Celebrating the History of a Statesboro Landmark

One of the perks of our field is that we, as auctioneers, get to work with, in and around history.  Our current auction is loaded with historical items (you can see the catalog HERE), but it's the location from which the auction is staged that piqued my interest.

The history of the Statesboro Bulloch Chamber of Commerce is rich with stories dating back to the 1920s.  The mission has always been about enhancing the economic prosperity of members, and as a result, the community.  That mission continues today.  The location from which that mission was exercised has changed four times over the years and now a fifth as the organization will become a tenant in the new Bulloch Solutions building.

Since 1991 the Chamber had been located on South Main Street at the former residence of the Harry W. Smith family.  A charming house, it fit the needs of the Chamber and Development Authority for nearly 30 years.  As I walked through the house I wondered about the Smith Family and how things might have been different when they occupied the house originally built in the late 1800s.  The house had seen nearly every modern convenience come to life and itself was retrofitted to include those.  Once occupied by a business owner (Harry Smith of Smith's Jewelers) this house went on to enjoy the company of the Statesboro business elite during the Chamber's time there.  What conversations those wall must have heard!  The growth of Georgia Southern and Ogeechee Tech.  The birth of new banks.  The deals negotiated to bring new industry to town.  Political campaigns that were both born and put to rest.  Oh the things they could share if the walls could talk!

As the Chamber moves on to its new residence much of the fixtures and equipment were left behind.  That's where we come in.  All of items that will not fit the needs of the organization will be sold at auction.  We approach that task with a level of humility and respect, celebrating the past and feeling the excitement of the future.  What an honor it is to be asked to complete this job, but what an honor it is to work out of a building with so much history.  I trust that whoever buys the house will have an equally rewarding experience.

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and Southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Bid Now On A Timeless Hank Aaron Collection

The second part of a phenomenal Hank Aaron card collection is on the auction block now, online with South Auction.  CLICK HERE for the catalog.

Part of a master collection of every card from his playing years, the auction includes the scarce 1954 Johnston Cookies Rookie Card and 1955 Topps Double Header.  This follows an auction last month where the 1954 Topps rookie card, Spic N Span and 58 Hires Root Beer cards all fetched great results.  We are grateful for the consignor who trusted us to handle such an amazing collection.  The phone has been ringing!  Radars are up with both buyers and sellers alike.

Sports cards are experiencing a bit of a renaissance over the last year.  The market is still dominated by vintage baseball, but even modern basketball cards are gaining an audience.  If you have considered selling, the time may be now.  South Auction has experience with sports cards as well as coin collections, business assets, commercial equipment, estates, real estate and more.  Truly a complete solution for the sale of nearly any asset.  Reach out if we can help you!

More blogs to come this spring.  Stay tuned!

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and Southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

When is the right time to sell?

How do you know when is the right time to sell? That is a question that we get often in the auction business, but it really applies to any method of sale.

Obviously a seller wants to be able to maximize on the peak of a market. The problem is, we do not always know when that peak is.  In the collector world, I believe that all markets are cyclical.  Of course some cycles are longer than others, and the growth curves are not necessarily equal.  But..... they are cycles nonetheless.  My general advice is always sell when something is hot.  Is there a buzz about your particular item?  Are folks talking about it?  Are people paying higher prices than you have seen recently?  If you have considered selling, this is the time!   Our society has a saying, "It will only go up in value."  That just isn't true in 95% of cases.  Everything is cyclical.  If you don't have any emotional investment, and you were considering selling anyway, pull the trigger when the asset class is hot.  Otherwise, you will miss an opportunity.  (I'm looking at you Beanie Babies and telephone insulators...)

The second thing to note is that that sometimes an asset can become a liability.  (or at the least a big loss.)  This is particularly true with business assets.  Unfortunately, I have seen this too many times.  I really feel bad for sellers who end up in this situation.  If a particular asset is costing you money or causing you duress, it's likely a liability.  For business assets, age can contribute rapidly to something becoming a liability.  Generally, the longer you sit on a business asset, the less value it will have.  This phenomenon is NOT exclusive to that class, however.  The same can be true of collectibles and personal items as well.  I'll give you some examples:

• Restaurant equipment might be one of the clearest examples that I see on a regular basis.  Equipment that has been sitting in a building, unused, for a long period of time loses value at a rapid pace.  Refrigeration, in particular, ages very poorly when not used.  If in place from a failed business, critters will invariably make their way into the kitchen.  This is not good...  I recently had to give some bad news to a restaurant owner who let a commercial kitchen sit unused for over a year.  What could have been $50,000 worth of good useable equipment was now worth less than $10,000, because most of it was worth nothing more than scrap.....and it had to be moved....another expense.  An asset had become a liability because of in-action.

