Franchises Use Auctions to Sell and Buy Excess Real Estate and Surplus Property

Going, Going, Gone!

Auctions are used to sell everything from fine art to used cars and these days it is increasingly popular method for selling commercial properties and liquidating personal property or buying. Companies are taking advantage of the Great Recession.

Auctions are an efficient means for franchise companies to get rid of surplus real estate inventory and raise capital in a market where financing remains tight. "Auctions are more prevalent now with a downturn in the economy but they are a viable choice in any economy" says Paul Roesch, Real Estate Broker and Auctioneer at Father Time® Auctions. An Auction brings a willing buyer and seller together in a structured time-defined format.

An Auction provides a quick way for a company to sell properties it is no longer using, get rid of costs associated with carrying the real estate on its books, and move on to some more positive uses for capital says Roesch, Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate.

Flight of Capital
Another reason why auctions are growing in popularity is because the banking crisis has stymied the flow of capital for many borrowers. Casualties of that capital crunch is that commercial real estate sales have dropped drastically. Fewer properties are trading hands and the cost of financing is higher, real estate sellers and buyers are both confused as to what sales prices should be in the current market.

One way to bridge that pricing is through an auction. An Auction is an excellent way for values to be determined.

More auctions are "live" or outcry auctions because of the pricing uncertainty that exists in the market. Sellers want a fair price for their property and buyers don't want to feel foolish and overpay. The live auction is a good way to establish realistic price, because everyone can see and hear the other bid.

There other types of auction methods, such as sealed bids, modified sealed bid and online auctions. The sealed bid is closer to the traditional sale because the Seller has more flexibility to accept, reject or counter the best bid. Sealed bids are often used in the sale of high profile buildings.

As a result many Sellers opt for a modified sealed bid auction. In this method, terms are set so bidders in the top percentage range are offered the opportunity to bid in a live auction format. The sealed bid is used to qualify the bidders for the "final round".

The pros and cons
The auctions hold advantages for both sellers and buyers. Some people think of auctions as a last resort. They are not, Roesch says. The mystique of the auction attracts players that might not otherwise become involved.

From a seller's perspective, an auction may create a bidding environment that may fetch a higher price. The seller can set up a "reserve" so they can reject bids that don't meet a minimum price. An auction can speed the process by posting a specific time line for due diligence, auciton, and closing. There is generally a 30 to 45 day due diligence period before the auction or date that sealed bids are due. In most cases once a bid is accepted the sale of the property is completed within 30 days. Open auction bids are typically all-cash, non-contingency offers.

There is always the potential for the buyer to get a bargain.

We will see more and more retailers of all sorts use auctions to sell excess real estate. Walmart for example uses auctions to ensure timely sales of out lots in front of existing stores. Often times it is not the core business of a retailer to babysit vacant real estate that is not part of their core business says Roesch.

Father Time St. Louis Auctioneers are Accredited Auctioners of Real Estate AARE
  Father Time Auctioneers are NAA Accredited Auctioneers of Real Estate  
If you are considering selling your real estate property, begin by calling us at 314-962-4200 or send an e-mail by clicking here. We'll discuss your property and your needs and do a preliminary assessment to determine if your property is a good candidate for a Father Time® Auction.

Broker, Realtor and Salesperson participation is encouraged
Broker-Agent Participation Sign Up Form

Home Office:
Rick Bauer, Auctioneer, AARE, CDPE, CES, Realtor, GRI, CRTS, CAGA
Paul Roesch, Auctioneer, AARE, CDPE, CES, Agent, CAGA 618-407-8479 cell
Father Time® Auctions
2850 Lawndell Drive
St. Louis, MO 63144
314-962-4200 office
314-614-3841 mobile
314-962-2573 fax
rbauer@fathertime.com
www.fathertime.com



Certified Relcoationa nd Transitions Specialists
  Certified Relocation
and Transitions Specialist
 
National Association of Senior Move Managers
National Association of Professional Organizers
National Association of Realtors Diversity Training
National Association of Realtors Auctions
National Auctioneers Association Certified Estate Specialist









  National Auctioneers
Association
 
  Illinois State
Auctioneers Association
 
  Missouri Professional
Auctioneers Association
 
  Realtor  
  Realtor Graduate
Realtor Institute
 
  Certified Appraisers
Guild of America
 
  Accepted Credit Cards  
National Auctioneers Association Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate