QUESTION:
What if it goes low will you buy it yourself? Have you or any member of your auction organization ever bid on any real or personal property at your own auctions?

ANSWER:
Some auction companies have been known to use their "house number" at their auctions when bidding on items either to buy for themselves or to increase the bidding activity, a practice that is misleading and damaging to the auction profession.

It is very tempting for members of any auction company to bid on some of the more desirable items sold, especially when the price seems low. However, they should take the stand that it is a conflict of interest to bid on any article involved in any of their sales, irregardless of the size or price. Also, it is my contention that auction companies cannot possibly represent themselves as well as their clients and customers at the same time.

Having a policy that no member of the auction organization can bid on any article without exception gives potential bidders the assurance that they will only be bidding against the marketplace. This policy is not only the fairest way to work with the bidders but ultimately the best method in attaining the highest possible sales price for clients.

QUESTION:
Why would people give up control of their property to be sold at auction?

ANSWER:
"To give up control" is essential to the success of many professional procedures. Can you imagine demanding to sit next to the commercial airline's pilot to be able to grab the controls in case of the unexpected even though you know nothing about flying. Or, requesting that you stay awake during major surgery to watch your surgeon and stop him if things appear to be going wrong, even though you know nothing about surgery?

One of the primary reasons so many homes are waiting to be sold on today's market is clients are too much in control and do not allow their Realtors to do the proper jobs. If individuals would like to sell their real or personal property for the true market value, then sellers must have enough confidence in the Realtor they select and the auction procedure to give up control. Sellers must allow the professional representative selected the flexibility to do the work; then, a properly conducted auction will, without exception, attain true market value.

As with flying planes and performing surgery, the amateur seller who wishes to attain a certain price or keep the property to wait on the perfect buyer should reconsider and stay home. The results of a properly conducted auction have nothing whatsoever to do with the seller's anticipated price. The auction procedure should not be used for any other purpose; it will not work effectively.