• Assets that are occupying real estate can also become a liability, particularly if the real estate is highly desirable.  Unless a building is sold with the contents, it must be cleaned out.  A potential buyer will most times have no interest in the contents.  In this situation, the real estate is the asset while the contents are a liability.

• Perhaps nothing ages worse, or loses value quicker, than an automobile.  Of course, there are some exceptions in the collector car world. However, they must be maintained or at least protected. Do not expect your family's heirloom car to increase in value if it is stored under an oak tree.  Neglected collector cars that require extensive repairs and can very quickly become a money pit rather than an asset.  (as a car guy at heart, I'm begging you..... don't let them waste away!)

• Sports memorabilia is only as valuable as the last season of the player depicted.  The time to sell is when the player is hot.  There are certainly exceptions for Hall of Fame superstars of the past. Many of these items can actually increase in value.  But again, those markets are cyclical. Do you have a particular baseball card and you just saw the same one sell for a record price?  Now is the time to sell.  Never confuse your hobby with your retirement plan.

None of these scenarios take into account sentimental value. If something is a family heirloom, or has particular value because of a memory, then the item could most certainly be considered an asset.  But the value you put on it is based on emotion, not markets.  Keep that item. Enjoy it for what it is rather than what it might be worth.

In summary, watch for cycles. Sell when the item is hot.  If it is costing you money or causing you duress, it's time to sell.  If you love the item and can afford it, keep it.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, ask for help! Get input from a reputable personal property appraiser, auctioneer, or trusted advisor.  Having a fresh set of eyes with no emotional attachment will be good for a rational analysis.

More blogs to come this spring.  Stay tuned!

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and Southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Think Before You Donate

As we roll into a new year, it's common for people to declutter their homes and lives.  We see the fresh start as a way to rid ourselves of things that we don't use, don't need, or no longer want to look at.  The result is largely the same. We load up the car with all of the things that we gather and we seek out the nearest non-profit organization thrift store on which to dump the things we don't want.  Personally, I think this is a healthy practice, but you should proceed carefully and thoughtfully for two reasons.

1.  Be cautious that you may donate something that could be valuable.  It's not that you would intentionally put gold coins in the box, but rather that you may include something that you didn't know was valuable.  Some homework is necessary for items on which you are unsure.  Contact a reputable personal property appraiser, auctioneer or trusted advisor for their opinion.  Perhaps you find something valuable and still wish to donate it.... the organization would love to have that information!

2. Sometimes the items that you donate can actually be a burden on the recipient organization.  Of course they're thankful, and kindly accept, but at the end of the day, if you didn't throw away the trash, they have to throw it away.  That can add both a labor and disposal expense to the organization.  If it isn't useable or in fairly decent condition, go ahead and throw it away.  It saves you and the organization time.

More blogs to come this spring.  Stay tuned!

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and Southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Crabb Estate and C&T Wholesale auction is one to watch

What happens when you inherit a farm equipment and parts business, but your life isn't exactly suited for that line of work?  Our current auction featuring the inventory of C&T Wholesale and parts of the Crabb Estate is a great case study.  Over 70 tractor implements, parts, trailers and even a Model A and Model T Ford will all be sold to the highest bidder.

Heirs often have much different lives than their benefactors. We see it fairly regularly.  After the passing of a loved one, an heir is faced with a decision.  Do I continue to operate a business, sell it, or liquidate it?   If taking over the business is not an option, auction is the answer.  I dove deeper on that subject in a earlier post here.  The heir can return to their normal life while the auction professional handles the details, the marketing, the work, the pickup process and the payment collection.  They simply receive a check at the end of the process.

For buyers, this auction will be a great opportunity as well.  Bid your price on harrows, mowers, landscape rakes, planters, box blades and much more.  There will be opportunities to buy parts in bulk, or even drive off in a sweet Model A Ford.  Bidding ends September 25th.  See this auction and the rest of our PACKED fall lineup at www.southauction.com 

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Why do men like old stuff?

