reserve price.

If you are the highest bidder, one of our Auction Agents will contact you immediately after the auction to review the results and next steps.

5. Can I Obtain Financing for the Purchase?

Yes, you can secure financing, but it’s crucial to note that auction purchase agreements typically do not include contingencies for financing, inspections, or other factors. To ensure a smooth transaction:

• Confirm your financing before bidding.
• Understand the auction terms, including deposit requirements and closing timelines (usually 30-45 days).
• Discuss financing compatibility with our Auction Agents ahead of time to avoid surprises.

Why Choose SHERIDANS for Real Estate Auctions?

With over 50 years of experience, SHERIDANS is a leader in real estate auctions throughout Ohio. Our team provides:

• Expert Guidance: From registration to closing, we assist you every step of the way.
• Transparency: Clear terms and detailed property information ensure you can bid with confidence.
• Flexible Auction Formats: We offer both Timed Online and Live Auctions, tailored to meet buyer and seller needs.

Whether you're new to auctions or a seasoned bidder, SHERIDANS combines expertise and integrity to make your auction experience seamless and successful.

Get Started Today

Ready to explore real estate auctions with SHERIDANS? Contact us today to learn more about upcoming properties and auction opportunities. Whether you’re looking for your dream home, investment property, commercial property, or farmland, our team is here to help you every step of the way.