Terry Howe
Auctioneer 101
Last Friday, I sat down with Terry Howe, an auctioneer that I have used in the past. I wanted to ask Terry a few questions that I had been asked over the years and put this together in an article that my customers could read and understand why sometimes an auction is better than listing with a real estate agent.
Gwen: What does an auctioneer do?
Terry: I have been in the auction business for over 30 years. The definition of what I do has changed over time.
Gwen: What is the advantage of using an auctioneer?
Terry: If a property has issues, legal or family, or problems that would make them hard to market and sell or if the seller is to the point that CASH is more important than the asset, I am the person to call. My sellers get cash in hand in 60-75 days. I can arrange the sale to coincide with life events, like moving to another home. I also sell unusual, unique properties that have no comps.
Gwen: What is the disadvantage of using an auction to sell property?
Terry: The general perception is that you only have auctions for estates or if the seller is broke. Not all sellers are distressed, some don’t have to sell, just want to sell. An auction accomplishes its goal. An auctioneer has to determine what the goal and motivation is. Where do you want to go or be when the auction is over? No goal, no auction. Auction equals a closed transaction in a short time with no surprises.
Gwen: How do you eliminate surprises?
Terry: When you sign to do an auction, the first thing I do is to have a title search done by my attorney. They will make sure there are no issues. When you do a real estate sale through an agent, this will not come up till you have an offer on the property…making closing slower and sometimes it can make the deal fall apart.
Gwen: How long after the auction do we get paid?
Terry: We plan for a 30-day or less to close. We have already done the title work, there is usually no bank involved, so all we have to do is send the signed contract over to my attorney. An update will be done and we can close as soon as 3 days or as long as 30. Cash and go.
Gwen: Please walk my customers through the auction process.
Terry: The sale usually starts with a phone call to my office. The receptionist will ask a few questions, standard questions, like owner, address and phone number, a good time to call back, etc.
Gwen: What is your favorite thing about doing your job?
Terry: I get to meet lots of people, and learn a lot. I have learned over time that problems are opportunities—things to be fixed.
Consulting with sellers about the benefits of using the auction method of sale to achieve their goals. Promoting auctions to lenders, attorneys and other business professionals. Advising potential clients about the suitability of their property for the auction method. Terry Howe & Associates
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