Ray Carman – Auctioneer

Of Course there is no such number, but I use it to make a point.

Over the past few days, I have been in contact with several of my colleagues who own and run their own Auction business. They are all experiencing the same thing we are, an onslaught of callers wanting to book their auctions NOW!

Yes, something has flipped a switch on people, and suddenly now everyone wants to auction their property or estate off immediately. It is as if everyone was suddenly awakened from a spell they had been put under by the media, and they are realizing it is a GREAT time to have their auction.

Problem…….everyone wants it done right now and wants the same dates. Auctioneers I have been speaking too have been booking Saturdays, Fridays, and even some Thursdays in order to fit everyone in during the fall. The perfect Auction Storm has hit. The question is, are you really ready and is the perfect time for you to join the fray?

Here are some things to consider when trying to book your auction:

1. Is your property or house in the right condition and market place to have an auction.

2. Does it really make sense for you to spend the money it will take to have an auction (advertising, booking, and a potential no-sale fee)

3, Does the Auctioneer have your best at heart, or are you just another date on the calendar.

Even in this “perfect Auction Storm,” it may not always be in your best interest to join the mix. You need to have solid council regarding your specific situation and whether or not it is the right thing for you to do.

So, consult a professional auctioneer and see if it is the proper move for you, and if it is, NOW IS the time to ump, because fall dates ARE filling up fast.

If you have any questions or want to talk about having your own Auction with Gene Carman Auctioneers at the helm, drop me an email (RayCarman@Gmail.com) or give me a call – 615-428-4920

Ray Carman

We had our large auction this past weekend in Gallatin TN on St Blaise Rd. 90 acres in 10 tracts and a long line of equipment, Antiques, tools, furniture, and collectibles. All in all, we were there 12 hours along with the approx 500 people who came and made our auction a success. To all who came and to those who helped, Thank You very Much.

I am often asked, “What is it like the day after the Big Auction Sale?”

Well, the word, “tired” comes to mind. “Worn Out” and “Relaxed.”

Needless to say, after the weeks of work building up to the auction sale, and the long ours of prep the day prior and 12 hours of work the day of. I am usually exhausted. Therefore. I tend to take a day and just relax and recoup. Because, come Monday, it will all start again as we continue to move on to the next one.

Speaking of the next one, I would like to invite you again to come out on Oct 3rd to my next auction sale here in Gallatin TN again. 2 houses and a building lot, plus many fine fine antiques, collectibles, and a car. It will be a huge honor to have you join us that day as we offer one house (1468 Club Cirlce) at Absolute Auction, and another house at Auction (1478 Club Circle).

For more details you can visit here or watch the video below.

Be sure you come see us. It is going to be a GREAT and AMAZING day!

Here it is, as promised. The pick of the week when it comes to choosing which local auction to attend. This week, there is such a wide variety of things selling, I thought I would give you a choice based on your preference. We may do this every week depending on what your thoughts are on what you would like to see. So here goes……

1. Antiques and Collectibles – NO DOUBT, if I were a treasure hunter, I would make a trip to Franklin KY to be with Wally Gilliam and his crew as they have embarked on a 4 day auction extravaganza in the liquidation of a HUGE antique collection. To learn more and find directions, visit them HERE!

2. House or investment – This week I would make the trip over to Mt Juliet as Mark Williams team is offering a stunning 7000 sq ft house on the lake at Absolute Auction. Whether you want to live on the lake or buy a potential great investment, this would be a good place to go. www.NashvilleAuctions.com will tell you more.

3. Hunting, farm, or investment tract – This one may be a trip for you, but this 93 acre farm in Jackson county being offered in 21 tracts would be a great place for a hunting cabin getaway, or simply a place to hide a few dollars in dirt. Come out and see Gene Carman Jr and his crew as they offer this estate farm at Absolute Auction.

