Concierge Auctions is an auction company that specializes in luxury properties, including one-of-a-kind homes, waterfront properties, and homes on acreage. Company stakeholders include Sotheby’s — the oldest real estate auction house in the world — and Anywhere Real Estate — the nation’s largest agent network.
The company may be the right fit if you need to sell a high-end property quickly, since you can sell in as few as 60 days. It may also be a good option for buyers wanting to purchase a luxury property from a highly established brand. However, the company charges buyer fees of 12% or higher.
Concierge Auctions accepts only 5% of homes submitted for auction. If you're home doesn't get accepted, consider selling with a luxury agent on the open market. And don't assume you have to pay a high fee for that expertise.
Some agents who sell homes over $1 million charge just 1.5% instead of the usual 3% listing fee, leading to substantial savings. On a $3 million sale, you'd save $45,000. If you're interested in this option, answer 5 short questions to get matched with lower-cost luxury agents near you.
Concierge Auctions at a glance
| ⭐ Customer rating | 4.9/5 (139 reviews) |
| 💲 Offer range | Well above average compared to other auction sites. |
| 🤝 How it works | Sell luxury properties in 60 days through the Concierge Auction online platform or sell by auction at a live event. |
| 💵 Fees and other costs | Sellers pay 5–6% in broker’s commissions and all fees associated with their diligence package. Buyers who are US residents pay 12% to cover auction fees. Non-residents pay 15%. |
| 🚦 Purchase criteria | One-of-a-kind luxury homes Waterfront properties Exclusive homes on significant acreage. Concierge Auctions accepts only 5% of auction applications.[1] |
| 🌎 Availability | Global. Previous auctions have occurred in 46 US states and 35 countries. |
Concierge Auctions pros and cons
✅ Pros
- Work with the world’s largest luxury auction house
- Connect with a preferred selling agent, if needed
- Sell in as few as 60 days
- Sell as is, with no need for repairs
- Skip MLS listings and showings
Working with Concierge Auctions is a good fit for luxury property owners seeking to sell their properties through an exclusive platform. The auction house specializes in high-ticket homes, averaging over $7 million per sale.
Sellers don’t need to pay any fees to the auction company itself. Concierge Auctions deducts all auction fees from the buyer’s premium.
❌ Cons
- Sellers must hire an agent and pay standard commission rates
- Buyers pay 12% or 15% to Concierge Auctions
- The company rejects 95% of auction applications
- Past lawsuits may hinder some buyers’ interest
Concierge Auctions’ exclusivity may make it challenging for most homeowners to access the platform. Since it focuses on ultra-high-value properties and only accepts 5% of auction applicants, the chances of working with the company are slim.
In 2014, the auction company faced its first of multiple allegations that it had used false bids to inflate prices during auctions.[2] While the courts ruled in favor of Conceirge Auctions, some buyers may be wary of attending auctions held by the company.
Top Concierge Auctions alternatives
For those looking to maximize their profit and maintain control over the sales process, listing on the open market with a luxury real estate agent can be a compelling alternative.
Agents who are experienced in the high-end market can craft a customized strategy, leverage their professional networks, and create tailored marketing plans to attract qualified buyers.
One of the main advantages of working with a luxury real estate agent over Concierge Auctions is the ability to negotiate directly with buyers. With Concierge, the auction process is quick but leaves little room for negotiation, as bids are final. On the open market, a skilled agent can help you field multiple offers, negotiate favorable terms, and potentially secure a higher sale price.
Clever Real Estate and Redfin are two options for connecting with agents who specialize in high-value properties and for saving on realtor fees.
Clever is a free service that matches you with top realtors in your area who have experience selling homes over $1 million. The company also negotiates a low 1.5% listing fee with its agents — half the standard 3%. On a $2 million home, you'd save $30,000. Clever provides both value and expertise, ensuring your high-end property is marketed effectively and sold for top dollar.
Redfin offers a service called Redfin Premier, designed for sellers with unique or luxury properties. Like Clever, Redfin connects you to agents and charges a 1.5% listing fee. However, availability of Premier agents may be limited depending on your location, potentially affecting your experience if a top-tier agent is not available in your market.
» Connect with vetted luxury agents who offer low commission rates.
Concierge Auctions reviews: What customers say
| Review site | Rating |
|---|---|
| Zillow | 4.9/5 (139) |
Concierge Auctions currently has limited customer reviews on third-party sites, since it operates in such an exclusive and niche market. However, the company has a solid track record on Zillow, with a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 139 reviews. It also has many testimonials on its website.
On average, customers are highly likely to recommend the auction company, citing the team’s professionalism and the speed of sales. Testimonials praise the company for its global exposure and discerning selection process.
Negative reviews stem from customers who lost money during the auction process or felt that the fees were too high.
What customers love
- Global exposure for high-end properties
- Quick selling process
- Clear communication
Common Concierge Auctions complaint
- High costs for buyers
✅ Global exposure for high-end properties
Sellers with Concierge Auctions praise its market reach for interested buyers. Since the company deals in one-of-a-kind homes, a global reach is paramount.
“We are pleased to have partnered with Concierge Auctions on the sale of this incredible property. When it comes to global exposure, they are the best at reaching far and wide and garnering worldwide attention, which ultimately led to an active auction with competitive bidding between 6 bidders. We would definitely work with Concierge again.”
— Peter S., Concierge Auctions Testimonials
✅ Quick selling process
Selling a luxury home on the open market can take significantly longer than selling a typical property, depending on market fluctuations. Conceirge Auctions bypasses the potential waiting with auctions closing in as few as 60 days.
“By hiring both expert international brokers and the leading luxury real estate auction marketplace in the world, the teams were able to collaborate, execute, and achieve an outcome that has previously taken years to accomplish, all in just six weeks.”
