Can I Buy a Home Through an Online Auction Platform? A Harford County, MD Realtor Explains What Really Happens
I’ve heard this question more than once: “Can I buy a home through an online auction platform?” My short answer is yes, you technically can. The longer answer is that it is usually much more complicated than the typical home buyer expects.
As a real estate agent with American Premier Realty here in Harford County, I have had several buyers come to me excited about those low opening bids they see online. Some of my home buyers did actually submit bids online. This was especially true back in 2023 when the market was very competitive. Almost all of them walked away discouraged once they learned how the process really works. Let me walk you through what I have seen firsthand so you can go into it with clear expectations.
The Low Starting Bid Is Just That. A Starting Point. 
What pulls people in is the bargain looking opening bid. It always looks like an unbelievable deal. Buyers assume they can snag a house for pennies on the dollar.
In reality, that number is only meant to attract attention, frenzy, and starting bids. It is not the actual price.
One of my clients once placed the only bid on an auction listing. Because no one else bid, he thought he won. He quickly learned that the property had a reserve price, which is the seller’s hidden minimum. His bid did not meet that amount, so the platform simply did not award the sale. He was frustrated, and I do not blame him. It felt like winning the game and still not getting the prize.
This sort of situation is far more common than people think.
The Fine Print Is Where Most Buyers Lose Interest
Whenever buyers ask me about an auction home, I always tell them to read the terms. This is where the surprises live.
Once they dive in, most people realize the rules are much stricter than they expected. For example:
- The home is sold entirely as is
- You often do not get to see the interior before bidding
- No inspection period
- No financing contingencies
- If you miss a deadline, you risk losing your deposit
The truth is that these terms are designed to protect the seller. Regular home buyers find them overwhelming and usually decide it is not worth the stress or risk.
The Fees Are Real and Often Misleading
The other thing that catches people off guard is the fee structure. The price you see on the screen is not the price you pay.
Most auction platforms charge a buyer’s premium, which is a percentage added on top of your winning bid. Some also include technology fees or processing fees. By the time you add it all up, the cost is often much higher than what attracted you in the first place.
I have had several clients tell me they felt the fees were intentionally confusing. I agree that they can be misleading if you do not read every detail.
So, Can You Buy a Home Through an Online Auction?
Yes, you can. Investors with cash and construction experience sometimes do well with auctions because they know how to evaluate risk quickly.
For the typical home buyer in Maryland, online auctions are rarely the easiest or safest path. You give up protections, you deal with strict rules and you face unknowns you cannot inspect.
The majority of my clients decide that traditional listings offer more transparency and far fewer surprises.
Popular Online Home Auction Platforms
If you want to explore auction listings for yourself, here are three of the most commonly used platforms in the U.S. real estate market.
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Auction.com
https://www.auction.com/
If You Want to Explore an Auction Property, I Am Here to Help
I will never discourage anyone from exploring options. If an auction listing grabs your attention, I am always happy to review it with you. I can explain the terms, point out risks and help you understand the fees and true cost, so you are not blindsided.
Buying a home should feel exciting, not confusing. If you ever have questions, including whether a particular auction property is worth pursuing, reach out anytime.
About Leigh Kaminsky
If you are looking for guidance buying or selling a home in Harford County, I’m here for you. I’m a solo agent with American Premier Realty, and I take a personalized, hands-on approach with every client. You will always deal directly with me from start to finish. I pride myself on clear communication, honest advice and deep knowledge of the local market. Over the years I’ve built a strong reputation and earned consistent five-star reviews from clients who say I am responsive, dedicated and easy to work with.