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The bidding process was explained clearly in our contract. It was an attachment at the end. It took me a while to understand what was going on. Our attorney was telling us it would take a long time. 

You don't have to appear in court. The other party's attorney, appraiser, agent, maybe seller need to be there (I think). But it's good to know what's going on, so next time you will know. - You may know how to outbid others next time.