And there you have it. It you are looking for a place to go this weekend, pick the one that best suites your fancy and HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ray Carman – Auctioneer

Tonight, as I was working on some ads, brochures, and listing updates for the week, I did a little checking on one of our most recent videos. In light of the previous post and the video with Bill Seaver regarding how Social Media has played in to auctions, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw tonight.

For the past year, I have been shooting some videos for our upcoming auctions and putting the videos up on here, YouTube, and a few other sites like Photobucket. I have to date not seen much more than a couple of hundred views on any one single video. But in each case, I had seen a constant growth in views and responses. So when I checked on our most recent video, imagine my excitement to see that it had been viewed over 1300 times.

What that means is that people are using their social media sites (Facebook, blogs, etc) to help get the word out, which is the greatest part of the social media world. If you put something out people want to see, then they will also help you spread the word.

So as an Auctioneer and Realtor, this is very encouraging in knowing that people are interested in what you are offering and that you can reach more people with your news or products if you will stay relevant, consistent, and helpful to those who are reading. As you ad value to them, they will be willing to assist you in getting out the word on your products, or in this case, event (Auction), thus giving you great value in return.

To everyone, and anyone who has posted this video, THANK YOU!

If you want to put it on your site, here is where you can grab the link or the embed code! See left side of page.

See you all at this or another upcoming auction!

Last week I was honored to be asked by Bill Seaver over at MicroExplosion Media to do a video interview with him on how Social Media has played into our Auction business. Here is that interview:

Thanks again Bill for having me on!

Welcome to an all new weekly post here on Priority One News! Every week during the Auction season, I thought I would post what my pick of the week would be as an auction enthusiast to attend in the Middle Tn area. I hope you enjoy it.

This week, Labor Day weekend of 2009, many auction companies took the opportunity to take a week off. Probably defined mostly by the fact sellers want this weekend off as well. However, there is a great opportunity for anyone who is an auction buff and it is in Trousdale County.

Gene Carman (my grandfather) will be having a Chancery Court Auction for an estate in Hartsville. It features a nice little home in town on a cozy little lot. Along with the property, the crews will be working all day to offer to you a fine collection of Antiques, Collectibles, Furniture, and household items. This is one to bring out your comfy lawn chair and simply spend the day picking up treasures to keep or resale and make a little extra cash.

You can get more details on this auction over at CarmanRealEstate.com or just follow the link on the brochure below!

No matter what, be safe and enjoy this great Labor Day weekend ahead!

Yes, suddenly, the real estate market in Middle TN, Sumner County in specific, has seen a rush. And it is really no surprise. As earlier this year, the Federal Govt had set up a $8000 tax credit to first time home buyers to anyone who buys a home who has not owned a home in at least three years. The key, close your new home before Nov 1st.

SO the rush has begun. People who want a house and want to use this available tax credit have suddenly emerged. That is the main reason we have seen a sudden rise in the market place. And many Realtors are very glad to see it. So are sellers of both new and older homes. Some house builds have started up in the area, and it could not have hit at a better time for the person wanting to sell.

Here is the key though. For the buyer, you HAVE to get yourself in position to close on your new home before the deadline. But, even more important than that, be sure you are only buying a house that fits your budget. If you cannot afford the home, DO NOT use this tax credit as a means to enter the world of foreclosure in the near future. Talk to your Mortgage Consultant and ask them to work with you in deciding what is the best amount of house for your budget. Then move forward.Here are a few tips:

1. Make sure your house payment stays below 40% of your monthly income. I prefer lower than 30%, but DO NOT go over 40%.

2. Make sure you are still able to save a little each month for that “just in case” moment. Just in case there is a job change or loss. Just in case there is a transfer. Or just in case you get sick and have some unexpected time off.

3. Don;t try to keep up with the “Jones”. Buy a house that fits your needs, not your wants.

Follow these keys and you can buy a house you will be able to enjoy and STAY IN until it is time for you to move again.

If you want any help in this process, I, or anyone here at Priority One will be thrilled to walk with you through these steps!

Ray Carman