Question 1

Overview

Accepted Answer

Marketplace Auctions allow qualified bidders to compete for commercial real estate assets in a transparent, real-time environment. Bidding opens two days before the scheduled auction date, and only approved bidders who have completed registration and proof of funds may participate. When bidding closes, the high bid is reviewed against the seller's reserve and transaction terms before moving into contract execution and closing.

Question 2

When does bidding open and close?

Accepted Answer

Bidding opens two days prior to the scheduled auction date and runs through the listed auction close time. Each asset follows a defined timeline, so buyers know exactly when bidding begins and ends.

Question 3

What is required to participate in an auction?

Accepted Answer

Buyers must complete registration, including bidder, entity, and contact information along with proof of funds. Only qualified bidders approved by the Marketplace team may participate in the auction.

Question 4

What happens after an auction ends?

Accepted Answer

Once bidding closes, the high bid is reviewed against the seller's reserve and transaction terms. If accepted, the winning bidder is notified and the transaction moves immediately into contract execution, earnest money deposit collection, and closing coordination.

Question 5

Who do I contact for support?

Accepted Answer

For questions about a specific asset or auction, including assistance with registration and bidding, please reach out to the dedicated deal team listed on the property page. For general inquiries, contact (800) 915-7015.

Question 6

What is the Platform Fee?

Accepted Answer

A Platform Fee of 5% of the purchase price or $25,000, whichever is greater, applies to all transactions unless otherwise stated on the asset page. The fee is in addition to the final purchase price, due at closing, and is non-negotiable.

Question 7

What does "Sold Subject To" mean?

Accepted Answer

"Sold Subject To" means the auction has ended and a high bidder has been identified, but the transaction remains subject to final seller approval or completion of post-auction requirements before becoming fully executed.

Question 8

Overview

Accepted Answer

Marketplace Listings are traditional, non-auction sale listings available to registered brokers at no cost. Create a listing through our step-by-step asset creation tool and reach qualified investors nationwide. Listings are visible for 90 days with the option to extend or remove at any time.

Question 9

Getting Started

Accepted Answer

To create a listing, navigate to your Broker Dashboard, select the Listings tab, and click New Listing. You will be guided through a step-by-step wizard to set up your asset, upload photos, and configure your listing preferences.

Question 10

National Exposure

Accepted Answer

Your listing is marketed to thousands of registered investors across all commercial real estate asset classes.

Question 11

Due Diligence Vaults

Accepted Answer

Securely share due diligence materials with prospective buyers behind electronic confidentiality agreements.

Question 12

Marketing Analytics

Accepted Answer

Track listing performance in real-time including page views, unique visitors, and signed confidentiality agreements.

Question 13

Offer Management

Accepted Answer

Receive, review, and respond to offers on your own timetable with full control over the process.

Question 14

What is the Commercial Market Index (CMI)?

Accepted Answer

The CMI is a proprietary scoring system that evaluates commercial real estate markets across the United States. It assesses population, employment, income, environmental, and property performance metrics to provide a comparative score for each Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), helping users identify trends, opportunities, and risks.

Question 15

What are Sales Comps?

Accepted Answer

Sales comps are transactions of similar properties with comparable characteristics and location to your subject property. Insights surfaces verified comps sourced from Moody's so you can estimate market value, compare location, size, condition, and amenities, and support underwriting decisions.

Question 16

What market data is included in Insights?

Accepted Answer

Insights combines the Commercial Market Index, millions of verified sales comps, market economics data, and climate and environmental risk factors. Together, these tools help you evaluate opportunities, understand target markets, and assess property-level risk across all 384 U.S. MSAs.

Question 17

How can I use Insights during underwriting?

Accepted Answer

Use Insights to compare MSAs and asset types, review historical CMI trends, analyze sales comps for a subject property, and evaluate local market fundamentals such as employment, income, and population growth. Many teams use Insights to accelerate due diligence and improve market context before bidding, lending, or acquiring.

Question 18

Where does Insights data come from?

Accepted Answer

Insights draws from trusted third-party and public data sources, including Moody's for sales comps, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, NOAA, First Street for climate risk, and other market and property datasets used to power the Commercial Market Index and related research tools.

Question 19

Can I try Insights before subscribing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Marketplace Insights offers a 2-week, commitment-free trial with no credit card required. You can also request a demo to see how the platform supports underwriting, market research, and portfolio analysis.

Question 20

How do I access due diligence materials?

Accepted Answer

Due diligence materials are available directly on each asset page after signing the electronic confidentiality agreement. Buyers must create a Marketplace account to review and download documents prior to underwriting or bidding.

Question 21

What is required to register to bid?

Accepted Answer

Buyers must complete registration, including bidder, entity, and contact information along with proof of funds, such as bank statements, brokerage statements, or financing commitment letters. Registrations are typically reviewed within one business day.

