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One of the more unconventional ways to obtain real estate property is through seller auctions. These events draw a large response because they are essentially a free-for-all opportunity, and it is not unusual for a buyer to walk out with a valuable, not to mention a very worthy investment. Strategies for selling property through auctions depend on a number of factors: the value, kind, location and condition of the property; the number of properties included in the seller's portfolio, the current climate of the property market, the seller's target market, and the seller's goals.

Real estate auctions generally fall into three types, each with its own varying advantages, either to the buyer or the seller. 'Minimum bid' auctions (also known as absolute with a minimum bid) only lets the auctioneer accept the bids which are at or exceeding the established minimum price, as pre-published in advertisements, and as declared at the actual auction event. This arrangement reduces the risk to the seller as he is ensured that the property will be sold at a fixed minimum amount. 'Without reserve' auctions (absolute) puts no minimum or ceiling amount to the property cost, and the cost goes up as long as there is bidder to challenge the previous offering. 'With reserve' auctions set a certain fixed minimum cost on the property, known only to the auctioneer and the seller. If in case the highest bid does not reach the set minimum cost, the seller has the option not to give up the property for sale.

Auction delivery methods differ on the manner in which the auction is held. Live bid auctions (open outcry), are usually held in public events, where the auctioneer and several bid assistants share the responsibility of informing the bidders about the previous and current bid status, as well as entertain questions about the property up for bid. Sealed bid auctions require bidders to send initial bids for the property at a prearranged time, allowing them to negotiate terms, and affording the bidder the possibility of obtaining a higher price on the property. Fax and E-fax auctions afford bidders to send bids by such methods, allowing them to prepare for the arrangement before presenting an offering. The three most viable bidders are selected, and proceed on to the final auction. Online or simulcast auctions are similar to live auctions, except that bidders in remote places can also take part in the bidding, through simultaneous broadcast arrangements. Multi-par auctions allow multi-parcel bidders to bid on one sizable property, which is offered either as a single parcel, or is broken down into numerous parcels.

Auction formats come in three types. Stand alone auctions are usually held on-site, and can be done without prior input from external parties; this format is ideal for sellers who have singular requirements for selling the property. Portfolio sale auctions are opted for in selling multiple parcels of land which belong to a single owner, either through a one-time bulk sale, or through separate parcel sales. Multiple seller and property biddings allows for many sellers to pool out their separate properties, which may be in varying kinds and sizes, and arrange for a larger auction event, intended to maximize buyer attendance and potential sales.