FAQ’s About Auctions, Real Estate, and Appraisals

Michael’s credentials as both a CAI/AARE-designated auctioneer and licensed REALTOR® mean you receive honest, unbiased guidance about which selling method truly serves your situation best. We’re not limited to one approach, so our recommendation is based on what’s right for you—not what’s convenient for us. Either way, your property receives full MLS exposure with syndication to all major real estate platforms.

Yes. Michael is court-approved throughout Ohio and serves as auctioneer, appraiser, Private Selling Officer (PSO), and Receiver. We’re experienced in meeting all legal requirements for judicial foreclosures, bankruptcy sales, and other court-mandated asset dispositions. Our combination of CAI professional standards, GPPA appraisal credentials, and court approval ensures compliance and credibility.

We bring our self-contained mobile auction office trailer equipped with professional cashiering and clerking stations, Starlink satellite internet, payment processing equipment, and all necessary supplies. The trailer accomodates two staff members and provides weather-protected workspace. We typically connect to your property’s electricity, but we carry a backup generator for locations where power is unavailable. Whether your property is in downtown Columbus or remote rural Ohio, we arrrive fully equipped to conduct a professional auction, You don’t need to provide internet, tables, or workspace – we bring everything needed for efficient, secure operations. We provide basic 10’x20′ tents for outdoor auctions and can arrange for larger commercial event tents for an additional expense.

We specialize in real estate and personal property at live, online, and simulcast auctions. We routinely sell antiques, collectibles, furniture, tools, collector vehicles, farm equipment, and implements. Whether it’s real estate or personal property, we offer tailored solutions to maximize the sale.

With over two decades of experience and current market knowledge, we provide professional appraisals for a fee or free consultations to give a general idea of value before proceeding with an auction.

Yes, we offer professional personal property appraisal services. While we’re not licensed real estate appraisers, we can provide guidance on comparables to help determine a range of values for real estate.

Timeline depends on your situation and chosen services:

• Real Estate Auctions: Approximately 30 days from contract to auction date, with buyers typically closing within 30 days after the auction.
• Personal Property Auctions: About 21 days from contract to auction date, with settlement within 10 days after the auction.
• Traditional Real Estate: Follows standard market timelines.
• Business Liquidations: Varies by scope.

At an auction, almost everything sells. An auction is a method of selling property of all types—real estate, antiques, household items, vehicles, and more—through verbal or written exchange where items are offered and sold to the highest bidder. Auctions employ open, enthusiastic, and competitive bidding to secure the highest possible market price for your merchandise. In contrast, at a tag sale or garage sale, items are typically sold to the first interested party at negotiated prices that may be undervalued. Tag sales don’t generate the competitive environment that drives higher bids as auctions do. Additionally, auctioneers in Ohio are state-licensed and either bonded or covered by the Auctioneer Recovery Fund, providing legal recourse and consumer protection. Estate sale and tag sale companies operate without licensing requirements or financial safeguards, leaving sellers vulnerable if issues arise with missing items or funds.

Virtually nothing. We have all necessary supplies whether on-site or at our facility. You’ll need titles for all vehicles and proof of ownership may be necessary for high-value or specialized items. We handle setup, staging, and staffing. If you prefer to pack items yourself to save on labor costs, we’ll show you how.

Absolutely. We regularly conduct combined sales where real estate auctions on a specific date and personal property follows, or vice versa. Having one professional manage both asset types eliminates coordination problems and ensures integrated marketing.

We typically sell 85-90% of assets. For leftover items, you have several options: keep them, have us donate them, or we can provide clean-out services at an additional expense. We’ll discuss the best approach during planning.

Yes. We’ve conducted auctions with as few as one item. Simply identify what you’re keeping versus what’s to be sold. If it’s a valuable asset, we’ll take the project on regardless of size.

Generally no. We prefer to evaluate everything in place during our initial consultation. We’ll advise you on what should stay, what can be discarded, and how to prepare for optimal results. For estates, we often handle properties “as-is” with minimal preparation required.

Yes. While we prefer auctions, we understand that sometimes immediate cash is needed. We may purchase individual items or entire estates when the opportunity is beneficial for everyone involved.

The decision depends more on your circumstances than the property itself. We evaluate your timeline, financial situation, and comfort level alongside property characteristics. Properties that are unique, hard to value through comparables, or have strong buyer demand often excel at auction. Properties requiring extended due diligence (rezoning, engineering studies, complex permitting) may benefit from traditional listing if time allows. During your free consultation, Michael assesses both your property and your situation to recommend the approach most likely to achieve your goals.

A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) is required for live auctions. Online auctions require a verified account and payment information.

In-Person: Raise your hand or bidder card during live auctions. Online: Enter your bid amount directly on our auction platform. By Phone: Phone bidding may be arranged for certain auctions—contact us in advance.

Yes. Submit your maximum bid in advance, and the auctioneer will bid on your behalf up to that limit.

Payment is due immediately after the sale for live auctions. For online auctions, your registered payment method may be charged automatically. Items must be picked up at the designated location within the specified timeframe. Shipping or pickup details provided after the sale.

Yes. Most auctions include a buyer’s premium, typically 10 to 15 percent of the final sale price. This fee is disclosed in the auction terms and conditions.

Sale prices depend on the item, condition, appeal, uniqueness, and competitive interest generated during bidding. Market conditions also play a significant role.

Yes. Most auctions allow inspection before bidding begins. We strongly encourage thorough inspection to identify any issues before committing to a bid.

No. All items are sold as-is, where-is, with all faults. We strive for accurate descriptions, but no guarantees or warranties are offered. Inspect before bidding.

Winning bidders are obligated to complete the purchase. Failure to do so may result in legal action or being banned from future auctions.