Question 22

How does bidding work?

Accepted Answer

Approved bidders place bids directly through their buyer dashboard during the scheduled auction window. Each asset includes defined start and close times, along with predefined starting bids and bid increments that update in real time throughout the auction.

Question 23

What does "reserve price" mean?

Accepted Answer

A reserve price means the asset is subject to a confidential minimum threshold required for the transaction to move forward. If bidding does not meet the reserve, the high bid may not result in a completed sale. Not all assets have a reserve price.

Question 24

What happens if I win the auction?

Accepted Answer

You will be notified and our team will send the purchase agreement for signature via DocuSign after the auction concludes. Buyers are expected to execute the agreement within two hours and submit the earnest money deposit to move into closing.

Question 25

When is the earnest money deposit due?

Accepted Answer

The earnest money deposit (EMD) is due by 5:00 PM ET on the business day following the auction unless otherwise stated in the transaction documents. Wire instructions are provided with the purchase agreement.

Question 26

What happens if I don't complete the transaction?

Accepted Answer

Failure to complete the transaction may result in forfeiture of the earnest money deposit, legal action, and disqualification from future participation on the platform. All terms and remedies are outlined in the purchase agreement.

Question 27

Can I bid with financing?

Accepted Answer

Some assets may permit financing, while others may require all-cash purchases. If financing is permitted, the applicable terms will be outlined directly on the asset page and in the purchase agreement.

Question 28

Can I tour a property before bidding?

Accepted Answer

Many assets offer scheduled property tours prior to the auction. We encourage buyers to tour properties during the scheduled tour windows listed on the asset page and coordinate directly with the listing broker for access.

Question 29

Are there additional buyer fees?

Accepted Answer

A Platform Fee of 5% of the purchase price or $25,000, whichever is greater, applies to all transactions unless otherwise stated on the asset page. The fee is in addition to the final purchase price, due at closing, and non-negotiable.

Question 30

Can I submit an offer before the auction?

Accepted Answer

Some assets may allow pre-auction offers depending on the seller's instructions and transaction strategy. Buyers should contact the deal team listed on the asset page for asset-specific guidance.

Question 31

What is a reserve price and who sets it?

Accepted Answer

The reserve price is a confidential minimum threshold required for the transaction to move forward. Reserve pricing is established collaboratively between Marketplace and the seller and is not disclosed to buyers or brokers during the auction process.

Question 32

What types of buyers participate on Marketplace?

Accepted Answer

Marketplace attracts a broad range of qualified buyers, including private investors, owner-users, regional operators, institutional groups, and capital allocators actively pursuing commercial real estate opportunities.

Question 33

What happens after bidding closes?

Accepted Answer

Once bidding closes, the high bid is reviewed against the seller's reserve and transaction terms. If accepted, the Marketplace team coordinates contract execution, earnest money deposit collection, and closing.

Question 34

What does the leads list show me and how often does it update?

Accepted Answer

The leads list provides visibility into buyer activity, including signed confidentiality agreements, registrations, and engagement history. The dashboard updates in real time throughout the marketing and auction process.

Question 35

Should I be reaching out to leads directly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Brokers are encouraged to actively follow up with buyers throughout the auction process to drive engagement, answer questions, and encourage bidder participation ahead of the auction close.

Question 36

Once a buyer is approved to bid, what do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

Approved bidders should continue receiving broker follow-up leading up to the auction close. Brokers are encouraged to maintain engagement, confirm underwriting progress, and coordinate tours or diligence questions.

Question 37

Who handles buyer questions during the auction?

Accepted Answer

Buyer questions are typically handled collaboratively between the broker and Marketplace deal team. Asset-specific questions should generally be directed to the listing broker throughout the auction process.

Question 38

Do I need to send auction reminder emails to buyers?

Accepted Answer

Marketplace sends automated auction notifications tied to key moments such as bidding opening, reserve updates, and auction close reminders. Brokers can still follow up directly with priority buyers, but do not need to duplicate every platform notification.

Question 39

Do I need to run my own marketing alongside the platform?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Brokers are encouraged to continue marketing directly to their buyer relationships throughout the auction process. Marketplace marketing is designed to support and expand broker-driven outreach.

Question 40

When does marketing for my listing begin?

Accepted Answer

Marketing begins once the asset goes live on Marketplace and continues through the auction close. Campaign timing and strategy are tailored to the asset, target buyers, and auction schedule.

Question 41

How are reserve updates communicated during the auction?

Accepted Answer

Reserve status updates are communicated directly through the platform in real time when applicable. Marketplace also sends automated bidder notifications tied to key auction milestones and bidding activity.

Question 42

Can sellers monitor auction activity in real time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sellers and brokers have access to real-time reporting through the Marketplace dashboard, including bidder activity, signed confidentiality agreements, and auction participation.

