• Auction.com

Auction.com

Overview

Auction.com has a rating of 2.02 stars from 433 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Auction.com most frequently mention real estate, earnest money, and customer service problems. Auction.com ranks 190th among Auction sites.

  • Service
    46
  • Value
    43
  • Shipping
    13
  • Returns
    18
  • Quality
    37

Proactively asks for customer feedback

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Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
2
Negative
10
28
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What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

No positive highlights yet

Critical highlights

  • This is simply a ghost bid to get to their reserve price.
  • I spent too much extra time with no consideration from Auction.com or their title company, Linear Title.
How would you rate Auction.com?
Top Positive Review

“Excellent Experience (if you do your research!)”

Brian O.
8/9/22

I recently purchased a vacant bank foreclosure on Auction.com and got a very good deal and had a quick, easy and enjoyable experience from bidding to closing. If you do your research and know what to expect it's hassle free and actually is much easier than dealing with non responsive brokers or fussy sellers. Tips: Don't place proxy bids, the site will just bid it up to the reserve, as is disclosed. Don't fight the form contracts, yes they are silly one-sided but you are getting a good deal or otherwise move on. Supply all the required info immediately after you win. Yes you have to pay a 2500$ deposit to bid to keep the fakers out of the bidding. Got it back in a day. Do use a buyers broker as you are paying for the agents anyway and Most importantly do opt to use your own title Company for the closing.

Top Critical Review

“Very unprofessional team”

Won T.
12/5/23

I have very bad experience with this company they don't care about their customers specially if you are a buyer they treat you very unprofessional and rude team no respect at all any one out there trying to do business with companies I suggest to stay away you from this business will end up sorry what a bad experience I have with them if I have a power I shut down this scammer over night for sure!

Reviews (433)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

reserve price (21) title company (20) customer service (35) title insurance (10)
Thumbnail of user wont1
1 review
1 helpful vote
December 5th, 2023

I have very bad experience with this company they don't care about their customers specially if you are a buyer they treat you very unprofessional and rude team no respect at all any one out there trying to do business with companies I suggest to stay away you from this business will end up sorry what a bad experience I have with them if I have a power I shut down this scammer over night for sure!

Thumbnail of user christinas442
1 review
23 helpful votes
February 25th, 2020

So I had a bid on a house and one day before the bidding ends they postponed the auction... Who does that? NO one even informed me. I went to the website to see if anyone had bid and it said that it was postponed. I was already not happy because it stated the opening bid was 56,000 but when I went to bid I had to bid 61,000. VERY misleading. One last thing, start the bid at what the house has to go for... SERIOUSLY, who has time to mess around.

Thumbnail of user kiras2
diane n. – Auction.com Rep

Thank you for your feedback on the experience you had with Auction.com. There are several factors that may cause a foreclosure auction to be postponed. We understand that this can be frustrating for interested bidders. Auction.com updates the website immediately when new or additional information is received from the seller.

To assist buyers in obtaining the most up to date information, we provide a Save feature on the property details page. If you save the asset to your profile you will be notified when any changes are made or additional details are provided by the seller. If you would like a walk-though of this feature or would like to share anything further about your experience, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us directly Monday through Friday 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST at (800) 793-6107.

Thumbnail of user michelled314
2 reviews
41 helpful votes
October 29th, 2018

But you absolutely CAN buy a $200,000 house for $120,000 cash on Auction.com. Auction.com is great. The site sells REOs online using exactly the same M. O. you see at sheriff's sales on your local courthouse's steps: and, like auctions on your local courthouse steps, (...) for any given property there may be 2 actual, serious bidders and about 20 poor saps who showed up honestly thinking the bank was going to sell a house for which it's $120,000 in the red to some poor JimBob for what was advertised as the $30,000 'minimum bid' (snort) price. It won't happen. Not on Auction.com, not anywhere.

YES, fools, Auction.com WILL bid on behalf of the bank or sellers until the 'reserve' price is met. If you think that spells 'scam,' then you need to step out of the game and go back to buying scratch-offs as a long-term financial investment. Auction.com will NOT automatically sell a property to the highest bidder if the highest bid is at a loss to the seller and under the reserve price; this isn't La-La Land. However, the seller might agree to any REASONABLE bid, even if it's under the reserve. You can get absolutely incredible deals here, just don't be thinking a seller is obligated to respond to your ridiculous low-ball bid. All the negative reviews here seem to be from amateurs who really believed they were going to be handed something for nothing. For anyone who is serious about investing in REOs and is ready to throw out the funds required for such an undertaking, Auction.com is an absolute godsend.

