I was just reading some material which recommended that if you have properties which it looks like the listing agreement will run out on and you will not get to re-new that you should refer it out and hopefully get the referral fee.  salvage something out of it is their point.

James,

A soon-to-be expiring listing is certainly one of the scenarios where an auction referral may make sense. 

Others include:

1.  Job transfer and need a quick sale

2.  Estate settlement

3.  Divorce settlement

4.  In contract on another property and need to sell their current property quickly (to avoid losing the other one). 

Any PROFESSIONAL auctioneer should be willing to pay a generous referral fee.  I stress the word professional, as I recommend referring your deals to members of your state and local auctioneer associations (as they should subscribe to a code of ethics).  I ALWAYS pay a referral fee - even if it's on personal property auctions.

James,

You may also want to review the blogs of my good friend, Robert Mayo, in Kansas City.  He has posted many blogs on auctions.

http://activerain.com/blogs/robmayo

Michael: Actually, I never have thought of referring them to an auction.  Interesting idea.  Thanks for the advice.  It's definitely something to keep in mind.

Donna,

You are welcome.  I know that there has always been somewhat of a disconnect between Realtors and Auctioneers and we are doing our best to bridge that gap.  I am BOTH a Realtor and an auctioneer.  There are some things I can do with my Realtor hat on and there are some things I can do better with my auctioneer hat on. 

There are many fine auction companies in your area.  

Continued success.