The first question most Ohio homeowners ask about auction is what it will cost them. At Beth Rose, the answer is simpler than most people expect: sellers pay no commission. The buyer pays a premium on top of the winning bid, and the seller covers only the actual cost of advertising the property.
Beth Rose Real Estate and Auctions has sold homes at auction since 1995, with a focus on Lucas and Wood counties and sales across Ohio. Our residential sales typically close about 60 days after the seller signs the auction contract. This guide breaks down every cost an Ohio seller should expect, who pays each one, and how to compare auction to a listing on the number that matters: what you walk away with.
The short answer: Selling a house at auction in Ohio with Beth Rose costs the seller no commission. The buyer pays a 10% buyer's premium on top of the winning bid, and the seller pays only the actual cost of advertising the property, which is far less than a typical agent's commission. Sellers also pay the same Ohio closing costs as any sale, including a conveyance fee of $1 to $4 per $1,000 of the sale price. Because a Beth Rose auction typically closes about 60 days after the contract is signed, sellers also save months of carrying costs.
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With the buyer's premium method, the auction company's fee is paid by the buyer, not taken out of the seller's proceeds. Here's how each cost breaks down at Beth Rose.
| Cost | Who pays | At Beth Rose |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer's premium | Buyer, added to the winning bid | 10% of the winning bid |
| Seller commission | No one | Beth Rose charges sellers no commission |
| Advertising | Seller | Actual cost only, far less than a typical agent's commission |
| Owner's title insurance policy | Seller | Typical in Ohio |
| Lender's title insurance policy | Buyer, if financing | Paid by the buyer |
| Escrow and closing fees | Each side pays its own | Typical in Ohio |
| Deed preparation | Seller | Typical in Ohio |
| Ohio conveyance fee | Seller | $1 to $4 per $1,000 of the sale price, depending on the county |
| Mortgage payoff and liens | Seller, from proceeds | Same as any sale |
These costs apply whether you sell at auction or through a listing, so they don't change the comparison. They do belong in your net-proceeds math.
Here's how the math can play out on a $250,000 Ohio home. The figures are illustrative. Your commission rate, repair requests, and carrying costs will differ, so run your own numbers or ask us to run them with you.
| Traditional listing | Beth Rose auction | |
|---|---|---|
| Sale price | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| Commission | $13,750 (5.5%, illustrative) | $0 |
| Advertising | Included in commission | $1,500 (example; varies by property) |
| Repairs or credits after the buyer's inspection | $3,000 | $0 (sold as-is) |
| Carrying costs at $1,800 a month | $7,200 (4 months) | $3,600 (about 60 days) |
| Ohio conveyance fee ($4 per $1,000) | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Net before mortgage payoff and other closing costs | $225,050 | $243,900 |
Even at the same sale price, the auction seller keeps more: no commission, no repair credits, and fewer months of carrying costs. And because buyers compete against each other on a firm date, competitive bidding can push the price higher still.
Advertising costs vary from auction to auction. Each campaign is built around the target market we identify for the property, with the goal of maximizing the price. Your advertising budget is set in writing before you sign.
Carrying costs are the bills you keep paying until closing. They rarely show up on a commission comparison, but they come straight out of your proceeds. Add up your own monthly numbers:
| Monthly cost | Example | Yours |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage interest | $900 | |
| Property taxes | $350 | |
| Homeowner's insurance (vacant-home coverage often costs more) | $150 | |
| Utilities | $200 | |
| Lawn care, snow removal, and upkeep | $150 | |
| HOA dues, if any | $50 | |
| Total per month | $1,800 |
Multiply your total by the months between today and closing. A Beth Rose auction typically closes about 60 days after you sign the auction contract. A traditional sale includes time to prepare and list the home, time on the market, and the buyer's financing period, and a price cut or failed inspection can restart the clock.
A traditional listing starts with an asking price, and buyers negotiate down from it. An auction works the other way: motivated buyers compete against each other, and the price rises until only one bidder is left. That's why we believe auction brings sellers the most money, especially for a high-demand property, where more bidders mean more competition.
Learn more in our guides to selling a home as-is at auction, selling a family home after a loss, and 5 signs auction may be right for you.
Beth Rose Real Estate and Auctions is a third-generation, family-owned firm founded in 1995 and based in Maumee, Ohio. Founder Beth Rose, CAI, AARE, AMM, is the 2016 International Auctioneer Champion and a past President and Chairman of the National Auctioneers Association.
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The buyer. At Beth Rose, the buyer's premium on residential auctions is 10% of the winning bid, added on top of the bid. It isn't taken out of the seller's proceeds.
No commission. Sellers pay only the actual cost of advertising their property, which is far less than a typical agent's commission. You'll see the advertising budget in writing before you sign.
Yes, in a reserve auction, where you set a minimum price before bidding begins. In an absolute auction, the property sells to the highest bidder regardless of price, which tends to draw more bidders. We'll help you choose the right format.
No. Homes sell as-is. Buyers can view the property at an open house before the auction, so there's no repair negotiation after the sale.
A Beth Rose residential sale typically closes about 60 days after you sign the auction contract, and you receive your proceeds at closing.
Ohio sellers typically pay the conveyance fee ($1 to $4 per $1,000 of the sale price, depending on the county), the owner's title insurance policy, deed preparation, their own escrow and closing fees, their mortgage payoff, and prorated property taxes based on their county's method.
No. With Beth Rose there's no seller commission, the buyer pays the premium, and the seller covers only advertising. Add the months of carrying costs auction saves, and sellers typically keep more of their sale price.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Costs vary by property, county, and contract. Ask us for a written estimate of your net proceeds, and talk with your tax advisor about your situation.