Auction Property - site requiring EMD before contract?

[Fanesca Young]

Hi! First time posting here.

Recently I won a bid on Hudson and Marshall's auction site. The bidding coordinator contacted me for information and ask that I wire the earnest money deposit and upon receiving it they will draw up the contract within 24 hrs. I called my escrow company trying to set up escrow and wire EMD, but escrow company told me that they are only able to open escrow if there is a contact.

The bidding coordinator insisted that I wire EMD before they will draw up contract, but it sounds like I can only do this if I use their closing company.

I read that one shouldn’t use seller’s closing company, as the seller’s closing company does not have your best interest and one may end up paying more closing costs.  

Does anyone have similar experience on auction sites where they ask for EMD before there is a contract? Is this common practice?

Are there closing companies willing to open escrow account without a contract?

Would you recommend that I simply go with their closing company??  

Newbie here so any comment would b greatly appreciated!!  Thanks!!