The auction industry has its own unique set of rules. There can be a minimum bid or a no-minimum, they charge commissions similar to agents and there are dynamics with it making it dicey & unpredictable. However, it remains a tool in the world of Real Estate. Trustee sales are similar as they have bid rules too. I have done those. High bid, who can perform, prevails. The trustee determines it all having the final say so

Why not go the traditional route, M & C? In my experience with auction houses here in Utah, it is very expensive to use them (they charge as high as 10% (or more) of accepted price).

Nope, have only used on line auctions to real personal property in estates a few times, which has worked out great.

Why use an auction? Just have them go to those direct seller sites & have them just buy it with the tenant included.

Why make it tougher than it needs to be?

I have only participated in one auction and the home did not sell. The company could not generate any bids. What a waste of time.

That said I have been to couple of auctions where individual condos were sold.

Do your homework and inform the seller off the pitfalls so they can make an informed decision. In the alternative use your time to market the property.

Good luck either way!

I have never used an auction company to sell a house.

I believe the seller can set a reserve below which no offer will be accepted. Yes, following through with the auction means obtaining a signed real estate contract.

I don't see the advantage to an auction sale, which you have never done, when you could put the house on the market at a price that would attract buyers quickly in a manner in which you have experience.

I've never sold via online auction and wouldn't unless working with an agency that required it.  I like to deal with offers from other agents knowing that they are committed to the transaction and that their client is well qualified and motivated.

I have never had a need for an auction.  Price it right and put it on the MLS. There are investors out there looking for opportunities - cash offers, non-contingent and quick close. 

nope, nor would I.  I did have a client give it shot and well $8,000. later they still owned their house.

I have never had much success in dealing with online auction companies.

You may want to reach out to local investment groups, they can act fast with cash offers.