Real Estate Auction Bid Increments and Bidding Strategies

Online real estate auctions are changing the way people buy homes—and smart buyers are learning how to bid strategically to gain an edge. Here’s what you need to know before placing your next bid

Real Estate Auction Bid Increments...What are Those?

Bid increments set the minimum increase required to surpass the current high bid, ensuring an efficient, fast-moving auction without slowdowns from minor bid changes.

For example, if you are at an auction and a property has a current bid of $500,000 and the increment is set at $25,000, the next permissible bid can not be lower than $525,000.

Because bid increments may change according to the property’s value or the momentum of the auction, it’s important for bidders to be familiar with them. We make this easy—increment levels are clearly shown throughout the process for full transparency.

Ways to Bid: Manual vs. Max Bid

Manual Bidding

You can place bids manually throughout the auction, allowing you to react instantly to other bidders. Email alerts notify you right away if you’re outbid, so you can stay in the running!

Max Bidding (Automatic)

No time to track the auction? Our Max Bid feature has you covered. Simply set your maximum amount, and the system will advance your bid in the smallest increments—only in response to competing bids.

100% Private Max Bid

Your max bid is completely confidential, and the system only draws from it when required to keep you in front. If no additional bids come in, you’ll still win at the lowest eligible price—not your maximum.

It’s a stress-free way to stay competitive without watching the auction around the clock.

Bid With Confidence

One of the most common frustrations in online auctions is what we like to call a "deadline bid"—those last-second bids meant to leave other buyers no time to respond. That will never be a frustration you have to worry about at Target Auction!

The timer will automatically extend another 3 minutes anytime a new bid comes through.  Not only does this replicate an auctioneer at a live auction, but it also allows everyone to get a fair chance to bid, and the winner really is the highest bidder.

Where to Bid at an Online Auction

Once you have registered and been approved, you are ready to bid! Registry can be done on our website or through our app; both will allow you to receive real-time alerts, track your favorite properties, and place quick bids no matter where you are.

Because our app is available on Apple and Android, the complete auction experience can be right at your fingertips

5 Winning Bidding Strategies for Online Real Estate Auctions

1. Know Your Limit – Determine your maximum spend before the auction begins. This keeps you focused and prevents impulse bidding.

2. Open Boldly, Bid Wisely – A strong opening bid can discourage casual bidders, but avoid revealing your full limit too early—unless you’re using Max Bid.

3. Your Max Bid Strategically – Consider setting a Max Bid just above a round number (e.g., $751,000 instead of $750,000) to edge out other bidders who set their max at the exact round figure.

4. Clock Awareness – Be ready to respond if the auction enters extension mode. The most competitive bidding often happens in the final minutes.

5. Stay the Course – Keep emotions in check. Know when to push forward and when to step back.

Are You Ready?

If you are interested in selling real estate, please allow Target Auction Company the opportunity to detail the benefits of our auction platform and provide you with a free consultation. We can offer the information and advice needed to make a sound decision regarding the sale of your property. We can be reached by email, at 1-800-476-3939 or visit www.TargetAuction.com.