Our Terms and Bidding Rules

1. Bidder Eligibility & Registration  

• All bidders must register on the site and be approved (status: Approved).
• Provide accurate information; false details may result in denial or removal.
• Use a unique Bidder Nickname for privacy during bidding (set via EZbid Form).
• No multiple accounts; one bidder per household/entity.

2. Bidding Process

• Minimum initial bid: $1,000 (or as set by seller).
• Bid increments: $500 minimum (or as specified).
• Bids visible to all with nicknames only (transparent).
• Timed extensions: If bid placed in last [X] minutes, clock extends [X] minutes.
• No autobid or sealed bids unless seller adds.

3. Non-Binding Offers

• Highest bid does not create a contract.
• High bidder notified via site/email; must submit written offer (standard FL contract form) within 24–48 hours.
• Seller may accept, counter, or reject.
• No obligation until agreement signed and earnest money deposited with title company.

4. Open House / Viewing

• Scheduled only if sufficient qualified interest (typically 15–25 pre-registrants).
• Virtual tour provided for distant or busy buyers.
• Limited to 1–2 days for minimal disruption.

5: PROPERTY VIEWING, DIGITAL TOURS, AND BIDDING METHODOLOGIES

To accommodate both local residents and out-of-town buyers, every property listing must establish clear viewing guidelines alongside the Seller's designated bidding structure.

 

5.1. LOCAL OPEN HOUSE VIEWINGS

The property will be opened to the public for a condensed, highly coordinated weekend open-house window (typically Saturday and Sunday). This compressed timeline generates focused market activity and allows serious local buyers to view the asset simultaneously.

 

5.2. DIGITAL VIDEO TOURS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN BIDDERS (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Recognizing the high volume of out-of-state, seasonal, and remote purchasers in the Southwest Florida market, it is strongly recommended that the Listing Party provide a high-definition video walkthrough tour or interactive digital showcase of the property. While not strictly mandatory, including a video asset should be heavily considered; it allows potential buyers who are physically unable to attend the local weekend open house to thoroughly view the property online and confidently participate in the bidding process.

 

5.3. SELLER'S CHOSEN BIDDING METHOD

The Listing Party (Seller/Landlord) retains the absolute and exclusive right to designate one of three approved bidding methods for their specific round-robin event. Bidders must check the individual property’s "Fact Sheet" to determine which method is active before participating.

 

* METHOD 1: AUTOMATED ONLINE SYSTEM (PLATFORM PREFERRED)

  All bids are submitted digitally and directly on the property’s auction page using the live EZbid.online countdown engine. Bidding is 100% automated. All active bids, timestamps, and bidding IDs are publicly visible in real-time. Any bid placed within the final minutes automatically triggers the anti-snipe clock extension.

 

* METHOD 2: WRITTEN CONFIRMATION VIA EMAIL OR SMS TEXT

  Bidders submit their offers by sending a direct text message or email containing their Bidding ID and bid amount to the designated Transaction Coordinator. The Platform instantly logs the text/email timestamp. The Transaction Coordinator will manually update the property’s live bid ledger on the website to display the new high offer, providing a permanent, immutable written paper trail for all parties.

 

* METHOD 3: TRADITIONAL TELEPHONE ROUND-ROBIN (THE EFFROS METHOD)

  The online countdown clock serves as a hard deadline for initial bidder registration. Following the close of the viewing period, the Seller or their Broker conducts a live, telephonic round-robin sequence. Registered bidders are called individually over the phone in order of their initial registration. Bidders are informed of the current high bid and given the opportunity to increase their offer or drop out. This phone log serves as the official transaction ledger until a single, highest bidder remains.