Better results, on your terms

An auction gives you a firm date, a confidential minimum and competitive bidding, and it keeps the commission in your pocket.

You set the date

A traditional listing ends when a buyer shows up. An auction ends on the day you choose, and closing follows about 30 days later.
You set the minimum

Your confidential minimum (the reserve) means the property does not sell unless bidding reaches a price you approve.
You keep the commission

Sellers pay 0% commission. The buyer pays a buyer’s premium on top of the winning bid.
The market sets the price

Bidders compete in the open, online and in person, instead of one buyer negotiating you down.

Auction, listing or cash buyer?

A traditional listing, a cash buyer, or an auction. Here is how they compare for the things sellers ask us about most.

Comparison of a traditional listing, a cash buyer and a SellWithZero auction
Question	Traditional listing	Cash buyer	SellWithZero auction
Seller commission	Typically 5–6% of the price	None, but the buyer sets the price	0%
Repairs and concessions	Often requested after inspection	None	None. Sold as-is
Contingencies	Financing, inspection and appraisal	Usually none	None
Sale date	Unknown until a buyer commits	Fast	You choose the auction date
How the price is set	Negotiated with one buyer at a time	The investor’s offer	Open, competitive bidding above your confidential minimum
Who sees the property	MLS buyers	One buyer	MLS, online and live bidders
Contents and cleanout	Up to you	Sometimes included	Handled through Blue Box Auction Gallery
Closing	After financing and inspections clear	Often within weeks	About 30 days after auction day

Seller commission

SellWithZero: 0%

Listing: Typically 5–6% of the price

Cash buyer: None, but the buyer sets the price

Repairs and concessions

SellWithZero: None. Sold as-is

Listing: Often requested after inspection

Cash buyer: None

Contingencies

SellWithZero: None

Listing: Financing, inspection and appraisal

Cash buyer: Usually none

Sale date

SellWithZero: You choose the auction date

Listing: Unknown until a buyer commits

Cash buyer: Fast

How the price is set

SellWithZero: Open, competitive bidding above your confidential minimum

Listing: Negotiated with one buyer at a time

Cash buyer: The investor’s offer

Who sees the property

SellWithZero: MLS, online and live bidders

Listing: MLS buyers

Cash buyer: One buyer

Contents and cleanout

SellWithZero: Handled through Blue Box Auction Gallery

Listing: Up to you

Cash buyer: Sometimes included

Closing

SellWithZero: About 30 days after auction day

Listing: After financing and inspections clear

Cash buyer: Often within weeks

Myth:Auctions are only for foreclosure or distressed real estate sales.: Fact: Auctions are advantageous for most properties and sellers.
Myth:Buyers cannot see the property in advance and buy sight unseen.: Fact: Showings, previews and open houses are standard in our auctions.
Myth:Buyers must pay the full amount in cash, the day of the auction.: Fact: Buyers have the same mortgage / financing options as traditional sales.
Myth:Real estate auctions are a last resort.: Fact: Real estate auctions are often the first choice to maximize value and time.
Myth:Real estate auctions will cost (the seller) more.: Fact: Real estate auctions often yield more for sellers with zero seller commission.
Myth:Auctions require the seller to pay, in advance, to improve the property.: Fact: Homes are sold “as-is” condition and repairs are not required for the seller.