Servicers and homebuyers benefit from a full-service auction partner

As the second quarter of 2025 came to a close, we saw a slight decrease in delinquencies, sitting at 3.93 percent. Data is also showing a 5.8 percent rise in foreclosures, totaling 187,659 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings. With this comes the need for a more focused, holistic and transparent approach to auctions for servicers. With the help of tech-enabled auction companies, a more transparent process is available. With a lot to take into consideration, it is important to find a partner who can cover you in all areas of the process.

Here are 5 benefits a full-service auction partner provides:

1. Helps you scale with increased demand

According to the ServiceLink 2025 State of Homebuying Report, 50 percent of respondents would consider buying at auction, down slightly overall from 2024, but still relatively high as in 2022 only 30 percent of respondents showed willingness to buy at auction, and in 2023, 40 percent of respondents showed willingness to buy. Data also found men have shown a greater interest in buying at auction at 59 percent, where women are at 41 percent. Of those respondents’ reasons given for considering auction, their main drivers are cost savings, being able to bid on a home remotely and a faster homebuying process. The Gen Z and millennial populations remain the most willing to buy at auction – followed by Gen X. This is telling of a trend that is taking on momentum. For servicers, as a result of this growing audience of first-time buyers focused on auction sales, having a full-service, integrated and connected auction partner with an array of different solutions is critical to keep the experience as fast and effortless as possible.

2. Simplifies issue mitigation

There are many different steps and items to keep track of when a property goes into default. To alleviate some of that stress, finding a partner that can help manage it is key. ServiceLink’s nationwide asset marketing and auction services, along with portfolio analytics, move auction assets quickly from foreclosure through 2nd Chance or REO into streamlined closing. With best-in-class services to help drive cost savings and efficiency, we offer foreclosure, 2nd Chance, REO/bank owned, seller assisted sales and asset management services. ServiceLink’s auction process helps to escalate loans that may take longer to convey due to damages but are still eligible for 2nd Chance. “It goes beyond just the auction for us,” says Eva Tapia, senior vice president, auction. “We’re focused on comprehensive solutions with an end goal of effectively and efficiently mitigating issues – and doing what we can through ServiceLink’s seller assisted sales program so servicers can let their borrowers know there’s equity in their properties to avoid foreclosure first. It benefits them because if there is equity in those properties, the borrowers get the benefit of that equity once the debt has been fully satisfied.” ServiceLink adds value to the seller assisted sales process by utilizing an online platform to allow easy bidding from anywhere, building on the operational efficiencies it delivers. Beyond technology, ServiceLink fosters broker/agent partnership and engagement and provides continued training and education.

3. Offers a holistic view of the property

Utilizing the full suite of ServiceLink’s comprehensive default services, properties are followed and managed through pre-foreclosure, title and close, field services, valuation, auction and asset management all powered by ServiceLink’s EXOS One Marketplace® technology to bring time, risk and cost savings to servicers and investors. “Title issues are very unique on auction properties,” says Amy Daniel, senior vice president, title & close for ServiceLink. “Our process ties title and close into our auction team on a daily basis. We know what to look for and how to clear and give buyers a top-notch experience. The fact that we have repeat business from buyers is the ultimate compliment. We provide a white glove service that we’re very proud of.”

4. Simplifies vendor management

A one-stop shop with all the solutions servicers and investors need saves them from having to work with and leverage multiple vendors. “We have all these different pieces under one leadership team, under one umbrella here at ServiceLink,” says Daniel. This provides additional efficiencies throughout the process. “Our products and services span the entire default lifecycle, and we leverage this in the auction space with pre-foreclosure title, property inspections and title most of all title and close,” adds Tapia.

5. Increases efficiency

Synchronous maintenance and property preservation services along with title and auction expedite timing and reduce risk. ServiceLink’s property preservation team can also help to identify severely aged, high-risk FHA files to bring forward the best course for disposition, and ServiceLink’s auction team utilizes a “dual path” model for both sale and conveyance paths on those eligible properties, offering support through both options and moving forward for whichever one is quicker for the servicer. Providing technology-driven solutions that bring comprehensive and holistic service paired with expertise in FHA and HUD requirements positions ServiceLink as a viable and prepared partner in leading the industry through this unusual time in history. With transparent auction workflows and a full suite of services, you can streamline your disposition process at any stage of your assets.

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