Why is it that men have a strange affinity for old things?  Many guys are enamored by arrowheads, rusty wall-hangers and even old tools.  An anvil from the 1800s, pocket watches from the 1940s, shoebox Chevy from the 1950s, football cards from the 1970s, Fender Stratocaster from the 1980s and bar mirrors from the 1990s.  These are just a few of the items that are included in our February Collector's Auction in Statesboro, GA.  Bidding is open now and will run through February 13th at 7 PM.

Much to the chagrin of wives and girlfriends everywhere, this phenomenon doesn't seem to be coming to an end anytime soon.  Despite the fact that they don't really need it, men everywhere are still seeking classic cars, vintage American made tools and knives, signs and baseball cards of their childhood heroes.

I contend that the reason for this phenomenon is simply nostalgia.  Perhaps it's a reminder of a more simple time.  A reminder of a father or grandfather.  Perhaps it's the hope that similar relics will yield a similar life that a respected man enjoyed.  Or maybe the stuff is just cool!

All this talk of men........ The same emotions and rationalizations are evident with ladies too.  Most of the time with just different items, but many times exactly the same!  I think it's part of human nature.

What interesting old treasures do you cherish?

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

An unlikely auction buyer, 40 years later

Richlands, NC resident Chris Peacock never imagined that he would have the opportunity to buy a bedroom suite from his childhood home.  However, after seeing an online auction based in GA that became a reality.

When Chris's parents sold the home years ago, they sold the late 1800s oak bedroom suite with the house.  Chris remembered that if there was anything that he would like to have had from the home, that would have been it.  Chris was alerted that the current owners of the home were retiring to the beach and that they had chosen to sell the personal property contents at auction.  He knew that was his chance.  Being an online auction, he was able to bid from his current home 370 miles away.  As the auction closed, Chris was the winning bidder on the three pieces that he longed for and made plans to drive down and pick them up.

But there were two more items that grabbed his attention as well.  Two street signs, Lewis and Church.  You see, in a moment of youthful indiscretion, (we'll just call it boys being boys) Chris and his two older brothers stole those street signs that sat on the corner where the house was located.  They stashed them in an old shed out back and that's where they stayed for 40+ years.  When preparing the auction, I dug them out thinking that selling them separately would make a few more dollars for my sellers.  You can imagine Chris's surprise when he saw them in the catalog.  He recognized them immediately and he bought them!

The happiness was evident when Chris came to pick up his items.  Check out the video below:


This is a great example of why I love my career.  No two days are the same.  The people and the stories are absolute treasures.  I had the chance to meet almost the entire Peacock family that day.  The memories they shared and the stories they told were special.  Now, they have a bedroom suit and some hot street signs to accompany the memories.

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Looking Back

February 28, 2014 was the day that I set up a tent on the Coosa River and started an adventure that changed my (and my family's) life forever.  #AuctionAlex had not been born yet, but the seeds were planted that day.  The day before, I had cleaned out my office at Georgia Southern University and auction school was on the horizon.  (I blogged the adventure HERE)  To say that I have learned a lot over the last four years is an understatement.  Four things in particular immediately come to mind.

Competition is not a bad thing.
I think that competition, particularly in business, is something that most folks naturally fear.  I was that way when I began.  How will I be viewed by other auctioneers in my area?  How will they treat me?  What will they say about me?  What I came to learn is that competition raises the bar for all of us.  It keeps everyone honest and hard-working.  In reality, there is enough work for all of us.  There are sometimes that we overlap, but generally everyone has a niche.  There are even opportunities to work together.  We refer to each other.  We bid with each other.  We help each other identify things.  When we pitch for business we sometimes go against each other without even knowing it.  That's okay.  It makes us all better.  I appreciate those folks and I believe that they appreciate me too.

Trade time for money or money for time.
It's a mantra for those who are self employed or have strange hours.  If you need money, you trade time to stack cash.  If you need time, you sacrifice money.  This has probably been the hardest transition for me.  I got well accustomed to that paycheck being deposited in my account at the end of each month!  I do have amazing flexibility now though.  If I want to plan a camping trip with my boys and their Scout groups, I can now schedule auctions around the trip instead of scheduling trips around work.  However..... I've sometimes had to do the opposite because the opportunity was too good.  The biggest difference is that now I have the option.  That's priceless.  Profitably managing that paradox is one of the things that I'll be working on in 2018.