Thumbnail of user joet1214
1 review
3 helpful votes
November 21st, 2023

For those of you, like me, trying to buy a house, be aware of the First Look scam they use. First Look - for 30 days is supposed to allow regular people to buy and live in a house before investors are allowed. What they do is put a reserve price on the house so high nobody in their right mind would buy it. This allows the 30 days to pass so it can be auctioned again when investors can bid, allowing them to get more money.

Tip for consumers:
no

Products used:
none

Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user aubreyl26
1 review
3 helpful votes
October 20th, 2019
Verified purchase

Agent was quick to answer my question. Better than calling the phone number. I could not find the answer to my question over the phone, but the chat feature answered it quickly.

Thumbnail of user rexr52
1 review
11 helpful votes
March 17th, 2020

In the Tucson Arizona area, their estimated resale value always seems to be on the extreme high side.

Thumbnail of user kiras2
diane n. – Auction.com Rep

Thank you for your review. The Estimated Resale Value is an estimate of the property’s resale value after it has been completely renovated with high-level upgrades. This value is provided by a third party based on historical data from property records. This is only a guideline. We recommend you do your own research on comparable sales and costs of renovating the property. Please call our Customer Care Team for more information, 5 AM - 5 PM PST 800-793-6107.

Thumbnail of user briano718
1 review
4 helpful votes
August 9th, 2022
Verified purchase

I recently purchased a vacant bank foreclosure on Auction.com and got a very good deal and had a quick, easy and enjoyable experience from bidding to closing. If you do your research and know what to expect it's hassle free and actually is much easier than dealing with non responsive brokers or fussy sellers. Tips: Don't place proxy bids, the site will just bid it up to the reserve, as is disclosed. Don't fight the form contracts, yes they are silly one-sided but you are getting a good deal or otherwise move on. Supply all the required info immediately after you win. Yes you have to pay a 2500$ deposit to bid to keep the fakers out of the bidding. Got it back in a day. Do use a buyers broker as you are paying for the agents anyway and Most importantly do opt to use your own title
Company for the closing.

Tip for consumers:
Reserves are often not disclosed but site will say when it’s reached. Remember the seller bank isn’t bound even if you win until they sign the purchase contract. You are just making an offer! Auction.com will notify you when the seller signs.

Service
Quality
Thumbnail of user davidv1982
1 review
8 helpful votes
June 9th, 2023

I have had issues with auction.com not putting pictures on their website that are accurate in the description of their homes. They also over inflate the value of their homes. I was currently suspended because I did not sign a contract after winning a bid that I actually did not win but they dropped their bids and the reserve and then declared me the winner. I then decided I should verify the information on the website. Nothing was accurate. Because I didn't go thru with the deal I was retaliated against and suspended.

Thumbnail of user rolandk77
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 28th, 2023

I purchased from Gehman auctions on the Hibid platform, An antique Bible from the late 1800's. On the photo of the item when it was up for bid had no crack in the hinge of the front cover. When they shipped it whoever packed the bible must have handled it carelessly because when I received it, it was cracked along the hinge of th cover about 5 inches long, obviously effecting the value of the bible. I would not recommend purchasing any item of antiques from these people.

Thumbnail of user derekn27
1 review
5 helpful votes
August 9th, 2019
Verified purchase

My auction.com site live chat person, Kristal H, was very informative and had a quick response. I was wondering since the property was listed as vacant, why would my walking around be considered trespassing.

Thumbnail of user tradertim54
1 review
4 helpful votes
July 5th, 2023
Verified purchase

I bought a home In Jan 2016 through Auction.com it was a smooth transaction.
I have wasted almost a whole week traveling over a thousand miles and doing my due diligence on 5 different properties listed on Auction.com this past week, only to have them cancel the auction on the day it was scheduled. If their policy is that poor with the people they list for don't expect them to work for you. They work only for the seller you are just a pawn as a buyer.

Tip for consumers:
Auction.com like so many businesses today they have lost touch with the consumer. Without the consumer they are dead in the water. This company will most likely die away like so many other companies and blame a poor economy but in reality they have fallen into poor business practices.

Products used:
This is an online Real Estate auction company I have used them very successfully in years past .

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user jeffw579
1 review
41 helpful votes
June 8th, 2020

I have bid several properties on this site and I am struggling to find the value. The reserve prices are way too high given the risk involved and the fact that most of the purchases must be cash. I won a property earlier this year that would have been a decent deal, but by the time I paid all the hidden fees and charges I basically made zero money and wasted my time. I think you can find better and safer deals elsewhere...

