Seller Benefits...

• Competitive bidding often brings higher prices.
• Quick sale at current market value.
• Auctions are event oriented and draw attention.
• Sellers select terms and conditions of the sale.
• Sellers select the day and time of the sale.
• Limits high carrying cost.
• Current market value will be established.
• High impact marketing draws attention to your property providing maximum exposure and visibility to the market. It creates urgency and motivates buyers off the sidelines and into the game.

The Unlimited Marketplace

Auctions allow the public to experience the same type of excitement that is found on the floor of the commodities exchange. After the fervor of the event, sellers know their merchandise sold at prices truly representative of market value, and buyers walk away knowing they paid an amount only one bid higher than what someone else was willing to pay. Everyone wins at an auction.

The auction is not a new marketing method. The first English reference is found in the 1595 Oxford English Dictionary. Evidence records auction activity as early as 500 B.C. and during the Roman Empire.

Although auctions are fun, the reason they have been successful for thousands of years is that they work. It's hard to imagine anything today that cannot be sold at auction. The 'traditional' auction merchandise that immediately comes to mind is expanding to include new types of commodities. Real estate, automobiles, repossessions and other merchandise previously overlooked as suitable auction material are all a part of today's auction industry.

The Sellers' Marketplace

Converting property, possessions or inventory to cash quickly is a major benefit of the Auction Method of Marketing, but sellers also want to be assured they will get a fair market value. That's why an auction is the best tool to meet that goal.

No less important is the flexibility of the auction method. The customer decides when and what to sell. Well-trained auctioneers use established and successful procedures to ensure maximum benefits for the seller. Before the auction takes place, the auctioneer meets with the potential seller to see what is to be auctioned and explain the services available. During this meeting, the auctioneer will ask questions to determine the seller's expectations.

The auctioneer takes great care to make sure the auction conforms with the Uniform Commercial Code, with any city, county or state license requirements, and to verify title to the property and to notify creditors of the auction.

The Buyers' Marketplace

Auctions are an excellent marketplace. Buyers actually determine the final price and market value of the items purchased.

For first-time buyers, an auction may appear to be a confusion of people and merchandise, but once they become familiar with procedures, they realize it's more like a well-rehearsed symphony.

Buyers are provided all the information needed to become informed bidders and realize the auction market sets a a fair and reasonable price for property. During the auction, auctioneers stand where they can be easily seen and often use a public address system.

As increasing bids are received, the auctioneer's rhythmic chant becomes a series of prices. Filler words are used to maintain a pleasant flow to the chant.

Information about auctions can be found in newspapers, sale bills, brochures, etc.

Guarantee A Successful Auction

Selecting an auctioneer is the most important part of assuring an auction will be successful. By choosing an auctioneer who displays the NAA Emblem, the seller can be sure of a professional who is dedicated to improving his or her ability -and the profession-through education, integrity and honesty. Keep these traits in mind when choosing an auctioneer:

• Motivation and Initiation -to approach the job with energy and enthusiasm. This will be transmitted to buyers, increasing the seller's profit.
• Empathy and involvement - to put themselves in the position of the seller and to evaluate the problems that may arise.
• Integrity and Honesty - to earn the trust of both the seller and the buyer.
• Adaptability - to respond to the varied needs of sellers and situations.
• Flexibility - to be open to new ideas and techniques.
• Knowledge - to properly market and sell the product being auctioned.

Selecting the right auctioneer will lead to the success of the auction. To be sure of a quality minded auctioneer, look for the NAA Emblem - behind it you will find a leader in the auction profession.

National Auctioneers Association

This prestigious group was founded in 949 by a group of auctioneers who believed in the potential of the Auction Method of Marketing. Since its inception, NAA has grown steadily and now includes members from all 50 states, Canada and other countries. NAA is an organization of men and women dedicated to the auction profession. They adhere to the finest principles of integrity and subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the NM network of auctioneers is ready to provide auction buyers and sellers with the most current advancements and experience in the field of auction marketing.

National Auctioneers Association
8880 Ballentine
Overland Park, KS 66214
(913) 541-8084

Auction Tips

• Come early to view the merchandise
• Have driver's license ready
• Register with the clerk to receive a number (This is your bidding number)
• Look carefully for those hidden treasures
• Determine what you would like to pay for an item
• Raise your bidding number up high when you want to bid.
• If you are not sure where the bid is at, ASK!
• You may settle your bill any time during the auction.
• Pay for item before leaving the auction premises
• HAVE FUN!!!!!

