"It's my money and I want it now."

I have just returned from a closing for a home I sold at auction. The owner was able to receive the proceeds from his home in less than 100 days from listing to closing. We took seven weeks to prepare and market the auction. The buyer was given six weeks to close. This represents a much shorter time than most traditional selling periods.

When is it smart to sell real estate by auction? When having the proceeds earlier is important. Many owners have their property vacant during the marketing process. The mortgage payments and other expenses continue. Heir property is always a good prospect for an auction sale. Multiple owners are often difficult to have in communication when an offer is received. With an auction everyone knows the date and time in advance when an offer will be received. The reserve price has been agreed upon. When the bids exceed that price all of the heirs have agreed to sell. In a traditional sale only the asking price has been established. When one of the heirs goals does not line up with his relatives it can get tense. Some will want their money now. Others may want to wait for a higher offer that may or may not materialize.

With an auction we establish a minimum price that will be accepted. Dates are selected for the sale. A closing date is determined. A marketing plan and budget are established. In traditional real estate an asking price is determined. Marketing plans are developed but an end date cannot be determined. The budget is somewhat open ended. The cost of ownership continues. The home or property must be kept in a constant state of readiness. If an offer does not come the price is lowered and the process restarts.

The value of a home is determined by a price a knowledgeable owner will accept and a knowledgeable buyer will offer when neither party is under duress. Value is related to the condition and location of the property. When a property will sell is determined by the asking price and if the market place knows it is available. Advertising is key to selling homes. A Realtor must devote a portion of their expected commission to advertising the property. Will marketing time be 60, 90 or 180 days? With limited resources the marketing budget must be spread over a longer period of time. In an auction sale marketing time is generally about six weeks. The budget can be spent in a relatively short period of time. Normally we advertise the reserve price which attracts more buyers. Buyers are attracted to an auction in hopes of getting a great buy. Many will come to watch the show. The excitement of an auction attracts buyers.

If you need your money now we can help. If a fellow Realtor has a client that this process could help we would be happy to work with them.

Check out our websites:

www.Gary-Barker.com
www.GaryBarkerAuctions.com

Your Invited

Times have been tough. The flow of retirees coming to our great city has been slow the past three and a half years. Many have theorized that most were waiting for their market to recover. Recent election results indicate that change will be slow and not sudden. These potential newcomers will still face higher property and income taxes in their home state. I feel most have been waiting to retire. Now facing much of the same for another four years they will be compelled to accept the new reality and sell their home and finally retire.

The good news is they can still get a bargain here. Interest rates are the lowest I have seen in my career. I believe we will see a steady flow of retirees moving south once again. So for any retirees or potential retirees who might read this I say,

"Your Invited"