Question 43

How do I qualify for a Cooperating Broker Fee?

Accepted Answer

Real estate brokers are permitted to register and use Marketplace provided that such real estate brokers shall be fully subject to and bound by these Terms. Proxy bidding is strictly prohibited.

Qualifying for a cooperating Broker fee may require Seller review and approval. Cooperating brokers seeking a cooperating broker fee are required to confirm in writing with the Seller's Broker as to whether this requirement is applicable to them and the asset they are seeking a fee on.

Certain assets sold on Marketplace may offer a commission for cooperating brokers. Only assets identified and specifically noted on the asset landing page as offering a cooperating broker fee will be eligible. To qualify, (i) the cooperating broker has registered on Marketplace as a broker, (ii) the cooperating broker is identified by the Bidder with whom it is associated and (iii) the Bidder represented by such cooperating broker actually purchases the Property, if Owner accepts the Bid from such Bidder. A cooperating broker may only be entitled to a commission if such broker meets the following conditions: (i) the broker agrees to these Terms and all other terms and conditions posted on the applicable Property Webpage(s); (ii) the broker is not a family member or an affiliate of the Bidder such broker represents; (iii) the broker is properly licensed in the state(s) in which the applicable Property or Properties is located; (iv) the broker is identified by the Bidder at the time that such Bidder registers on Marketplace; (v) closing occurs, including proceeds paid to seller and title passing. Should any of the conditions not be satisfied for any reason, cooperating broker shall not be entitled to any commission in connection with the transaction and hereby waives same against the Seller, Sellers' Broker, Marketplace, RealINSIGHT and CWFS-REDS, and their affiliates, officers, members, employees, owners, and shareholders in connection therewith.

Each Bidder/Buyer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold each of the Indemnitees, free and harmless from any claims of any broker(s), representative(s), employee(s), agent(s) or other intermediary(ies) claiming to have represented Owner, Buyer and/or Bidder, respectively, or otherwise to be entitled to compensation, including a cooperating broker fee, directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to the Purchase Agreement or the sale of the Property. This indemnity shall survive both the closing and any termination of the applicable Purchase Agreement.

Notice: These terms may be further subject to state specific requirements. The amount or rate of real estate broker compensation may not be fixed by law. It may be set by each broker individually and may be negotiable between you and the broker. The agreement is subject to general statutes prohibiting discrimination in commercial and residential real estate transactions.

Question 44

How are the reserve price and starting bid determined?

Accepted Answer

Reserve pricing and starting bids are established collaboratively based on the asset, market conditions, and seller objectives. Starting bids are structured below reserve to encourage early bidding activity.

Question 45

What happens if the reserve is not met?

Accepted Answer

If bidding does not meet the reserve price, the seller is not obligated to complete the transaction. Sellers maintain control over next steps, including negotiations or adjustments to the sale strategy.

Question 46

Can I accept or reject bids?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sellers maintain final approval rights over bid acceptance in accordance with the reserve price and agreed transaction terms. Not all high bids automatically result in a completed sale.

Question 47

What materials do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

Sellers are asked to provide key property information, financials, leases, and supporting due diligence materials. Early preparation helps buyers underwrite efficiently and supports stronger auction participation.

Question 48

Are third-party reports required?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the asset and transaction strategy, reports such as PCA or Phase I may be recommended prior to launch. Marketplace coordinates report collection and posting as part of the diligence process.

Question 49

How do I track buyer activity?

Accepted Answer

Sellers have access to a dashboard showing views, signed confidentiality agreements, registered bidders, and bidding activity. Reporting updates in real time throughout the marketing and auction process.

Question 50

What happens during the auction?

Accepted Answer

Bidding takes place in a structured auction window with real-time activity tracked through the platform. Marketplace coordinates bidder communication, auction monitoring, and transaction execution throughout the process.

Question 51

What happens after bidding closes?

Accepted Answer

Once bidding closes, the high bid is reviewed against the reserve price and transaction terms. If accepted, the Marketplace team coordinates contract execution, earnest money deposit collection, and closing.

Question 52

What fees are associated with selling?

Accepted Answer

Seller fees vary depending on the transaction structure and are outlined upfront as part of the engagement. Any applicable marketing, platform, or reimbursement terms are addressed prior to launch.

Question 53

When does marketing for my listing begin?

Accepted Answer

Marketing begins once the asset goes live on Marketplace and continues through the auction close. Campaign timing and strategy are tailored to the asset, target buyers, and transaction objectives.

Question 54

How involved will I be during the auction process?

Accepted Answer

Marketplace coordinates weekly update calls with the seller and broker teams as the auction approaches. These meetings review buyer activity, bidder engagement, market feedback, and auction strategy leading up to the close.

FAQ

Overview

Getting Started

National Exposure

Due Diligence Vaults

Marketing Analytics

Offer Management