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Buyers FAQs - A. J. Billig & Co., Auctioneers Warning: Undefined array key "auctionid" in /var/www/ajb.mystaging.pro/wp-content/themes/ajbillig/inc/form-functions.php on line 996

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Call: 410-296-8440
Email: info@ajbillig.com
6500 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21209
Home / Buyers FAQs

Buyers FAQs

The following information is provided by A.J. Billig Auctioneers to assist buyers in understanding purchasing a property at an auction.


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In Person / Onsite Auction FAQs List of Resources Online Auctions FAQ
In Person / Onsite Auction FAQs
What if I am getting financing for the purchase?
  • Although the auctioneer does not require that you are pre-qualified for a loan, it may be helpful for you to know your limit before attending the auction. We will be happy to recommend sources of financing and often provide a link on the property website page.
  • See our Financing Page for a list of auction-oriented lenders.
  • It is the purchaser’s responsibility to obtain financing. If you plan to use a mortgage to purchase the property, we recommend that you apply for the loan immediately. If the bank must take longer than the specified time to complete the loan, the sellers may extend settlement for a short period if you can provide proof of a loan commitment. If you do not obtain the financing within the specified time for settlement, you will be in default of your contract of sale.
  • You can also pay cash.
How long do I have to pay the balance of my purchase?
  • The settlement or closing period is specified within the terms of sale.
  • If settlement is based on ratification by a court, the ratification period is typically 30 to 60 days, but might take longer.
  • In these cases, settlement will typically take place within 10 days of the court ratification. In all cases, you will be expected to settle for the property within the specified time. You may select your own title company or attorney to handle the closing.
Are there other expenses I should know about when purchasing?
  • You may be responsible for the expenses of owning the property as of the date of sale or as of the date of settlement, including taxes, utility costs and insurance.
  • You may be required to pay interest on the amount of the purchase price, less the amount of your deposit, from the date of the sale to the date you settle for the property.
  • The Terms Of Sale will outline your specific responsibility. We recommend that you obtain a fire and/or liability insurance binder on the property immediately as of the date of sale.
  • As the purchaser, you will pay all of the settlement expenses, including title fees and recording costs. For specific rates, see the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation website for Property Tax information, and the appropriate Circuit Court Clerk’s office for the Recordation and Transfer Tax for information.
Is my deposit refundable?
  • As a bidder, your certified or cashier’s check should be made payable to yourself. If you are the winning bidder, you will endorse the check to the auctioneers. Otherwise, you are free to take the check back since it is in your name.
  • As the purchaser, your deposit will be credited toward the purchase price. If the “TERMS OF SALE” require you to increase your initial deposit (above the initial amount required at the time of sale), the Auctioneer will likely accept your personal or business check for the difference on the day of sale. Otherwise, you can bring, wire or messenger certified funds for the increased deposit within the time stated.
  • If you are unable to complete the purchase, your deposit may not be refundable.
When can I see inside the property and have an inspection?
  • Generally, the property will be open for inspection on the day of the auction, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour before the scheduled auction time. Properties are often available to view by appointment with the auctioneer.
  • In the case of a foreclosure, the auctioneer does not have access to the property before the auction, but the property may be opened when we arrive to conduct the auction. See the auction advertisement or call the auctioneers for specific inspection times.
  • Contact us if you have additional questions
What if the property is in poor condition?
  • Auction properties may range from excellent condition to poor condition. We will provide as much information as is possible in each situation. In many cases, properties offered at auction are in similar or better condition than properties currently listed for sale. However, if you are looking for a property to renovate, an auction is an excellent way to buy a property that may need a little ‘TLC’. You are welcome to bring someone with you to the auction, such as a contractor or home inspector.
  • The property will be sold “as is.” Unless otherwise announced, the sellers make no representations or warranties about the condition of the property. The sellers will not make any repairs.
What are the terms of the auction?
Your responsibilities as a purchaser are advertised prior to the scheduled auction date and will be read by the Auctioneer at the time of sale. Additional terms may be announced at the auction or may be posted at the sale site. Failure to comply with any of the terms of sale may cause you to forfeit your deposit and be responsible for the expenses to resell the property, as well as any deficiency incurred.
Can you provide me with some auction tips?
  • Arrive at the auction early so you can register and ask questions.
  • Do your homework – see what similar properties are selling for.
  • Bring an expert who is familiar with onsite auctions or an online bidding system.
  • Be prepared to bid.
  • Check out more of our buying information
What is an absolute auction?
The property will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of price! There is no minimum reserve price on this property.
What is a public auction, real estate auction, or on-site auction?
A method of sale to purchase in person or online through a competitive bidding procedure run by an auctioneer. The highest bid wins.
What is a receiver’s auction?
A receiver has been appointed to arrange the sale of the property in the same manner as a trustee.
What is a guardian’s auction?
A guardian has been appointed to handle the affairs for the owner of the property.
What is an estate auction?
The owner of the property has passed away and the property is being sold for the estate of that person. The estate may be handled by an attorney or by a family member acting as the personal representative.
What is a partition auction or dissolution of partnership?
Partition sales involve marital disputes or partnership disagreements, and may or may not be conducted under a court order.
What is an attorney’s auction?
An attorney is representing the owner of the property. There are a variety of situations where an owner would choose to have their attorney arrange the sale of their property for them.
What is a bankruptcy auction?
Bankruptcy auctions are similar to foreclosure sales in that a distressed situation exists. Free and clear title is also guaranteed, but no ratification is required by the bankruptcy court. Settlement times, deposits, and terms of sale are advertised prior to the auction, as in the case of a foreclosure.
What is a trustee’s, substitute trustees’ or foreclosure auction?
  • Most of our company’s foreclosure auctions are conducted on the premises. A deposit, which is advertised under the “Terms of Sale,” will be required of the successful bidder at the completion of the auction.
  • The balance of the purchase price is due when the sale is ratified, or approved, by the court, which usually occurs in 30 to 60 days. In Maryland, unlike other states, there is no right of redemption by the debtor on the foreclosed property. Once the auction is completed and the sale is ratified, equitable title is transferred to the purchaser and legal title will pass at settlement.
  • The property is sold free and clear of all liens unless otherwise advertised. It is the purchaser’s responsibility to obtain possession of the property if the previous occupants do not leave on their own.
What are the different types of auctions?
  • Trustee’s, Substitute Trustees’ or Foreclosure Auctions
  • Bankruptcy Auctions
  • Attorney’s Auction
  • Partition Auction or Dissolution of Partnership
  • Estate Auction
  • Guardian’s Auction
  • Receiver’s Auction
  • Public Auction, Real Estate Auction, On-Site Auction
  • Absolute Auction
Why should I attend a real estate auction?
Our real estate auctions are organized and the rules are straightforward. We provide a fair and open venue to purchase a property where you set your own price and bid what you want to pay. The auction provides an opportunity for a great value and is the fastest way to buy real estate. You know the results instantly and it’s an exciting and entertaining experience!
What is the bidding process for an in person auction?
  1. On the day of the auction, the auctioneer will arrive at the property at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before the auction time. See the Inspection section [jump link to the Inspection question below] on this page for more details. 
  2. You will need to show the auctioneer that you have the required deposit which qualifies you as a bidder.
  3. Before the bidding starts, the auctioneer will make important announcements regarding the property and your obligations as a purchaser. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding these announcements and the terms of sale.
  4. At the conclusion of the announcement and question period, the auctioneer will solicit bids for the property. Bids are generally made either verbally or by raising a hand.
  5. Bidding increments are made in amounts acceptable to the auctioneer, who may set a minimum bidding increment as the sale progresses. 
  6. Any bid that is merely a nominal or fractional advance may be rejected by the auctioneer if in their judgment it may negatively affect the sale.
  7. If a dispute arises between two or more bidders, the auctioneer shall decide in favor of one of the bidders, or immediately re-offer the property.
  8. If you have any questions on the bidding process, feel free to send us a message or give us a call.

