For agents, selling properties via private treaty has long been the standard approach. However, with changing market conditions like we are seeing now and increasing vendor demand for speed and certainty in transactions, auctions offer a compelling alternative. If you’re looking to provide your clients with a faster, more secure way to sell, here’s why auctions should be your first choice.

Certainty and Speed

One of the biggest frustrations in private treaty sales is uncertainty. Sales can take weeks or even months, and deals often fall through due to changing buyer circumstances, financing issues, or simple indecision. Auctions eliminate this risk by setting a fixed sale date and ensuring that when the virtual auction gavel falls, the sale is final. There are no protracted negotiations - just a quick, shameless and structured process leading to a guaranteed sale.

Competitive Bidding for Higher Prices

In a private treaty sale, buyers often negotiate downward, looking for ways to reduce the price. Auctions, on the other hand, foster a competitive environment where buyers bid against each other, potentially driving up the final sale price. The sense of urgency and excitement in an auction often encourages buyers to bid higher than they originally intended, leading to better outcomes for sellers.

No Cooling-Off Period

Unlike private treaty sales, where buyers may back out due to changing minds, failed financing, or other reasons, auctions provide certainty. The moment the gavel falls, the sale is legally binding, eliminating any cooling-off period or last-minute withdrawals.

Transparency That Builds Trust

Auctions offer complete transparency, giving buyers a clear view of the bidding process and the current market value of the property. In contrast, private treaty sales can feel opaque, with negotiations happening behind closed doors. When buyers know they are competing fairly, they are more likely to bid confidently.

Serious Buyers Only

Auction buyers arrive financially prepared and ready to commit. This is a stark contrast to private treaty sales, where less serious buyers might delay or withdraw, leading to lost time and potential price reductions. With auctions, you know you're dealing with committed buyers from the outset.

Faster Sales Process

Time kills deals, and private treaty sales can drag on for months, disrupting sellers and you! Auctions, however, work on a strict timeline, ensuring properties are sold quickly - often within minutes once bidding begins.

Maximising Exposure

Auction properties are marketed extensively in the lead-up to the event, ensuring maximum visibility and attracting a wide pool of potential buyers. This targeted and high-impact approach generates more interest than the traditional private treaty process, where marketing can be more passive.

Expert Support Every Step of the Way

With an auction, you have access to auction specialists who will provide expert guidance on reserve prices, marketing strategies, and buyer engagement.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Rethink Private Treaty

While private treaty has its place, auctions provide a faster, more transparent, and more competitive way to sell your chain-free properties. They offer certainty, attract serious buyers, and often achieve higher prices. If you want to provide your clients with the best-selling experience and maximise your earning potential, it’s time to make auctions a bigger part of your sales strategy.

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