Will I pay any fees or commissions?

No. When you sell directly to Garden State Cash Homes, there are no real estate agent commissions or listing fees.

Do I need to make repairs or clean the house before selling?

No. We buy houses as-is, so you do not need to make repairs, paint, or clean out the property before selling.

How quickly can you close in New Jersey?

Many closings happen in about 14–21 days, and you can also choose a later closing date if you need more time.

How do you determine a fair cash offer?

We review the home’s condition and local comparable sales to determine a fair cash offer based on the current New Jersey market.

Can you buy my house if it has tenants, liens, or title issues?

Yes. We often work with situations involving tenants, liens, probate, and other complications. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll explain the options.

What happens if I don’t want to accept the offer?

There is no obligation. You can accept, decline, or counter the offer. The decision is always yours.

You get paid at closing. The closing is handled through a title company, and you receive your proceeds at settlement.

Selling Your House at Auction in New Jersey: Is It the Right Strategy?

Selling a home at auction in New Jersey is a voluntary selling method — not a foreclosure and not a tax sale.

Some homeowners consider auction when they want a defined timeline, competitive bidding, or a faster alternative to a traditional listing.

This page explains how voluntary real estate auctions work in New Jersey, when they make sense, and what to consider before choosing this route.

If you are facing foreclosure or a scheduled sheriff’s sale, that is a different legal process. This page focuses only on elective property auctions.

What Does It Mean to Sell a House at Auction?

When you sell your house at auction, you hire an auction company or broker to market the property and host a public bidding event.

Buyers compete, and the highest bid wins — subject to any reserve price you set.

Unlike foreclosure auctions:

You choose to sell
You control the timeline
You agree to the auction terms
The property is marketed in advance

It is a selling strategy, not a court-ordered sale.

How the Auction Process Works in New Jersey

A typical voluntary auction includes:

Selecting an auction company
Setting terms (reserve price or absolute auction)
Marketing the property
Hosting the auction event
Signing a contract with the winning bidder
Closing within a defined timeframe

The entire process is structured around a scheduled sale date.

Types of Property Auctions in NJ

Reserve Auction

You set a minimum acceptable price.
If bidding does not reach that number, you are not obligated to sell.

Absolute Auction

The property sells to the highest bidder regardless of price.

Absolute auctions create urgency but carry more risk.

When Does Selling at Auction Make Sense?

An auction may make sense if:

You want a defined sale date
The property is unique or hard to price
You want competitive bidding
You prefer a structured marketing window

It is not always the best solution for every property.

Auction works best when there is strong buyer demand.

Pros of Selling at Auction

Clear timeline
Competitive bidding environment
Defined marketing period
Potential for strong buyer interest

Cons of Selling at Auction

No guaranteed final price (unless reserve is set)
Auction fees and commissions
Limited buyer pool compared to MLS exposure
Pressure to accept highest bid

Auction fees can vary depending on the company and agreement.

Auction vs. Cash Home Buyer vs. Traditional Listing

Auction

• Fixed sale date
• Competitive bidding environment
• Compressed marketing window
• Limited negotiation after bidding
• Faster contract execution

Cash Home Buyer

• Direct offer without public marketing
• No showings or open houses
• Typically no financing contingency
• As-is sale in many cases
• Flexible or fast closing timeline

Traditional Listing

• Ongoing showings
• Open houses
• Negotiation period
• Buyer financing contingencies
• Flexible timeline

Each method has trade-offs.

Auction vs. Sheriff or Tax Sale

It’s important to distinguish voluntary auction from legal proceedings.

Sheriff’s Sale:

Court-ordered after foreclosure judgment
Conducted by county sheriff
Ownership transfers through foreclosure

Tax Sale:

Triggered by unpaid property taxes
A tax lien certificate is sold
Ownership does not immediately transfer

A voluntary auction is initiated by the homeowner, not by a lender or municipality.

Can You Sell at Auction If You’re Behind on Payments?

Possibly — but timing matters.

If foreclosure proceedings have already begun, the auction must close before any scheduled sheriff’s sale date.

If unpaid taxes exist, liens must be satisfied at closing.

Understanding payoff amounts is critical before choosing an auction strategy.

Is Auction the Best Way to Sell Quickly in NJ?

Auction is one of several options.

Other selling methods may include:

Traditional listing
Direct sale
As-is sale
Pre-foreclosure sale

The right strategy depends on:

Property condition
Equity position
Timeline
Market demand

There is no universal answer.

Understanding Your Selling Options

Selling your house at auction in New Jersey can work in the right circumstances. It provides structure, defined timing, and competitive bidding.

However, it is not the same as a sheriff’s sale or tax sale, and it should not be confused with court-ordered proceedings.

If you are considering selling and want to understand which method makes the most sense for your situation, you can speak with our team for information and guidance — no pressure, just clarity.