American auctions date back to the Pilgrims' arrival on America's eastern shores in the 1600's and continued in popularity during colonization with the sale of crops, imports, livestock, tools, and entire farms.  Colonels during the American Civil War were the only people allowed to auction war plunder and today many auctioneers carry the title of "Colonel".  Auction schools started in the early 1900's in the United States.  The Great Depression created many opportunities for auctioneers as their services were needed to liquidate the assets of individuals and businesses hurt by the economy.

As time has gone by, auctions have become more and more popular as a means to sell goods and assets.  Technology has changed the face of auctions from the days where auctioneers would stand before an audience and call an auction, to today's auctions where computers, cell phones, and fax machines are utilized daily.

But the fact remains:  nothing compares to a LIVE AUCTION!!

Whether you're selling sentimental prized possessions or looking to buy one-of-a-kind treasures, an auction is just the place to make things happen.

Contrary to what some might view as complicated and time consuming, a fast-paced auction is one of the most efficient ways of converting your porperty or assets into immediate CASH.  With the combination of pre-sale marketing and the auctioneer's attention-getting chant, you could have enthusiastic, attentive buyers aggressively competing to purchase your property.

If you've never attended an auction, you're missing out on a great time!  Auctions are exciting and most importantly, auctions are fun!  Auctions exhilarate and captivate everyone, from the opening call of "What will you give me for it?" to the sound of the final bid and the ringing of "Sold!".

Everywhere you turn at an auction, there's a thrill in the air as potential buyers find something they want and set out to successfully bid against others who want the same thing.  Auctions bring out the competitive nature in all of us!

TIPS BEFORE YOU BID...

* Understand the basic types of auctions: absolute, reserve and subject to seller confirmation.

* Arrive early and register for the auction.  Certain auctions may require a cashier's check or other payment in advance of the auction to qualify you to bid at the auction.

* Thoroughly inspect the items that you anticipate placing a bid on; when you buy at auction, you are buying "as is", which means if you bid and win, you now own and can not return the item.

* Always read the Terms and Conditions of the auction, because you are bound by them if you bid.

* Listen closely to the bid increments.

Credit to some of the content of the above-listed information was taken from  Auctioneer Magazine, August 2009 edition.