The process involves acquiring property through a public sale where potential buyers bid against each other, with the property going to the highest bidder. An example of this process would be a foreclosed home being offered to the public, with interested parties competing to purchase it.
This method of property acquisition can offer opportunities to purchase properties at below-market value, although it also carries inherent risks. Historically, auctions have served as a mechanism for quickly liquidating assets, including real estate, often arising from situations such as foreclosures, tax defaults, or estate settlements.