Advertising Tips

Traditional sale bills and newspaper ads are the most popular ways to advertise. However, now in this technological age, the internet has become an important part of advertising. At www.a-nacutions.com we will contain all information about your auction including pictures. We also advertise with specialized mailing lists, and informational signs. Regardless of the size of your auction, the correct amount of advertising is essential to make your auction a success.

Real Estate Auctions

Imagine your ideal real estate sales technique. It would probably be one that sold the property quickly at a price that both the seller and the buyer considered fair, and that gave the real estate agent a good fee or commission, too. Well, you don’t have to tax your mind trying to figure out what this technique might be, because it already exists.

It’s called a real estate auction.

Auctions are effective, easy and fun marketing tools that are rapidly growing in popularity as a means of selling real estate. No longer simply a way to dispose of property after a bankruptcy or foreclosure, auctions have become a legitimate way to sell real estate. And they work for all types of property, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and vacant land. In fact, auction sales of real estate have more than quadrupled since 1980 and are expected to account for 30% of all real estate sales by the year 2000.

Why Auctions Work

Why are real estate auctions so successful? Because they change the direction and focus of the sales effort in several important ways:

• From waiting for an offer to stimulating the market to get an offer,
• From reducing the price (negotiation) to building a price (bidding),
• From valuing only price to valuing the time involved in getting an offer, and
• From competition among properties to competition among buyers.

Let’s look more closely at how auctions differ from a negotiated sale, One of the most difficult parts of the traditional listing process is setting the asking price. If the price set is too low, the property might not bring in all it could. If the price is too high, the real estate might not sell for some time, resulting in holding costs that can eat considerably into the owner’s proceeds. Besides the sales date being uncertain, the offer is usually subject to negotiation and contingencies, such as inspections, which can adversely affect the price and make the closing less definite.

The auction process flips this over. The seller establishes the date and terms of the sale, such as minimum bid, auction without reserve (absolute auction) or auction subject to confirmation. Bidding sets the price. There is no negotiation, and the property is sold "as is." This makes inspections part of the pre-sale due diligence process, not the post-offer negotiation process, and makes closing on the accepted bid almost a certainty.

Also, auctioneers typically allocate more for marketing than is the case for a traditional listing, in fact, well-planned marketing efforts are key to an auction’s success. Consequently, auctioneers use strong media advertising, targeted direct mail and other aggressive marketing techniques to get the word out about the auction and attract bidders to it. And because auctioneers often advertise in more than just the traditional places for example, placing ads for vacation homes in the sports section and their ads attract bidders who might not be actively seeking a particular property, but from whom the top bid comes.

Everyone Benefits

From the seller’s point of view, auctions provide a powerful tool for selling their property quickly and for a fair market price. That’s because auctions often generate more interest — and greater value — than other sales techniques, for several reasons.

By establishing a definite sale date, an auction creates a sense of urgency that increases buyer interest. The pressure of a deadline can push bidding considerably beyond the price that would have been set in a traditional listing. This is due not only to the excitement about the possibility of obtaining a bargain, but also to the fact that bidders are competing with each other for a given property. An auction is a social event, not individual negotiation, that creates the apparent requirement that bidders compete to be the successful buyer. So they do sometimes much to the seller’s advantage.

Having a definite sale date gives auctions another advantage: The seller usually gets the proceeds shortly afterwards. Because a substantial down payment is required of the buyer, the sale almost always closes. As a result, an auction sale often gives the seller cash more quickly than a negotiated sale. Because of the time value of money, having the dollars in hand to invest in other ways, rather than tied up in the property for months or years, can make a quick sale worth more in future gain than a sale prolonged by lack of market interest, contingencies or negotiation. Auction sales can also eliminate the need for a costly bridge loan or for security and holding costs on a vacant property. Minimizing such expenses can make the proceeds of the sale even more valuable to the seller,

However, sellers are not the only ones who benefit from auction sales of real estate. Buyers like the fair competition that auctions provide all bidders have a chance to buy the property and the fact that they determine the purchase price. Buyers also have an opportunity to do inspections and due diligence before they bid, so they have a better idea of what they are purchasing and greater certainty that the top bidder will get the property. So buyers don’t waste their time negotiating on properties they may end up not purchasing.

