NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
The Basics
Buying a Foreclosure Home at Auction: The Basics (Auction.com, Jul. 29, 2024)
A brief overview of how to purchase a home at auction, including the steps for participating in an in-person and an online auction.
What Agents Should Know About Buying Houses At Auction (RISMedia, May 5, 2023)
“Buying a house at auction can appear attractive if you want a great deal on your next home. However, there are more risks to choosing an auction for houses over the normal way of buying a home. If you decide to buy at auction, there is a greater chance that the property hides a nasty surprise. But if you want a good deal, maybe this risk is acceptable.” This article goes over the advantages and disadvantages of buying homes at auction.
Buying Real Estate at an Online Auction (The Balance, Apr. 24, 2021)
“Most house hunters don't initially set out to bid on a home through an online auction. They may be conducting online research or attending virtual viewings, but just as these online activities have become more mainstream in the real estate industry, online auctions have become more common as well…[This article discusses] some reasons a house might be sold at auction, the breakdown of the auction itself, and what you'll need to know in order to participate.”
Auctions (National Association of REALTORS®)
This resource from NAR includes the basics and benefits of auctions, types of auctions, properties suited for auction, factors affecting auctions, how to get involved, auction opportunities, how to find an auctioneer, and courses available to members to increase their knowledge and practical experience with auctions.
The Auction Market
Distressed Property Auctions Outperform Traditional REO Sales (HousingWire, Dec. 18, 2025)
“Auction.com’s 2025 report shows distressed property auctions outperform traditional REO sales, selling faster and generating higher net proceeds. Foreclosure auctions often provide surplus funds, boost retail homeownership, and return properties to market in under 190 days with 36% value growth. Resale prices remain affordable, averaging $289,000, below typical retail sales.”
The Wealthy are Overpricing Their Homes. Auctions Show Just How Much (Wall Street Journal, Oct. 30, 2024)
More wealthy homeowners are turning to the auction market to sell expensive estates and luxury properties, but more often the properties do not sell for as much as the seller believes they are worth.
Why Brokerages and Proptech Firms are Embracing the Auction Model (Real Trends, May 17, 2023)
“When Opendoor launched its Opendoor Exclusives platform, the iBuyer likened it to a hybrid of Zillow and Amazon, with buyers selecting a home for sale on the platform and completing the deal digitally, the ultimate in streamlined home buying. Opendoor is among a growing number of real estate firms embracing the marketplace model, putting emphasis on open auctions and transparency in real estate transactions.” The founders of Decentre Property Exchange (DPX), another auction model listing marketplace, say that DPX “includes agents in the transactions and the firm prides itself on never having done a transaction without agents on both sides of the deal.”
Co-Star Group Closes Acquisition of Ten-X Commerical, the Leading Digital Auction Platform for Commerical Real Estate (Business Wire, June 24, 2020) E
A discussion of the acquisition of the “leading platform for conduction commercial real estate online auctions” by CoStar “the leading providor of commercial real estate information.” As the US economy recovers from the pandemic, this acquisition will help creditors to sell foreclosed properties in the commercial property business.
Auction Resources & Education
Consumer Guide: Real Estate Auctions (National Association of REALTORS®)
“Buying a home at auction can be an exciting opportunity to get involved in real estate, but there are certain risks and rules to be aware of. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, understanding how auctions work can help you bid confidently.”
Fundamentals of Real Estate Auctions (CCIM Institute)
“In “Fundamentals of Real Estate Auctions,” learn how auctions work, how brokers/agents can profit from them, what types of properties are ideal for auctions, and general strategies in auctioning real estate properties. Add a valuable tool to your skill set by understanding the ins and outs of the auction process so you can use it to effectively market assets and boost your business.”
Government Auctions and Sales
Search for a variety of government surplus and seized property—including real estate. This includes auctions of real estate through the US General Services Administration, US Treasury, and US Marshals Service Seized Assets. In addition, there is information about obtaining property by auctions through Fannie Mae, FDIC, USDA, HUD, and the VA.
National Auctioneers Association
The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) “is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to auction professionals…The association is dedicated to providing its members with educational programming and resources to help them advance themselves and, in turn, the industry. Members of the NAA abide by a strict Code of Ethics and are connected with an extensive network of auction professionals…NAA serves auction entrepreneurs with services provided based on four cornerstones: promotions, advocacy, education, and community.”
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Auctions (Kindle, eBook)
The All-New Real Estate Foreclosure, Short-Selling, Underwater, Property Auction, Postive Cash Flow Book (Audiobook, eBook)
Buying and Selling Property at Auction (eBook)
Buying Bargains at Property Auctions (eBook)
Future Shop: How the New Auction Culture Will Revolutionize the Way We Buy, Sell, and Get the Things We Really Want (Audiobook)
The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor’s Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate – Before the Public Auction (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
Besner Auction and Realty Policy and Procedure Manual (Acme, MI: Besner Auction, 2004) HF 5438 B46
The All-New Real Estate Foreclosure, Short-selling, Underwater, Property Auction, Positive Cash Flow Book (Wiley, 2009) HD1382.5 .H69
The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor’s Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate – Before the Public Auction (Hoboken, NJ, Wiley, 2005) HG 4521 L96
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The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