— Lawrence P., Concierge Auctions Testimonials
✅ Clear communication
Many customers commend the Concierge Auctions team for its clear and effective communication during the selling process. Sellers feel that this communication and positive energy make the process easier.
“The Concierge team is very professional, they transmit very positive energy, they communicated very clearly, and were open to team building. They knew how to target the market and successfully sold Casa Magica.”
— Bill H., Concierge Auctions Testimonials
❌ High costs for buyers
Some customers, as well as agents, believe that the auction house charges buyers too much. With a 12% or 15% fee charged directly to buyers (plus potential realtor fees), choosing to buy through Concierge Auctions comes with a significant price tag.
“They will for sure work extremely hard in a few cases, as they can get a huge chunk of the proceeds. But the extremely high commission regardless [of] the auction proceeds was just a violation of customer trust.”
— J.H., Feb. 28, 2024, Zillow
How Concierge Auctions works
Concierge Auctions sells high-end properties for exclusive sellers globally. The company is recognized for offering an exceptional selling experience and a discerning approach.
Selling with Concierge Auctions
Step 1: Complete the property evaluation form on the company website. Filling out the form doesn't qualify you to go to auction, as only 5% of applications are accepted.[1]
Step 2: If accepted, the Concierge Auctions team will work with you to set an auction date and craft a marketing campaign for your property. Each campaign includes:
- Asset creation, such as photos, videos, and a 3D walk-through
- A PR campaign with coverage in national and global publications
- Digital advertising on social media, display ads, and retargeting campaigns
- On-site print collateral and email marketing
Step 3: As the campaign launches, the Concierge team will list your property on its digital marketplace. This step also includes access to the company’s proprietary campaign dashboard.
Step 4: Concierge Auctions reaches out to potential bidders and brokerages who are part of its Private Client Group.
Step 5: Go to auction through either a live, in-person event, an online auction, or a hybrid event.
Step 6: Close on your home through a real estate agent or legal representative of your choosing. Since Concierge Auctions is only an auction house, it facilitates the auction but does not handle the closing process.
Buying with Concierge Auctions
Step 1: To bid on a Concierge Auctions property, you must agree to the Bidder Terms & Conditions and fill out the Starting Bid & Agent Registration Form. You must also provide a photo ID.
Step 2: Provide proof of funds to the auction company within 30 days of the auction. Proof of funds indicates that you have enough liquid capital to make a non-contingent offer on the property if you win.
Step 3: Put down a bidder’s deposit of $100,000 on the day of the auction. This deposit will be applied toward your purchase if you are the winner. Otherwise, the company returns it within three business days.
Step 4: Bid on your chosen property. If you win, you will close on the home and pay the buyer’s premium to Concierge Auctions. You don’t need a buyer's agent to represent you, but the company recommends it to facilitate a smooth buying process.
Concierge Auctions fees and other costs
| For sellers | 5–6% realtor commission + legal fees |
| For buyers | 12% buyer’s premium for US residents, 15% for non-residents |
Selling through Concierge Auctions typically comes with real estate commissions for the buyer's agent and the seller's agent, usually 5–6% total.
Sellers often require legal counsel to ensure the protection of a high-value sale, and the legal fees associated with this service vary by real estate attorney.
Buying through Concierge Auctions requires buyers to pay a buyer’s premium. This fee is 12% for US residents and 15% for non-residents.
What happens if a bidder defaults on the winning bid?
Due to the intense vetting process, it’s rare for bidders to default after winning an auction.
But if a buyer defaults after winning the auction, they forfeit their $100,000 deposit (which is split between Concierge Auctions and the seller) and are responsible for paying 12% or 15% of the winning bid.[3]
What kinds of properties are eligible?
Concierge Auctions has a rigorous vetting process that varies depending on the nature of the property. While the company does not disclose exact criteria online, homes at auction are:
- Worth $1 million or higher
- One-of-a-kind homes
- Waterfront properties
- Homes with significant acreage
The best way to determine if your home is eligible to sell through Concierge Auctions is to contact its team directly. Only 5% of applicants are accepted.
Concierge Auctions news
In April 2025, Concierge Auctions set a sale record of $7.294 million in 31 days of marketing at DC Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.[4]
In March 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported on a lawsuit filed against Concierge Auctions, in which plaintiffs accused the company of using false bidding to inflate prices.[2]
Is Concierge Auctions a legit company?
Yes, Concierge Auctions is a legitimate real estate auction company that specializes in ultra-luxury properties. It was founded in 2004 by Chad Roffers and Laura Brady, who still run the company.[5]
Concierge Auctions is now part-owned by Sotheby’s and Anywhere Real Estate.
It has also received recognition from:[6]
- The Telly Awards
- Inc. 5000
- The Entrepreneur 360 List
Concierge Auctions makes money by charging a buyer’s premium on the highest bid for all of the auctions it handles.
Concierge Auctions locations
Concierge Auctions is a global company and has sold properties in 46 US states and 35 countries.
Bottom line: Is Concierge Auctions right for you?
Concierge Auctions has strict selling requirements and only lists a select number of homes each year. If you have an ultra-luxury property worth over $1 million, this auction house may work for you.
However, you may make more money if you sell with a luxury real estate agent on the open market, especially if you're under no pressure to sell quickly.
If you're curious about your options for selling a high-end home, you may want to consider using a luxury agent who charges less commission.
For example, Clever Real Estate can help you connect with full-service, luxury agents who charge a 1.5% listing fee instead of the typical 3%. On a $1 million home, that saves you $15,000. You'll still get an experienced agent and high-quality service — but for half the usual rate.