Real estate agents benefit, too. Auctions can increase not only their sales and market share, but also their fees and commissions. They can even get a commission by bringing the winning bidder to an auction. Because auctions can help customers achieve their goals (or selling a property, real estate agents can strengthen their reputation and get customer referrals for more business. Also, by cooperating with an auctioneer, a realtor can generate leads from the bidders who attended the auction but did not end up with the property.

Deciding Whether To Auction

While auctions are suitable for all types of real estate, they may not be appropriate for some sellers or specific properties. In determining whether an auction is appropriate, see how it fits the nature of the market, the needs of the seller, and the condition of the property. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to sell a particular piece of real estate by auction.

Market - Auctions work especially well in:

• Changing markets, in which there are no reliable benchmarks for setting the price,
• Dull markets, in which similar real estate is not selling (auctions bring in new people from other areas or markets),
• High demand markets, where no comparables exist for the type of property being sold, and
• Emerging markets, such as subdivision openings or closings (auctions generate interest).

Seller - The need of the seller for a quick sale or immediate cash can make an auction the preferred sales technique in situations like these:

• Foreclosure or bankruptcy,
• Partnership or marital dissolution,
• Estate liquidation, and
• Retirement to another location

Property - While all types of property are amenable to an auction sale, the following are particularly well suited:

• Vacant properties (the quick sale of an auction can reduce holding costs),
• Properties with substantial equity, and
• Unusual, unique or high demand properties.

Many auctioneers will recommend that there be a good fit on at least two of these three factors. Others prefer a fit on all three before they will accept a property for auction. But even when all three fit, an auction is not necessarily appropriate if other conditions are not right. For example, perhaps the worst time to set up an auction is when a real estate listing is about to expire (even then, however, an auction might provide a solution, depending on the amount of time left before expiration.)

If there is a fit but the notion of an absolute auction (where the property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price) seems too scary, there are ways to reduce risk. For example, the seller might prefer a minimum bid auction, in which the auctioneer will accept bids at or above the minimum price. This guarantees that if the property sells, the seller will receive at least a certain amount. Another option is the reserve auction (also called an auction subject to confirmation), in which the high bid is reduced to an offer, which the seller has a right to refuse for a specified time. If the seller does not like the price bid, there does not have to be a sale.

Give Yourself the Auction Advantage

Of course, if you have any questions about the merits of an auction for selling a particular piece of real estate, or about the best way to structure an auction to achieve your objectives, consult a professional auctioneer. As highly knowledgeable professionals, we can advise you about the best course of action. And if you decide to go with an auction, we will take care of all the details, from marketing through closing.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and help you determine how an auction can help you sell real estate quickly and at a fair market price. Please call us for more information, and give yourself the auction advantage.

Buyer's Premium Information

A buyer’s premium is an amount added to the high price of the property either a flat fee or a percentage of the high bid, that the buyer must pay in addition to the bid. The premium is advertised in advance and becomes a part of the final purchase price. The buyers premium works well on types of property: personal property, business liquidations and real estate. The buyer’s premium defrays the sellers cost of conducting the auction and thereby increases the bottom line for the seller.

TAG SALES VS. AUCTIONS - NO CONTEST

There is no more efficient or fair means of liquidating an estate or a family’s belongings than an auction.

Statistically over half of all appraisals is only one person’s estimate of the fair market value of an item. It doesn’t guarantee a buyer. If someone "tags" an item too low, the seller may never know, because someone else quickly snatches it up. lion the other hand, the price is too high, it doesn’t sell. The owner is then stuck with it.

The only true way of arriving at fair market value is to establish that value by two or more interested purchasers.

Auction is the basis of value for almost every type of goods in the world today. Values of stocks, bonds, precious metals, commodities, livestock, antiques and even humble household goods are arrived at in a competitive bidding manner.

Traditionally, tag sales are advertised by a few lines in the local newspaper. This might be fine if all that was for sale was simple household goods.

A qualified auctioneer maintains specialized mailing lists that reach out to people who are interested in specific items. The auctioneer also utilizes publications that are targeted to specific markets.