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List of Resources
Zoning Information
Counties in Maryland
Local Real Estate Information

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Online Auctions FAQ
If there are multiple properties in an auction, do I register for each?
Once you register for an online auction, regardless of the number of items or properties, you can bid on all within the auction.
I’ve already registered for previous auctions. Do I need to register again?
If you have registered for one of our on-site auctions before, you will need to create a new login for our separate online bidding system.If you have previously bid online on another of our auctions, you can use the same login and then register to bid on the new property.
Can I see inside the property?
Some properties are available to view. See each auction web page under www.ajbillig.com/auctions and look for the heading, “Showing and Inspection”. If the property is available to view there will be instructions posted there.
What is a max bid?
You can set a maximum amount that you want to bid and the system will automatically bid for you up to that amount.
I’m having trouble using a debit card for the auction registration. What should I do?
Contact your bank and have them increase your transaction amount above the amount of the auction deposit. If that is not possible, please call the office of the auctioneer: 410-296-8440.
Why do I have to enter my credit card information?
All bidders are securely verified through the online platform to ensure safe and honest bidding. Your credit card information is used to verify your identity and ensure you have the funds available for the deposit.  The online auction system does not place a hold on your card. The validation is sent and then voided immediately. Your financial institution may place a hold according to its policies and processes. Debit cards may not work for verification due to certain bank policies.
How do I bid online?
  1. If you haven’t already, create a login for our online bidding system: Create an Account to Bid Online. Once you are logged in, then you can register to bid on each property you are interested in. You can also download our app via Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Once bidding is open, log into the online bidding system on the auction web page or in the app.
  3. The online auction will have buttons to increase your bid by preset increments or you can type in a custom amount.
  4. If you are the high bidder, you must sign the contract and deliver the deposit to the office of the auctioneer or send a wire transfer. See also the terms of sale on the auction web page.

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