You may have heard that you can buy “stuff” from the government. But how does it work? Can you really get good deals? With these tips from USAGov, you can learn how to be a smart shopper at government auctions and sales and discover the surprising variety of things you can buy:
Who sells government property?
Many federal agencies, states, and even some local governments sell property that’s surplus or has been seized by law enforcement. For a variety of property types, try:
- GSA Auctions, the government’s national electronic bidding site for buying federal assets, from common household items to specialized equipment and vehicles
- GovSales.gov, listing all the government’s property for sale, including real estate
What “stuff” can you buy?
You can buy everyday items—chairs, desks, furniture, computers, and electronic equipment—that can go in your home or office. You can also buy hand tools, watches, and jewelry, as well as vehicles, including cars, trucks, boats, and even airplanes!
If you’re interested in buying a house, the government offers foreclosed single family homes. But make sure you work with a real estate agent, broker, or servicing representative to make an offer or bid. You can also find commercial real estate and land for sale. This surplus property includes office buildings, warehouses, commercial facilities, and former post offices. If you still haven’t found something, you might consider buying seized properties from the IRS. Remember: Even though you can find considerable savings on government-owned property, everything sells at fair-market value.
While there are many ways to buy surplus personal property and real estate from the government, these are three popular sales methods:
- Live auctions - You can find many types of items like cars and trucks for sale at one location. Either before or on the day of the auction, you’ll receive descriptions, instructions on how to bid, and the chance to inspect the merchandise. Sometimes you can find special items highlighted in print and online media.
- Online auctions - For surplus personal property, register on GSA Auctions. You can search for items by various categories and bid electronically. Keep in mind that once you place a successful bid on an item, you’ll have to pay for it within two business days and pick it up within 10 business days. For other government property for sale, including real estate, start at GovSales.gov. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, follow the bidding instructions.
- Fixed-price sales - In this type of sale, all items have non-negotiable price tags. You can come in person to inspect, purchase, and take the non-returnable merchandise with you.