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ARE AUCTIONS THE BARGAIN WAY TO BUY REAL ESTATE?

By
Real Estate Agent with Hawaii Life Real Estate Services LLC

Sunset at Mauna Lani

When a buyer client of mine called and asked me to represent him at an upcoming auction here on the Big Island of Hawaii, I felt the burning desire to explain how I truly feel...something I often do!

All "good realtors"  know of more properties via the coconut wireless that are "value priced' or "distressed" way before they ever get to the stage of auction.  Not that auctions aren't a good thing; but let's face it...the whole point of an auction is to get the highest price possible for a property by the pure competition of multiple buyers driving the price up by working each other's egoes into high gear. 

Having attended plenty of auctions in my life time, including antiques and cars, I can't remember one that I didn't leave and have to smack myself upside the head after paying more than my treasure was truly worth just to have "won" the right to do just that...over pay. (ok slow learner, but I did finally get it)

I know my happy buyer/investor is not sitting home regretting his having skipped the chance to pay up!

At this time there are three properties in the Waikoloa Resort; One each in Pauoa and Ka Milo @ the Mauna Lani that are in gated resort communities (4 of them ocean front!)  that will be sold to some savy buyers at or very near 1/2 their values without ever going to an auction. Are they a secret...only if you don't know about them.

 

Beth Thoma Robinson
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers Big Island - Hawi, HI
R(B) SFR - Hawaii Island Luxury Resort Real Estate

Pam, I am so glad your client listened and realized that especially with these professionally run auctions on Kukio and Hualalai properties, they do an incredible job of publicizing the auction and stirring up interest among real estate agents and their clients.  I'm with you, I take incredible pride in putting my clients into something that is a true value that no one else is digging deep enough to see and promote.

I just spent the weekend with clients who reminded me that the first time they showed up at their new property, an owner who also happens to be a real estate agent followed them to their doorstep to shake his finger at them and announce that there will NEVER be another villa sold at the bargain price they paid.  To say they are grateful to me for identifying the opportunity and keeping them confident enough to act when others were still hesitating, well that would be an understatement.

I know your buyer/investor will feel the same.

Sep 06, 2010 03:15 PM