Some people have mixed feelings about auctions. I understand this and approach the subject with empathy. Auctions aren't for everyone, nor do they suit every property. Some of my best and highest priced sales have been via auction.

It requires plenty of skill to run a successful auction campaign. My auction skills are well recognized in the industry. Just ask Barfoot & Thompson's (former) head auctioneer Brett Trigger. Of 1000 agents available to him to auction his own home, he chose me. And what a great result - 14 bidders wanted his home.

Barfoot & Thompson do not allow "vendor" or "dummy" bidding. Customers usually feel at ease bidding at our auctions, knowing that competing bidders are always real. When only one person bids on a property, my auctioneer (Murray Smith) is skilled at encouraging that person to bid to their maximum.

Some of the benefits of the auction method of sale are:

  • Your property obtains "special project" status
  • Your property gains prominence through high profile marketing, including extensive website exposure
  • No price marketing attracts a wider range & larger number of customers
  • Having an auction deadline creates a finite selling time
  • An auction creates potential for a premium through competitive bidding
  • You control the selling price with a reserve (To protect you from under-selling I use reserves quite differently to the majority of agents).
  • You choose the possession and settlement date
  • Your title is accepted by the new owner on the fall of the hammer (the contract will be unconditional)

Price Protection:
When you list for auction with Barfoot & Thompson we have a system that is designed to protect you from under-selling. Every customer that inspects your home can be registered as an interested party. Their name and the agent they were introduced by is placed on your electronic property file held within Barfoot & Thompson’s intranet. If you receive a pre-auction offer that is acceptable to you, before you sign a contract for sale, the company auctioneer contacts all interested parties to give them an opportunity to make an offer/bid also. This system protects you and customers – it is fair and ethical and ensures a satisfactory result. If a pre-auction offer is not acceptable to you, I always encourage the unsuccessful customer to attend the auction to bid.