As with other businesses, the real estate industry is constantly changing as the economy fluctuates and new trends develop.

One of those trends gaining more momentum is the auctioning of homes where willing buyers and sellers gather together in a public "live auction" forum. On April 16, Ventura County residents will have the opportunity to experience such a forum when the REDC, Real Estate Disposition Corporation, makes a stop at the Ventura County Fairgrounds during its 11 day state-wide auction tour.

Some 40 homes will be auctioned off during the visit by REDC, creating an opportunity for Ventura County residents to make an investment in slashed home prices. It all sounds good, right? It can, but how does an individual know how to go about bidding on auctioned homes without significant risk?

That's where The Home Auction & Realty Group comes into the picture. A unique Ventura County company that specializes in auctioned homes, the business can educate individuals on how to purchase an auctioned home. "We teach people how to go about purchasing an auctioned home instead of walking in blind and running into trouble," said Debbie Eastman, associate with the Home Auction & Realty Group. "We can teach potential buyers how to bid, what to look for and how to prepare for a potential sale."

Founded on auction theory, research and practice, the firm employs the latest marketing techniques designed to result in the prompt sale and closing of real estate. Company representatives meet with potential buyers, help establish guidelines, explain the difference between purchasing an investment property versus a residential property, help review reports and more.

"We can actually help a potential buyer bid on a property, assist with the paperwork and basically act as a home auction coach," according to Chris Nelson, another associate. "There is no financial investment for the potential buyer for our services and we receive our compensation only when we help a buyer successfully close a sale."

In addition to year-round home auctioning, The Home Auction & Realty Group also provides the traditional listing and selling of homes with all of the expected services offered by a conventional full-service real estate brokerage.

"In today's real estate market, home auctioning is one very viable consideration for sellers to consider," Nelson said. "Not all homes lend themselves to the auction process, but we are versed in helping sellers in determining which option will be the most effective for their unique home and situation. Home auctioning can sometimes carry inaccurate perceptions and sometimes is viewed as a foreclosure, which it is not often the case," he said. "Although it's more prevalent on the East Coast, it's still a rather new concept for West Coast sellers, but it's a great way to move property in today's market."

National statistics show that for the fourth consecutive year, auction industry sales have grown significantly from $195.3 billion in 2002 to $257.2 billion in 2006. If trends continue throughout 2007, it is projected the live auction industry revenues will reach $264.8 billion. The fastest growing auction specialties are all related to real estate.

For more information, call Home Auction & Realty Group at SELL-NOW. (735-5669).