Seller step by step
From first conversation to closing day
Here is how a BidYourself.com event runs for a seller, one step at a time. Will Cupp is with you through every one of them.
The seller process
Twelve steps, no surprises
Every property is a little different, so details like the bidding period and buyer terms are set for each one. The overall path looks like this.
01
Consultation
You and Will talk about the property, your timeline, and what you want to happen. Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, or anywhere in Sevier County.
Bring what you know about the property: anything you’ve updated, what’s working, what isn’t. Will tells you honestly whether he thinks an event fits.
02
Decide if it fits
Together you decide whether a BidYourself.com event makes sense: a new launch, a stale or expiring listing, an alternative to a price reduction, luxury, land, an estate, or builder inventory.
If it doesn’t fit, a traditional listing may be the better path, and Will will say so.
03
Set the three numbers
You and Will set the estimate, the starting bid, and the reserve. They are separate numbers, and the reserve is yours to approve.
This is a seller-approved reserve auction, never an absolute auction. Your property is not sold below the reserve you approve.
04
Paperwork
You sign the listing agreement with Realty Executives Associates and the seller authorization and reserve auction disclosure for the event.
Terms for the buyer, such as the buyer’s premium, earnest money (10%), and closing timeline, are confirmed for your property and shown to bidders.
05
Get on the market fast
The property goes into the MLS as Coming Soon quickly so the attention starts building early.
Photos lead with the front exterior. Big, clear photos help a property stand out online.
06
Build the event
The property is set up on HiBid with its bidding period, countdown, photos, and terms, and the MLS listing notes that buyers must register to bid online.
The MLS remarks also say the seller may accept an offer at any time, all offers will be presented, and buyer agents are welcome.
07
Launch the marketing
Traffic comes from the MLS, HiBid, real estate portals, social media, signs, and outreach.
Every registration, inquiry, and agent contact is captured so it can be followed up with.
08
Showings and tours
Buyers and their agents tour the property before they bid.
Showings are scheduled by calling or texting Will at (865) 654-9807.
09
Bidding period
Buyers register, get approved, and bid on HiBid. You receive calm, factual updates along the way.
Registration is separate from financial qualification. Bidders show proof of funds or a loan preapproval as required for the property. A soft close extends the clock when late bids arrive, so nobody wins by a last-second snipe.
10
Offers and decision
All offers are presented to you, during the event and at the end. You may accept an offer at any time.
If the bidding reaches your reserve, you move toward a contract with the winning bidder. If it doesn’t, you decide what’s next.
11
Contract to closing
The winning buyer signs, pays 10% earnest money under the property’s terms, and the sale closes through a title company like any other Tennessee real estate sale.
A 30-day close is common, but the closing timeline is set per property.
12
If it doesn’t sell
Traditional marketing continues on the MLS, and the buyer contacts from the event are still there.
An extension or a second event may also make sense. Those are strategy decisions, never a sign of failure.
You approve the reserve
Nothing sells below a number you haven’t agreed to.
You can accept anytime
All offers are presented. You decide when the right one has arrived.
You keep the momentum
If it doesn’t sell, traditional marketing continues with every new contact still in hand.
Ready for step one?
Start with a conversation
Tell Will a little about your property and your timeline. He’ll let you know honestly whether a BidYourself.com event is a fit.
Sevierville · Pigeon Forge · Gatlinburg · Wears Valley
Watch the bidding. Know where you stand. Decide for yourself if and when you want to bid again.
Selling a home, cabin, or land in Sevier County, or looking for one? Talk with Will Cupp about whether a BidYourself.com event fits.
Email: will@bidyourself.com
