Ray Carman – Auctioneer

So many people right now are wondering what they should do in their real estate decisions. And the honest truth is, it is determined on a case by case basis. There really is no “one size fits all” solution in our current market.

Since the beginning of 2012, home sale have seen a significant rise in numbers. The price range still remains below the 200’s, but the number of transactions are up in Middle TN. Land has also seen a rise in action. And with Spring approaching, you can expect that to increase even more and for it to spike when auction season arrives.

All that being said, it is still wise to consult your real estate and auction professional in making your own personal decision. Factors can weigh heavily on the decision on what is BEST for you and your family in this market.

So whether buying or selling, it is still a great idea to call your local Real Estate expert.

Ray Carman

615-428-4920

On November 19th I was with one of our crews at an auction in Red Boiling Springs TN. We were well off the beaten path and had the pleasure of offering 223 acres at auction. The land sold tremendously due in large part to my uncle’s, Darrell Carman, hard work and the talent of my grandfather auctioneering.

Immediately following the land sale, we offered a 410 double barrel shotgun made by American Gun Co.  stamped New York. The exact age we did not know, but it was estimated to be over 100 years. I watched with amazement as the bidding went from $500 to $2400! People came from all over to see this gun sale!

Just thought I would share!

This past month has been rather eventful in the auction world. Farms, houses, land, lots, and personal property have all been offered over the past several weeks. Here is what I seen from my own personal standpoint.

1. People are very skiddish when it comes to buying real estate right now. The economy and the political world have people somewhat polarized in their bidding when it comes to real estate.

2. People are spending more to purchase personal property that could be of use to them. Items that peeople use in everyday life, or could use in everyday life, have taken a leap in value of recent. People seem to be putting more stock in personal property that is of use to them than what I have seen in the past few years.

What does that mean? Well, it is something to consider in the bigger picture when it comes to making a decision regarding your own auction. The key is to offer what it is that people need or want. That is where the value is.

This past week, I was honored to broker the auction for Larry Stovesand Lincoln Mercury in Madison TN. The dealership had been there for MANY years, and now it was time to move on. The General Manager contacted me and we moved forward with an auction to sell out the building of equipment and furniture. We had items from car lifts (16 of them in fact) frame straighteners, paint booths, compressors, desk, safes, chairs and more.

When we went in and initially looked over the place, we were thinking the sale would gross about $50,000. That would have been a great day in our opinion. We also were looking for a crowd of around 150-200 people. We set out however to reach a much broader group in an effort to increase the production of the auction.

Advertising started out based on getting a list of 1000 names and addresses in the general area for people and businesses that this sale would apply to. We moved forward with this project, mailing out 1000 postcards to potential buyers. We followed this with local advertising in local papers as well as personally handing out brochures to local mechanics and body shops.

What followed was a overwhelming response which led to over 400 people in attendance at the auction. This in turn led to higher bidding on the items than we anticipated (an I should mention more than the sellers anticipated as well.) In the end, the bottom line more than tripled the initial amount we were hoping for. This led to satisfied sellers and customers.

It was unfortunate that Larry closed his doors. However, I believe a great lesson was learned in the process. If you are making the tough decision to close your business, you might do well to consider hiring an auctioneer to assist you in the close out of your personal property, and maybe the Real Estate as well. You may very well come out better in the end if a proper advertising scheme is implemented.

Auctions have been covering up Macon, Sumner, and Trousdale County’s. We have been blessed to stay busy as a firm. The economy and the growth in numbers of Auction Companies has been something we have had to face, but God has been gracious to us none the less.

As for a trend in the market, there has been an interesting curve we have noticed. It appears that the “summer blues” that has been predicted for this year has people a little gun shy on spending. But that is not just in the auction world. That trend is market wide. HOWEVER, when it comes to niche collecting, like guns, knives, coins, etc, that market has made itself strong even in slow times.

All this to say, the world of Auctions is still going, and going strong. I believe it is one of the best ways to approach the market during these tougher times, if you are wanting it Sold.

Would love to chat about it. Comment or email me any time.

Ray Carman,  Auctioneer

Yes I know it has been a long time. But I am still alive and yes, there are still auctions going on. I will be around more hopefully coming soon.

Auction this weekend in Macon County. You can check out the info on www.CarmanRealEstate.com

Tons of great auctions coming up this fall on the Gene Carman Calendar. Check out our upcoming auctions HERE!