There is no licensing or bonding required for "tag sales." They are not governed by a strict code of ethics or set of by-laws such as the National Auctioneers’ Association or their local or state association. They have no continuing education programs such as Certified Auctioneers Institute held annually at the University of Indiana or the many excellent national and state sponsored seminars. The qualified auctioneer is continually striving to upgrade his or her skills.

A tag sale can disrupt housekeeping for as much as two weeks. With most auctions, the firm comes into the home the day of the sale and handles the set-up. The merchandise is cleaned if necessary and attractively displayed. The next afternoon the yard and home are clean, and the owners are presented with the money and the sales clerk sheets, which are accurate accounts for every item sold.

All this is offered at a much smaller cost than a "tag sale." In most cases, the "junk" or "jewelry wagon" items will bring enough to more than cover the expenses of the auction. These arc the very same items that the "tag sale" would have left at the end of the sale for you to send to the Salvation Army.

Everything sells! Nothing needs to be packed up and hauled off to charity or sold to a dealer for pennies on the dollar. Not only is auction fairer to the seller, it is fairer to the buyer. At a tag sale, only the first person in line " (or in some cases, the tag saler's" help) has an opportunity to buy every item. At an auction the items are offered for sale and every person present has an equal opportunity to purchase. The buyer also need not wonder if he paid too much. The buyer can determine ahead of time exactly the amount he is willing to spend and stop bidding at that point.

In short, a professionally managed auction is the best way to bring together a willing buyer and a willing seller, thereby fulfilling the true definition of "fair market value."

Auction Talk

Here are some common auction terms and what they mean:

Bidder's Choice: A method of sale that gives the high bidder the right to choose a parcel or parcels from a grouping of similar properties. After selection, the parcel is deleted from the group, and subsequent rounds of bidding take place. Parcels selected by each round’s high bidder are deleted from subsequent rounds.

Choice: The privilege extended to the successful bidder to select for a price he or she bids one or more of the identical or similar items from the group of such items that has been presented at the auction.

Condition's of sale: The legal terms that govern the conduct of the sale, including acceptable methods of payment, terms, buyer’s premiums, delivery, storage, reserves, etc. Usually included in the published advertisements and announced by the auctioneer prior to the start of the auction.
 

Seller Benefits...

• Competitive bidding often brings higher prices.
• Quick sale at current market value.
• Auctions are event oriented and draw attention.
• Sellers select terms and conditions of the sale.
• Sellers select the day and time of the sale.
• Limits high carrying cost.
• Current market value will be established.
• High impact marketing draws attention to your property providing maximum exposure and visibility to the market. It creates urgency and motivates buyers off the sidelines and into the game.

The Unlimited Marketplace

Auctions allow the public to experience the same type of excitement that is found on the floor of the commodities exchange. After the fervor of the event, sellers know their merchandise sold at prices truly representative of market value, and buyers walk away knowing they paid an amount only one bid higher than what someone else was willing to pay. Everyone wins at an auction.

The auction is not a new marketing method. The first English reference is found in the 1595 Oxford English Dictionary. Evidence records auction activity as early as 500 B.C. and during the Roman Empire.

Although auctions are fun, the reason they have been successful for thousands of years is that they work. It's hard to imagine anything today that cannot be sold at auction. The 'traditional' auction merchandise that immediately comes to mind is expanding to include new types of commodities. Real estate, automobiles, repossessions and other merchandise previously overlooked as suitable auction material are all a part of today's auction industry.

The Sellers' Marketplace

Converting property, possessions or inventory to cash quickly is a major benefit of the Auction Method of Marketing, but sellers also want to be assured they will get a fair market value. That's why an auction is the best tool to meet that goal.

No less important is the flexibility of the auction method. The customer decides when and what to sell. Well-trained auctioneers use established and successful procedures to ensure maximum benefits for the seller. Before the auction takes place, the auctioneer meets with the potential seller to see what is to be auctioned and explain the services available. During this meeting, the auctioneer will ask questions to determine the seller's expectations.

The auctioneer takes great care to make sure the auction conforms with the Uniform Commercial Code, with any city, county or state license requirements, and to verify title to the property and to notify creditors of the auction.

The Buyers' Marketplace

Auctions are an excellent marketplace. Buyers actually determine the final price and market value of the items purchased.

For first-time buyers, an auction may appear to be a confusion of people and merchandise, but once they become familiar with procedures, they realize it's more like a well-rehearsed symphony.

