When thinking about selling your property, the traditional route of hiring a real estate agent often comes to mind—quickly followed by the frustration of high commissions and added costs. While listing your house independently can save on commissions, it also brings unique challenges that can lead to stress and extra expenses. You may even think that auctioning your home will bypass these hassles, but before heading to the nearest auction house, it’s worth examining the time, cost, and process involved. Here’s a closer look at the key considerations for auctioning your home in Lehigh Valley and why selling directly to iBuyLehigh may be the smarter choice.
Bargain Prices and Buyer Expectations
One of the biggest considerations when auctioning your house in Lehigh Valley is the reality of bargain hunters. Many buyers at auctions aim for the lowest price possible and are ready to offer significantly less than your home’s potential market value. They come with the hope of securing a great deal, which can sometimes feel like an insultingly low bid for something you’ve invested in over the years. Unlike auction buyers, iBuyLehigh takes a neighborly approach. We are part of the Lehigh Valley community, and our priority is that you walk away from the deal feeling satisfied with the outcome. Our offers are competitive, transparent, and based on local market data. In addition to presenting a fair cash offer, we’ll openly share the details on how we arrived at that amount. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that’s right for you, with no pressure.
Hidden and Upfront Auction Costs
Auctioning your home comes with its own set of financial obligations. When speaking to an auction house, it’s essential to inquire about all potential fees up front to avoid surprises. Marketing expenses, for instance, are often higher for auctions than traditional listings to attract a large crowd of buyers. Add to that the auctioneer’s fee, which is typically a percentage of the sale price. And if your home doesn’t meet the reserve price you set and remains unsold, you’ll likely still be on the hook for a “no-sale” fee, which can be a costly disappointment.
On the other hand, when you choose to work with iBuyLehigh, the financial structure is far simpler. We never charge commissions or hidden fees, and we take care of all closing costs. Repairs? They’re on us—no need to spend extra time or money fixing up the property. Additionally, since we handle all the marketing internally, you’re spared from additional advertising costs. This straightforward process makes selling to iBuyLehigh a better financial choice if you’re looking to keep expenses low and avoid unexpected fees.
Choosing an Auction Structure: A Complex Decision
If you do decide to go the auction route, there are three key structures to consider: reserve, minimum, and absolute sales. Each affects the turnout and types of buyers you’ll attract. A reserve auction allows you to set a minimum price, but this option tends to bring fewer bidders. Minimum bids also reduce the buyer pool, while absolute auctions—where the highest bidder wins regardless of the price—typically draw the largest crowds. However, with absolute auctions, there’s no safety net if the bidding doesn’t reach a desirable amount.
Choosing between these options can feel like a gamble, and that’s why selling to iBuyLehigh can be a more stress-free alternative. With us, you don’t have to worry about setting minimums, reserves, or complex auction strategies. We make a straightforward offer, allowing you to close in as little as a few days. If this timeframe feels overwhelming, we’re happy to work around your schedule and set a closing date that best suits your needs. Call iBuyLehigh at (484) 549-0019.