Educated bidders, knowledgeable about the property offered and the auction process, are the most important participants in any JJManning auction sale. To this end, we offer the following list of recommended steps to follow when preparing to participate in an auction (see also the auction glossary at the bottom of the page for a list of useful auction terms).

Contact us
In addition to the substantial information available at www.jjmanning.com, the real estate professionals at JJManning Auctioneers welcome your general or property specific questions by phone at 800.521.0111 or via e-mail to info@jjmanning.com.

Do your "Homework"
Find out as much as possible about the property. Download the Property Information Package (PIP) from www.jjmanning.com or contact us for a copy. PIPs vary in size but typically contain photos, a property description, terms of sale, a sample Purchase & Sale Agreement, property tax & assessment information, maps, plans, financing contacts, and other pertinent documents. PIPs are designed to efficiently disseminate all the information we have about the property, but should not be regarded as a substitute for your own due diligence.  PIPs are Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) files. Click on the Adobe icon provided on our website to download the free software needed to read them. 

Inspect the property
Take full advantage of any pre-auction Open Houses offered. At auction, you are buying property "as is, with all faults." Personal inspection lets you see what you will be bidding on.  This first hand knowledge may play an important role in helping you determine the value and desirability of the property.  Land only parcels may be viewed at your convenience.  Open Houses are rarely scheduled for property to be sold at Mortgagee’s Foreclosure Auction.

Prequalify for financing
It’s highly unusual for Real estate auction terms to include a mortgage contingency. If you plan to use financing to purchase a property, it is important to pre-qualify with a lender.  This can be done even before you have a specific property in mind.  Knowledge of mortgage financing qualifications will help you determine the amount you’re able to pay for any property, increasing your comfort level and allowing you to bid with confidence. Our convenient Mortgage Calculator link allows you to calculate monthly mortgage payments based on any purchase price.

Attend an auction
Check the JJManning.com web site, local newspapers, or join our mailing list to locate auctions in your area. To familiarize yourself with the process before you participate as a bidder, it may be helpful to first attend one or more auctions as an observer. Auctions happen quickly, so it’s important to know what to expect. As you prepare, be aware that individual auction firms may differ in regard to procedure, the amount of "due diligence" information provided, and more.

Plan your bid strategy
Examine the property, review available information, and consider any financing issues to determine your bid limit. Plan to compete. Most bidders will be thinking in the same price range. Only the one who bids the top number first can succeed.

Register to bid
On auction day, arriving on site one hour prior to the auction will give you time to consult with on-site staff in regard to any last minute questions regarding the property or auction process. When an auction day Open House is offered, it will also give you another opportunity to inspect the property.  Upon completion of registration you will receive a Bid Packet containing your bid number and a Property Information Package (PIP) including Terms of Sale, Purchase & Sale Agreement, and other important documents.

Bid Aggressively
Until the "hammer falls" or you reach your bid limit, compete aggressively. There can be only one winning bidder for each property. You cannot buy at your price unless you BID your price. We offer our best wishes for the success of your bids!

CLICK HERE FOR A GLOSSARY OF "AUCTION" TERMS