Buyers are provided all the information needed to become informed bidders and realize the auction market sets a a fair and reasonable price for property. During the auction, auctioneers stand where they can be easily seen and often use a public address system.

As increasing bids are received, the auctioneer's rhythmic chant becomes a series of prices. Filler words are used to maintain a pleasant flow to the chant.

Information about auctions can be found in newspapers, sale bills, brochures, etc.

Guarantee A Successful Auction

Selecting an auctioneer is the most important part of assuring an auction will be successful. By choosing an auctioneer who displays the NAA Emblem, the seller can be sure of a professional who is dedicated to improving his or her ability -and the profession-through education, integrity and honesty. Keep these traits in mind when choosing an auctioneer:

• Motivation and Initiation -to approach the job with energy and enthusiasm. This will be transmitted to buyers, increasing the seller's profit.
• Empathy and involvement - to put themselves in the position of the seller and to evaluate the problems that may arise.
• Integrity and Honesty - to earn the trust of both the seller and the buyer.
• Adaptability - to respond to the varied needs of sellers and situations.
• Flexibility - to be open to new ideas and techniques.
• Knowledge - to properly market and sell the product being auctioned.

Selecting the right auctioneer will lead to the success of the auction. To be sure of a quality minded auctioneer, look for the NAA Emblem - behind it you will find a leader in the auction profession.

National Auctioneers Association

This prestigious group was founded in 949 by a group of auctioneers who believed in the potential of the Auction Method of Marketing. Since its inception, NAA has grown steadily and now includes members from all 50 states, Canada and other countries. NAA is an organization of men and women dedicated to the auction profession. They adhere to the finest principles of integrity and subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics. Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, the NM network of auctioneers is ready to provide auction buyers and sellers with the most current advancements and experience in the field of auction marketing.

National Auctioneers Association
8880 Ballentine
Overland Park, KS 66214
(913) 541-8084

Auction Tips

• Come early to view the merchandise
• Have driver's license ready
• Register with the clerk to receive a number (This is your bidding number)
• Look carefully for those hidden treasures
• Determine what you would like to pay for an item
• Raise your bidding number up high when you want to bid.
• If you are not sure where the bid is at, ASK!
• You may settle your bill any time during the auction.
• Pay for item before leaving the auction premises
• HAVE FUN!!!!!

Advertising Tips

Traditional sale bills and newspaper ads are the most popular ways to advertise. However, now in this technological age, the internet has become an important part of advertising. At www.a-nacutions.com we will contain all information about your auction including pictures. We also advertise with specialized mailing lists, and informational signs. Regardless of the size of your auction, the correct amount of advertising is essential to make your auction a success.

Real Estate Auctions

Imagine your ideal real estate sales technique. It would probably be one that sold the property quickly at a price that both the seller and the buyer considered fair, and that gave the real estate agent a good fee or commission, too. Well, you don’t have to tax your mind trying to figure out what this technique might be, because it already exists.

It’s called a real estate auction.

Auctions are effective, easy and fun marketing tools that are rapidly growing in popularity as a means of selling real estate. No longer simply a way to dispose of property after a bankruptcy or foreclosure, auctions have become a legitimate way to sell real estate. And they work for all types of property, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and vacant land. In fact, auction sales of real estate have more than quadrupled since 1980 and are expected to account for 30% of all real estate sales by the year 2000.

Why Auctions Work

Why are real estate auctions so successful? Because they change the direction and focus of the sales effort in several important ways:

• From waiting for an offer to stimulating the market to get an offer,
• From reducing the price (negotiation) to building a price (bidding),
• From valuing only price to valuing the time involved in getting an offer, and
• From competition among properties to competition among buyers.

Let’s look more closely at how auctions differ from a negotiated sale, One of the most difficult parts of the traditional listing process is setting the asking price. If the price set is too low, the property might not bring in all it could. If the price is too high, the real estate might not sell for some time, resulting in holding costs that can eat considerably into the owner’s proceeds. Besides the sales date being uncertain, the offer is usually subject to negotiation and contingencies, such as inspections, which can adversely affect the price and make the closing less definite.