Thumbnail of user zachi28
2 reviews
5 helpful votes
September 20th, 2023

I dont understand its online auction but why so called seller increases the bid without any interaction from other buyers. If reserve is not met, it should end the acution with higher bidder, instead seller keep on bidding and jacking the price up. Running the same property for 10 times in acution will not increase the value of the property or buyers point of view. Also the auction ending timer runs for 10 mins extra after the auction runs out. Thats absurd.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user shopwwrei
1 review
6 helpful votes
November 16th, 2023

I have purchased 2 properties, and have been under contract on 6 properties with Auction.com. The two properties I have closed on had NUMEROUS issues that the seller knew about that were not disclosed. Thankfully, I found out some of the issues on the other properties and refused to close on them. Instead of accepting the fact that they knew about certain issues and did not disclose them and that was the reason we did not close, they blamed it on me and are trying to keep my earnest money. The latest issue with a house we were closing on was undisclosed major water damage, one of the most heinous issues was a house that was deemed as uninhabitable due to being a "meth and fentanyl lab". The seller had to serve the foreclosure documents to the occupant while he was incarcerated, nothing was disclosed. My account is now restricted, and that is ok by me. I refuse to do business with Auction.com any longer due to the repeated noncompliance with disclosures. I suggest that no one do business with them. They are unprofessional and should not be in business due to their lack of moral compass and lack of ethical business practices. If you do move forward with doing business with Auction.com, be VERY careful! Call the city, call the county, call anyone you can in regards to the property you are interested in buying. Photo is of a property I was under contract on that was on a demo list due to squatters and human waste inside the property as well as used needles. The debris in the photo is a mix of human feces and other debris. The subflooring is destroyed due to urine contamination and is soggy because of the urine. The house smells of feces and ammonia so bad that it is recommended not to enter, and if you do to have the proper PPE. They did not disclose anything and had very old nicer photos attached to the auction listing! The seller had disclosed, but Auction.com withheld the information on their auction!

Tip for consumers:
Auction.com withholds pertinent information about properties in order to get a higher value at their auctions. They claim the properties are occupied even when they are not occupied so that they are not subject to allowing potential buyers access to the properties. This is how they stick these properties with buyers/investors and claim they have no knowledge. Every single property that had something majorly wrong that I was under contract with them on was vacant, and they knew it. Some for 6mo

Products used:
Purchased two properties, have been under contract on six. Have not received refund on the properties that we back out on and most likely will not get a refund. They have restricted my account due to not closing on a property that they had not disclosed major water damage and also did not disclose that it was deemed a meth and fentanyl lab and would have to pass EPA approval prior to selling or renting.

Thumbnail of user katea237
1 review
15 helpful votes
November 8th, 2022

They sold a property to me. They said it was occupied by the owner or tenant. Was told all information will be made known once closed. Come to find out the place was illegal occupied by multiple unknown persons. The whole house was not in leave-able condition. It was a total scam. They bid against you to get the most out of you. Didn't mind that, but deceiving information. They need to be sued and out of business.

Service
Thumbnail of user misterj6
1 review
16 helpful votes
December 29th, 2021

Their agreement they make you sign to participate in the remote bidding option they offer states that they are not liable for anything, even in the case of gross negligence or intentional fraud on their employees part.
Would not have believed that if I had not read it for myself. Imagine sending them hundreds of thousands of dollars and knowing that. I have e-mailed them multiple times to get an explanation on that and they won't respond. Low integrity company in my opinion. They also bend every legal rule they can at live auctions, including fake bids in an effort to make more money.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user timothyo481
1 review
3 helpful votes
December 14th, 2023

I bid on 5414 Wagon trail in Robstown TX area. The house had it's flat roof torn off due to in-line high winds. The roofer installed a faulty roof and did not honor the warranty. A lien was placed on the house that clouded the title and meant the homeowner could not borrow against the equity. I spoke to the owner and was informed that the roof needs to be completely redone and Windstorm certificate acquired. The appliances in the kitchen do not work. The septic system needs work and there is over $100,000 of repairs needing to be done based on insurance estimates. I did the math and decided that I would have to invest over $170,000 to make this house sellable or livable. I decided to bid on the auction. I bid the minimum of $65,000. The required increment was $25,000. Auction.com bid $90,000 immediately for the seller. That meant my next bid had to be $$115,000. That amount was more than I would pay. OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, ONLY AUCTION.COM BID FOR THE SELLER. Over 12 seller bids in a row AND THE LAST BID WAS OVER $175,00! THE RESERVE WAS NOT MET. So beware, the website bid history makes it look like there is bidders' interest when it is really seller bids against themselves. I think this is shady and dishonest.

Tip for consumers:
That Auction.com does not run "REAL" auction.

Thumbnail of user ilyasa9
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 16th, 2019
Verified purchase

I was helped by tyler, he answered all my questions, he was very patient. Thank you, great experience.

