How did you get into the Real Estate Auction Business?

How did you get into the real estate auction business?

I get this question a lot. Maybe its because I'm not the person they have in mind when they think of real estate auctions.

I started in the auction business, specifically personal property auctions, think "Antiques Roadshow". It’s true, I know a lot about paintings, silver, porcelain and furniture. From 2004 - 2009 I worked for two different Auction Houses in Maryland, and I had a great time. Both of these auction houses had a real estate division, and the type of property they sold the most was Estate Sales.

I accidentally started selling real estate at auction in 2006 for a DC area auction house. One of my first clients was a woman who hired me to help her downsize before she retired to Florida. She consigned Native American Artwork, Victorian Jewelry, and Vintage Fur Coats. The appointment went so well she asked me if I could help her sell 40 acres of land she inherited in Virginia. She had been trying to sell it for three years, and thought an auction might be a good way to go. The rest as they say is "history".

Once I started booking real estate auctions, I got hooked. They are really exciting, I think of them as the "sport" of the real estate industry.

After a while I realized that selling real estate at auction was more fun than selling truckloads of antiques. Don't get me wrong, there are some great moments and a lot of beautiful things, however, I personally don't want to handle another dusty Hummel collection or cow painting anytime soon - not when I could be selling real estate.

People who work at auction houses are known as "specialists" - great title, right? I've now got a career as a residential real estate auction specialist. I'm glad to be in a niche segment of the market, and I love what I do. It’s not an easy segment of the industry to break into. For me it is all about referrals. Most people don't think about selling their property at auction, but that is changing. The auction method of sale is not right for every property, but when it is a good match, it's a highly effective way to do business.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's Monday night...time for a little Antiques Roadshow.