The auction process flips this over. The seller establishes the date and terms of the sale, such as minimum bid, auction without reserve (absolute auction) or auction subject to confirmation. Bidding sets the price. There is no negotiation, and the property is sold "as is." This makes inspections part of the pre-sale due diligence process, not the post-offer negotiation process, and makes closing on the accepted bid almost a certainty.

Also, auctioneers typically allocate more for marketing than is the case for a traditional listing, in fact, well-planned marketing efforts are key to an auction’s success. Consequently, auctioneers use strong media advertising, targeted direct mail and other aggressive marketing techniques to get the word out about the auction and attract bidders to it. And because auctioneers often advertise in more than just the traditional places for example, placing ads for vacation homes in the sports section and their ads attract bidders who might not be actively seeking a particular property, but from whom the top bid comes.

Everyone Benefits

From the seller’s point of view, auctions provide a powerful tool for selling their property quickly and for a fair market price. That’s because auctions often generate more interest — and greater value — than other sales techniques, for several reasons.

By establishing a definite sale date, an auction creates a sense of urgency that increases buyer interest. The pressure of a deadline can push bidding considerably beyond the price that would have been set in a traditional listing. This is due not only to the excitement about the possibility of obtaining a bargain, but also to the fact that bidders are competing with each other for a given property. An auction is a social event, not individual negotiation, that creates the apparent requirement that bidders compete to be the successful buyer. So they do sometimes much to the seller’s advantage.

Having a definite sale date gives auctions another advantage: The seller usually gets the proceeds shortly afterwards. Because a substantial down payment is required of the buyer, the sale almost always closes. As a result, an auction sale often gives the seller cash more quickly than a negotiated sale. Because of the time value of money, having the dollars in hand to invest in other ways, rather than tied up in the property for months or years, can make a quick sale worth more in future gain than a sale prolonged by lack of market interest, contingencies or negotiation. Auction sales can also eliminate the need for a costly bridge loan or for security and holding costs on a vacant property. Minimizing such expenses can make the proceeds of the sale even more valuable to the seller,

However, sellers are not the only ones who benefit from auction sales of real estate. Buyers like the fair competition that auctions provide all bidders have a chance to buy the property and the fact that they determine the purchase price. Buyers also have an opportunity to do inspections and due diligence before they bid, so they have a better idea of what they are purchasing and greater certainty that the top bidder will get the property. So buyers don’t waste their time negotiating on properties they may end up not purchasing.

Real estate agents benefit, too. Auctions can increase not only their sales and market share, but also their fees and commissions. They can even get a commission by bringing the winning bidder to an auction. Because auctions can help customers achieve their goals (or selling a property, real estate agents can strengthen their reputation and get customer referrals for more business. Also, by cooperating with an auctioneer, a realtor can generate leads from the bidders who attended the auction but did not end up with the property.

Deciding Whether To Auction

While auctions are suitable for all types of real estate, they may not be appropriate for some sellers or specific properties. In determining whether an auction is appropriate, see how it fits the nature of the market, the needs of the seller, and the condition of the property. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not to sell a particular piece of real estate by auction.

Market - Auctions work especially well in:

• Changing markets, in which there are no reliable benchmarks for setting the price,
• Dull markets, in which similar real estate is not selling (auctions bring in new people from other areas or markets),
• High demand markets, where no comparables exist for the type of property being sold, and
• Emerging markets, such as subdivision openings or closings (auctions generate interest).

Seller - The need of the seller for a quick sale or immediate cash can make an auction the preferred sales technique in situations like these:

• Foreclosure or bankruptcy,
• Partnership or marital dissolution,
• Estate liquidation, and
• Retirement to another location

Property - While all types of property are amenable to an auction sale, the following are particularly well suited:

• Vacant properties (the quick sale of an auction can reduce holding costs),
• Properties with substantial equity, and
• Unusual, unique or high demand properties.

Many auctioneers will recommend that there be a good fit on at least two of these three factors. Others prefer a fit on all three before they will accept a property for auction. But even when all three fit, an auction is not necessarily appropriate if other conditions are not right. For example, perhaps the worst time to set up an auction is when a real estate listing is about to expire (even then, however, an auction might provide a solution, depending on the amount of time left before expiration.)

