How to Network with Other Buyers at Real Estate Auctions

24 June 2025

Real estate auctions can be fast-paced, competitive, and, at times, intimidating. Everyone's there with the same goal—snagging a great property at the best possible price. But here's a little secret—your biggest competition might also be your greatest resource.

Networking with other buyers at real estate auctions is an underrated strategy that can help you gain insider knowledge, create valuable partnerships, and even avoid costly bidding wars. So, how do you connect with fellow buyers without giving away too much? Let's break it down.

Why Networking at Auctions Matters

Sure, an auction is a competition. But real estate isn't just about beating the person next to you—it's about building relationships that can benefit you in the long run.

- Access to Insider Information – Other buyers may have insights about properties, upcoming auctions, or hidden gem locations.
- Potential Partnerships – You might find someone who complements your investment style, leading to joint ventures.
- Reducing Unnecessary Bidding Wars – Friendly conversations sometimes help you avoid bidding against each other and driving up prices.
- Expanding Your Investment Circle – The more people you know in real estate, the more opportunities land in your lap.

Now, let's talk about how to network effectively at auctions.

1. Arrive Early & Observe the Crowd

Most people rush in right before the auction starts—but not you. Arriving early gives you a chance to scope out the room and identify potential connections.

- Look for investors who seem experienced – These are the ones who move with confidence and chat with others easily.
- Identify newcomers – They might be open to networking since they're just starting out.
- Watch who talks to the auctioneer or staff – These individuals may have insider knowledge or connections.

By simply observing, you can identify who’s worth approaching and who might not be interested in chatting.

2. Start Conversations Naturally

Nobody wants to feel like they’re being “pitched” at an auction. Instead of diving straight into business talk, keep things light and natural.

- Comment on the property lineup – "Wow, that fixer-upper on Maple Street seems like a solid investment, don’t you think?"
- Ask about their auction experience – "Have you been to a lot of these? Seems like you know your way around!"
- Share insights – "I heard that foreclosure on Oak Street has a title issue—what do you think?"

People love discussing real estate, so give them a chance to talk. The more genuine you are, the better connections you'll form.

3. Find Common Ground

Once you’ve initiated a conversation, dig a little deeper to find mutual interests. Are they focused on flips, rentals, or commercial properties? Do they prefer bank-owned properties or distressed sales?

Finding common ground helps determine if this is just a casual chat or someone you could potentially work with in the future. If you both focus on rental properties in the same area, you might benefit from sharing leads or even partnering on deals.

4. Exchange Contact Information (Without Being Pushy)

Not every conversation needs to end with, “Hey, let’s exchange numbers!” However, if there’s a natural connection, don’t let it slip away.

A simple, “I’d love to stay in touch—do you use LinkedIn or Instagram for real estate?” can work better than asking for a phone number right away. Business cards are still useful too, especially in real estate circles. Keep a few on hand just in case.

5. Join Post-Auction Conversations

The auction itself can be intense, but after it’s over, many attendees stick around to discuss how things played out. This is a golden opportunity to make connections.

- Congratulate winners on their purchases – "That duplex you won looks like a great deal—mind if I ask what your plans are for it?"
- Discuss surprising outcomes – "I can’t believe that fixer-upper went for that high—did you expect that?"
- Mention future auctions – "There’s another auction next week downtown—are you planning to check it out?"

These post-auction conversations can turn into long-term relationships with fellow investors.

6. Join Local Real Estate Investment Groups

Many investors who attend auctions are also part of local investor meetups, Facebook groups, or real estate associations. Ask around and see where people discuss deals outside of auctions.

Being active in these groups before and after auctions keeps you at the forefront of opportunities. Investors often share off-market deals, contractor recommendations, and insights that can help you grow.

7. Be Transparent (But Not Too Transparent)

Networking doesn’t mean giving away all your secrets. You want to build relationships, but you don’t need to reveal everything about your strategy, finances, or future moves.

- Share general insights – "I’m mostly looking for multi-family units in this area."
- Avoid oversharing your budget – If people know exactly how much you’re willing to spend, they may outbid you strategically.
- Keep an eye on who’s genuinely networking vs. just fishing for info – Some buyers may just be trying to gain a competitive advantage.

8. Follow Up and Stay Connected

Meeting someone at an auction is great, but real networking happens in the follow-up.

- Send a quick message – “Hey [Name], great chatting at the auction today. Let’s stay in touch about upcoming deals!”
- Share relevant information – If you come across a deal that isn’t for you but might interest them, shoot them a quick message.
- Meet for coffee or lunch – If you really hit it off with another investor, schedule a time to discuss potential collaborations.

Relationships in real estate are built over time. The more you follow up, the more likely it is that an auction acquaintance turns into a valuable connection or partner.

9. Know When to Walk Away

Not every conversation at an auction is worth pursuing. Some people are overly secretive, aggressive, or simply not a good fit for your networking goals.

If a conversation feels forced or like the other person is just trying to extract information, don’t waste your time. Move on and focus on building relationships that feel mutually beneficial.

10. Consider Forming Joint Ventures

As you network more at auctions, you may come across someone whose skill set complements yours. Maybe they have deep pockets but lack the time to manage flips, while you have the experience but need capital.

Joint ventures (JVs) can be powerful in real estate. Partnering with an auction buyer who aligns with your investment goals can open the door to bigger, better deals. Of course, always do your due diligence before entering any formal agreements.

Final Thoughts

Real estate auctions aren’t just about buying properties—they’re also about building connections that can accelerate your investment journey. By approaching auctions with a networking mindset, you’ll not only gain insider insights but also form relationships that can lead to future deals.

So, the next time you step into an auction room, don’t just focus on bidding. Start conversations, find common interests, and lay the foundation for long-term success in real estate. Who knows? Your next big deal might come from a conversation you have at an auction.