Buying at Auction in Portland

[Alex Hymanson]

Hey all,

Grew up in Maine and just learned a house in my neighborhood is headed to auction in late May and I'm interested in bidding.  I haven't bid at an auction before so have a few questions.  Has anyone done this before?  Any guidance / lessons learned would be awesome!

Questions:

1. Am I allowed to call the current property owners to determine their remaining mortgage?
2. How can I confirm any liens on the property?
3. How many cashier's checks and in what denomination should I bring?
4. What other information should I look into ahead of the auction?

Best,

Alex