If there is a fit but the notion of an absolute auction (where the property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price) seems too scary, there are ways to reduce risk. For example, the seller might prefer a minimum bid auction, in which the auctioneer will accept bids at or above the minimum price. This guarantees that if the property sells, the seller will receive at least a certain amount. Another option is the reserve auction (also called an auction subject to confirmation), in which the high bid is reduced to an offer, which the seller has a right to refuse for a specified time. If the seller does not like the price bid, there does not have to be a sale.

Give Yourself the Auction Advantage

Of course, if you have any questions about the merits of an auction for selling a particular piece of real estate, or about the best way to structure an auction to achieve your objectives, consult a professional auctioneer. As highly knowledgeable professionals, we can advise you about the best course of action. And if you decide to go with an auction, we will take care of all the details, from marketing through closing.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and help you determine how an auction can help you sell real estate quickly and at a fair market price. Please call us for more information, and give yourself the auction advantage.

Buyer's Premium Information

A buyer’s premium is an amount added to the high price of the property either a flat fee or a percentage of the high bid, that the buyer must pay in addition to the bid. The premium is advertised in advance and becomes a part of the final purchase price. The buyers premium works well on types of property: personal property, business liquidations and real estate. The buyer’s premium defrays the sellers cost of conducting the auction and thereby increases the bottom line for the seller.

TAG SALES VS. AUCTIONS - NO CONTEST

There is no more efficient or fair means of liquidating an estate or a family’s belongings than an auction.

Statistically over half of all appraisals is only one person’s estimate of the fair market value of an item. It doesn’t guarantee a buyer. If someone "tags" an item too low, the seller may never know, because someone else quickly snatches it up. lion the other hand, the price is too high, it doesn’t sell. The owner is then stuck with it.

The only true way of arriving at fair market value is to establish that value by two or more interested purchasers.

Auction is the basis of value for almost every type of goods in the world today. Values of stocks, bonds, precious metals, commodities, livestock, antiques and even humble household goods are arrived at in a competitive bidding manner.

Traditionally, tag sales are advertised by a few lines in the local newspaper. This might be fine if all that was for sale was simple household goods.

A qualified auctioneer maintains specialized mailing lists that reach out to people who are interested in specific items. The auctioneer also utilizes publications that are targeted to specific markets.

There is no licensing or bonding required for "tag sales." They are not governed by a strict code of ethics or set of by-laws such as the National Auctioneers’ Association or their local or state association. They have no continuing education programs such as Certified Auctioneers Institute held annually at the University of Indiana or the many excellent national and state sponsored seminars. The qualified auctioneer is continually striving to upgrade his or her skills.

A tag sale can disrupt housekeeping for as much as two weeks. With most auctions, the firm comes into the home the day of the sale and handles the set-up. The merchandise is cleaned if necessary and attractively displayed. The next afternoon the yard and home are clean, and the owners are presented with the money and the sales clerk sheets, which are accurate accounts for every item sold.

All this is offered at a much smaller cost than a "tag sale." In most cases, the "junk" or "jewelry wagon" items will bring enough to more than cover the expenses of the auction. These arc the very same items that the "tag sale" would have left at the end of the sale for you to send to the Salvation Army.

Everything sells! Nothing needs to be packed up and hauled off to charity or sold to a dealer for pennies on the dollar. Not only is auction fairer to the seller, it is fairer to the buyer. At a tag sale, only the first person in line " (or in some cases, the tag saler's" help) has an opportunity to buy every item. At an auction the items are offered for sale and every person present has an equal opportunity to purchase. The buyer also need not wonder if he paid too much. The buyer can determine ahead of time exactly the amount he is willing to spend and stop bidding at that point.

In short, a professionally managed auction is the best way to bring together a willing buyer and a willing seller, thereby fulfilling the true definition of "fair market value."

Auction Talk

Here are some common auction terms and what they mean:

Bidder's Choice: A method of sale that gives the high bidder the right to choose a parcel or parcels from a grouping of similar properties. After selection, the parcel is deleted from the group, and subsequent rounds of bidding take place. Parcels selected by each round’s high bidder are deleted from subsequent rounds.

Choice: The privilege extended to the successful bidder to select for a price he or she bids one or more of the identical or similar items from the group of such items that has been presented at the auction.

Condition's of sale: The legal terms that govern the conduct of the sale, including acceptable methods of payment, terms, buyer’s premiums, delivery, storage, reserves, etc. Usually included in the published advertisements and announced by the auctioneer prior to the start of the auction.