Thumbnail of user paulas1076
1 review
3 helpful votes
January 3rd, 2023

This is a platform that favors sellers, not buyers. It does seem legit, however, despite me not liking a few things. Hence, the proxy bids going all the way to the top of what a buyer is max willing to bid instead of incrementally as other bids are placed, and the platform bidding against investors on behalf of the seller. Both of these practices seem unethical, or at least seller-centric. I also wonder how they assure that a property isn't already sold or in process of, and I think the platform should do and assure all lien/title searches for better trust and bidder confidence. It might be safer just to buy land, have a house built onto the land, and then sell it - an added perk: No auction-related fees!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user sandrab3585
1 review
2 helpful votes
July 12th, 2023

We won our bid with Auction.com but it is not a user friendly platform. It is strictly buyer beware, and a lot of the information Is confusing.
I'm Sandra Brazelton, a 30 Year CEO, real estate broker, instructor, mortgage professional, and online real estate consultant.

As a subject matter expert with auction.com.
I work with a lot of investors, and I see a lot of the horror studies with auction.com.

I have attached the link in the description to the video on my YouTube channel that guides you through the site and helps you avoid some of the landmines that can wipe you out.

https://youtu.be/TWSwLsaduYE

You will not learn this from auction.com site.

In this new economy, thousands of foreclosures are online and we did not want to miss out or lose our hard earned money. You don't have to either. I welcome any comments or questions

https://youtu.be/TWSwLsaduYE

Thumbnail of user joshw165
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 8th, 2019
Verified purchase

I am a real estate agent, but have not used this site for a few years. The chat assistant was extremely helpful.

Thumbnail of user todda133
1 review
2 helpful votes
June 26th, 2020

Fees too high But bought 6 properties made money some deals fell out. Happens, but love auction.com

Thumbnail of user dawnd161
1 review
3 helpful votes
May 9th, 2019

Yes you do bid against auction.com sometimes, and this is disclosed in there info on their page. You probably won't be able to view the house with an "access code" from a realtor so there's that. If you win the bid make sure you read the closing cost allocation rider in your purchase agreement very carefully because you will be paying for closing cost and mine were over $2000. I would just make sure you bid $3000 less than you want the total cost to be. Don't overbid. There is always another house for sell. Maybe the one you lost the bid on a week earlier. Be patient. It can be a good experience and you can get a good deal, but you're not winning the lottery, you're buying real estate. I found everyone I talked to very nice, though I was kind of ignorant and blindsided by the closing cost. I wouldn't personally bid on occupied properties, but if you're ready for possible problems getting people out of the property, good luck. Mine was vacant.

Thumbnail of user kiras2
diane n. – Auction.com Rep

Thank you for your review, Dawn. Please let us know if we can help you in the future.

Thumbnail of user johnc8041
2 reviews
16 helpful votes
March 24th, 2022

I sat and watched them counterbid themselves 3 times in a row in order to drive up the price on 2 different houses. THAT is just a dishonest practice.

Tip for consumers:
This site is entirely a waste of time with dishonest practices.

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user andrewh373
1 review
15 helpful votes
October 2nd, 2018

I purchased a couple times from this auction site and have also bidded and lost several auctions. It's an auction, not real estate company. Things won't always be perfect so if life has babied you to complain about everything you may not want to use them. If you're good with rolling the dice you can find nice buys here. My only problem with the site now is they are many new bidders now and they don't understand a 3 day auction doesn't require you bidding up in the 1st few hours like kids in a candy shop. You can see the inexperience bidders all over the auction site now. The auction is won in the last hour not hour 1 or day 1. The paperwork process in my experiences have been smooth, painless and fast.

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From the business

Auction.com, the nation’s leading online marketplace focused exclusively on the sale of residential bank-owned and foreclosure properties via online auctions and in-person auction events. Auction.com goes beyond the bid to offer buyers a superior technology platform for convenient online and onsite access, an extensive inventory of over 30,000 properties, and supportive services and expertise dedicated to buyer success.

Auction.com is headquartered in Irvine, CA with offices in key markets nationwide. Investors include THL (Thomas H. Lee Partners), CapitalG (formerly Google Capital) and Stone Point Capital.

To learn about Auction.com, LLC, please visit www.auction.com/lp/about-us/

LICENSING INFORMATION:
Licensing Link: https://www.auction.com/lp/legal/licensing-disclosures

Texas Real Estate Commission
Information About Brokerage Services: http://mlhdocs.com/legal/agencydisclosures/ADC/Texas.pdf

Consumer Protection Notice: http://mlhdocs.com/legal/TexasCPN.pdf

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user kiras2
diane n.
VP of Marketing
Typically does not respond to reviews

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