Here is our most recent video of one coming up soon you. Hope you enjoy!

Yes, I know, been WAY too long, even after asking to be held accountable. To be honest, I have just had a TON going on in life.  Most of it really good, so I hope you will be patient with me as I go through this.

I have been holding this story for three weeks now. But I know it will bring a laugh to your day.

We were over in east TN conducting an auction on a Saturday morning. The sale went longer than we thought, and this only had a consequence as my dad had booked another auction for that afternoon. So we all loaded up and were in a hurry racing back to make the next auction sale.

At this time, my now wife, Katie, was riding with me on the way there. We were hauling our 28 foot mobile office, and had piggy backed on that, our port-o-lets. Just east of Cookeville, tragedy struck, I HAD TO GO TO THE BATHROOM, BAD!!!!!!!! I mean, I HAD to go. Then the next tragedy hit, TRAFFIC!

Yes, all the sudden we found ourselves in bumper to bumper traffic. We were inching along. And I was in torture. So, I looked at Katie, who was 16 at the time, and said, “Grab the wheel!” She had a look of confusion on her face, but she did it. As I hopped out of the truck and ran to the back and hopped in the potty. A minute later, I hopped out and ran back to the truck and hopped in. People were looking at me with amusement and curiousity. I even had someone ask if they could use it!!!!!

And that is not all the day held. We were in the left hand lane on the interstate, and as I move up, I notice my dad getting off on a exit, but I could not get over in time in the bumper to bumper traffic. So, I scooted over and at the ramp to enter the interstate, I whipped that whole rig around and went down the ramp the wrong way.

After all that, we barely made the next sale on time and had another great auction sale.

Hope you have a great week!

I know there is alot of talk about the economy and how “bad” things are. Retail stores are wrestling with what to do and how to survive. Some places are having to shut down. People are looking jobs. There is uncertainty in the Real Estate Market. Things shift daily. But in the midst of it all, there is still a shining star, AUCTIONS!

I will be the first to admit that I am a little fish in a large sea when it comes to the whole of the world. Each persons worldview is skewed by their current surroundings. But I want to share with you what I have seen over the past few months.

In May, we had an auction on some Caney Fork River property. To be honest, everyone was a little concerned about how it would go, including us. On the day of the auction sale, we were nervous when at 9:30 (sale was scheduled to start at 10), there was only a hand full of people. Nerves were on edge for sure. As the crew gathered for prayer just minutes before the auction began, something happened, and as we emerged, the tent was bursting with people anxious to buy. Then, a farm we were hoping would bring $600k brought $892,000! And the crowd was amazing.

Then, this past Saturday, July 10th, 2010, we were scheduled to have an estate auction in Portland TN. Involved were 2 houses, some collector classic cars, old toys, guns, and normal household furniture and tools. We (all the auctioneers locally) will be the first to admit that things are somewhat down in pricing) and I was expecting 70 or so people to attend. At auction time, we were bursting at the seams and more than 150 individuals had come to be a part of the auction. Both the houses exceeded expectations, as did the vehicles.   And what might even be more surprising, was that a tonka toy truck, complete with its original box, brought over $300! And again, the crowd was great, and bidding went very well.

All that to say, Auctions are still drawing out the crowds and doing well, and here is why:

1. It is a one day opportunity to buy the marketed item. By putting it on the “block,” buyers must decide quickly if they are in or out. They do not have the luxury of waiting and thinking it over.

2.  People are forced to compete, and by nature, we are a competitive race and everyone wants to “win.” This allows for good prices to still be obtained.

If you have an estate, or Real Estate you want to see moved, speaking to an Auctioneer may be a good conversation to have. You never know, it may just be the method of marketing you need to see the results you are seeking!

Ray Carman, Auctioneer with Gene Carman Real Estate and Auction

Or better said, I have forgotten to post memories on Memory Monday in quite awhile. I actually was approached about this today in person by someone who pointed out my lack of posting on the subjects of memories. My response was simple, ” I have forgotten the Memory Mondays!”

First, let me apologize. I really should be more vigilant in getting these video post done. They are not hard to do and do not take alot of time.

Secondly, keep me accountable! Hold my feet to the fire. Prompt me by suggesting topics for me to post on. I want you to push me to stay connected and energetic on this blog. It is more than just stories, it is an opportunity to share about a great industry, Auctions in America.

SO there it is. I have my work cut out. Memory Monday is around the corner, and boy do I have a doosie to tell you!

Ray Carman