Buyers considering making a pre-auction offer must first understand the agent’s rules of engagement. The rules of engagement are set by the selling agent and auctioneer who is representing the owner of the home. Also known as the (vendor)
Too often, buyers mistakenly assume that by making a pre-auction offer, theirs will be the only offer presented to the vendor.
The truth is, if any prior offers in the vendor’s acceptable selling range are received prior to the auction, the agent is likely to inform every other buyer who has expressed interest in the property.
Exactly how the agent goes about facilitating the sale process is something which every buyer considering making a pre-auction offer should determine before they make any offers. Some agencies have a published process, others determine the process based on the number of competing buyers. Some let the vendors decide and others have their own individual preferences for handling competition.
Processes include but aren’t limited to:
1 – Boardroom auction the following day – this is where interested buyers meet at the agency and bid against each other in a boardroom where the auction is ‘simulated’ and usually hosted by an auctioneer. While it feels like an auction, auction rules may not apply. Cooling off periods may still be available depending on the timing of the sale and the state legislation applicable. Conditional offers are generally not acceptable but the agents can define whether this is the case.
2 – Round-robin style – usually undertaken by phone. The agent commits to going around to each buyer fully disclosing each incremental offer until the last man stands.
3 – Best and highest – a secret ballot style negotiation where buyers are given one deadline to submit their ‘best and highest’ offer. In these situations, a buyer can sometimes get lucky and but at their best and highest price when they would most likely have been outbid at the auction but in most cases, it is a method where remorse or disappointment strikes. Buyers don’t like flying blind or ‘guessing’ prices.
Establishing the rules is essential because that can determine whether or not it’s a good idea to buy prior to the auction.
Not all competing processes suit all buyers and making the decision which is right for you is vital.
The property in the photo above is 32 First Street Black Rock. A local family engaged the Industry Insider team to find a home in which the family could grow into. We actually inspected this property OFF MARKET on December 22nd and attempted to buy the home before it was listed online for sale.
The vendor and sales agent from Marshall White Brighton decided that the property should be listed online and be taken to market. Subsequently, we had a slight head start on the rest of the general market and arranged our building inspection on Friday 22nd Jan. With our due diligence completed, our clients had their second inspection at the same time and we made a formal offer on a contract of sale on the same day. 48 hours later, the contracts were signed and exchanged and our clients had bought their Dream home that will not only be a safe and secure place to live but an A grade investment that will appreciate over time due to the land size and location of the property. https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-black%20rock-135261742
Buyers need to remember that selling agents are not acting for them but in the best interests of the vendor to get them the highest price.
As Independent Buyer Agents in Melbourne, Industry Insider is here to help guide, execute and deliver the best outcome for the buyer, just like we did here at 32 First Street Black Rock. If you need any assistance with buying, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Property Buyer Agents on +613 8374 7652 or book a Zoom call here
https://calendly.com/propertychat/discussion-with-industry-insider
Industry Insider Property
Level 3, 489 Toorak Road, Toorak 3142
+613 8374 7652
+61 402 346 810
industryinsider.com.au
