Braden McCurdy on the Power of Auctions | Fast, Fair & Profitable

Why wait weeks or months to sell a property when an auction can close the deal in days? With speed, competition, and maximum value at the forefront, auctions are becoming the preferred method for real estate transactions. Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM , CEO of McCurdy Real Estate & Auction in Wichita, Kansas, shares his insights on why more buyers and sellers are embracing auctions as a smarter, more efficient way to navigate today’s real estate market.

Selling Your Property on Auction?

More sellers are beginning to recognize the advantages of auctions, moving away from the misconception that they are a last resort.

“Sellers are realizing the power of the gavel and that it is a cleaner, simpler, faster, better process,” Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM explained.

Unlike private treaty sales, auctions create a competitive environment where buyers actively bid against each other, often driving prices higher than expected.

When supply is low and demand is high, auctions provide an optimal selling strategy.

“You have an abundance of demand, and the buyers are there, ready, willing, and able to buy. They just can't find product. Perfect scenario for an auction. Let these buyers duke it out,” Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM stated.

The process ensures that properties sell at true market value, with buyers setting the price rather than predetermined listings that may not reflect current demand.

Buying Your Property on Auction?

For buyers, auctions present an equitable way to acquire property. Unlike private sales, where negotiations can be opaque and subjective, auctions provide an open, level playing field.

“It's an open, public, transparent level playing field process where buyers can control their destiny,” said Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM .

In a market where properties often receive multiple offers, an auction removes the uncertainty of private negotiations. Bidders see the competition in real time, allowing them to make informed decisions without hidden agendas or backdoor dealings.

How Is Technology Changing Auctions?

The rise of technology has further streamlined the auction process, making it more accessible than ever.

“Buyers expect to be able to pull out their phone and bid from anywhere, any time, at their convenience,” Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM emphasized.

With online bidding platforms, auctions have become borderless, allowing buyers from different locations to participate without needing to be physically present.

McCurdy Real Estate & Auction has embraced digital innovation, investing heavily in tech solutions that enhance the auction experience.

“We maintain full-time programmers on staff. If we can dream it, we can build it,” he shared.

This commitment to technology has allowed Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM ’s team to manage 600 auctions per year, providing a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers.

A Growing Market Trend

While auctions have long been a staple in commercial and distressed property sales, they are now gaining traction in the residential sector.

“When I got out of college, only 1.5% of real estate sales were done by auction in our area. Today, we’ve moved that number to 7.3%,” Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM revealed.

The shift reflects a broader acceptance of auctions as a viable first-choice selling method rather than a backup plan.

In the United States, different states exhibit varying levels of auction adoption. Some, like Ohio, have a robust auction market, while others are just beginning to see its potential. The key to increasing auction adoption lies in education and marketing.

“We’ve been focused on moving that needle and growing auction as a first-choice solution rather than sometimes a misperception about it being perhaps a last resort,” Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM said.

What’s Next for Real Estate Auctions?

As the real estate industry evolves, auctions will likely continue to grow in popularity, particularly as technology enhances the experience. From AI-driven pricing strategies to predictive analytics for market trends, innovation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of property auctions.

For more insights, watch the full conversation with Braden McCurdy, CAI, AARE, AMM on The Corner Office Podcast.