Auctions Work!
I've written extensively about the merits of the auction method.  You can see that HERE.  In my part of the country the auction method is still sometimes viewed as the method of last resort.  But....... that's changing.  With every land auction that exceeds expectations, every estate auction that pops stellar results and every business liquidation that sometimes yields near retail prices, people are noticing.  When done properly by an honest auction professional, it works.  Every time.

People are generally good.
Despite what we see daily on TV and online, most folks are good people just trying to do the same things.  They work, earn money, take care of their families and enjoy their communities.  That doesn't make the news.  I've encountered legions of people in every part of my career, but in the auction business most everyone seems happy.  Sellers, but almost always bidders.  People like to bid!  It's fun!  Benefit auctions are many times my favorite events.  People like to give.  I believe God wired us that way.  The excitement when a generous bidder "overpays" for an item at a charity auction is exhilarating for both the audience, bidder and the bid caller alike.  Don't believe me?  Try it sometime.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the sellers and bidders who have done business with me over the last four years.  It's also owed to the "teachers" who educated me about the business and life in general.  I know nearly every one by name.  They are ultimately the people who helped me succeed in the auction business.  They allowed me to feed my family, buy new baseball cleats and pay for scouting events.

I'm excited to see what the next four years hold.  If they're anything like the first four, I'm in for an amazing ride!

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Macon Georgia Mega Estate

Property rights are still generally respected, especially in the south.  You don't just walk up on someone's place and start plundering. Because of that, amazing collections still exist, often tucked away and relatively undiscovered.  That's what we have in our current auction, The Coulter Estate in Macon, GA.

Mr. Jack Coulter built a collection that is nothing short of amazing.  Spread between a hand-built cabin, an old chicken barn and an old gas station, the antiques and artifacts packed in were an amount that I had never seen in an estate situation.  Most of the time we come across estates that are 70% less desirable items.  Mr. Coulter, however, had a great eye with the majority of his items being things for which bidders will have great interest.  We closed out the first half of the auction last month with excited buyers and very good results.  I expect that round two will be equally as exciting.

An estate situation, I am working for Mr. Coulter's heirs with this auction.  The volume was intimidating to them.  I was happy to step in with a solution.  That's of course how I feed my family, but it has also been a privilege to honor his memory.  The placement of certain items and the manner by which things were displayed showed me quickly the things that were special to him.  Those things were not always the most valuable, but it was a neat experience to look at something and wonder about the history of it and think about the stories that he may have told his friends.

From copious amounts of points (arrowheads) and quality signs to furniture, knives and other antiques, this auction has been a joy to prepare.  The work was tremendous, but when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.  I believe Mr. Coulter enjoyed collecting just as much as I enjoy selling at auction.

If you like antiques, advertising, or just generally cool items, check out The Coulter Estate in Macon and share the catalog with others.  Its one that you won't soon forget, I assure you!

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Statesboro Auction

Our current auction was built and will be staged out of Statesboro, GA.  It includes a variety of items from furniture and coins to sports memorabilia and a Lexus.  Check it out HERE and place a few bids!  This auction is a great example of what we do on a regular basis.

Any auction in Statesboro is special to me, but to be honest this one probably isn't really all that special to anyone else.  Bulloch County is home for me and I relish the opportunity to serve a seller at home.  This particular auction is a hodgepodge.  (I'll pause while you Google that...)  It includes items from the estate of a lifelong Bulloch County resident, items from a family moving to Greenville, items from an older couple downsizing and moving to Statesboro, and several other items from regular sellers who know first-hand about the quality results that we get at auction.  All have local ties.

I've written before that we are basically problem solvers.  I also wrote on the merits of the auction method.  This particular auction provides an opportunity to serve in both capacities and to do it locally!

I look forward to the next industrial liquidation in Savannah, regional real estate auctions that are on the books, and I'm excited about an upcoming opportunity to liquidate restaurant equipment in Augusta.  Those auctions are important and I enjoy those challenges, but there's something about helping local people with local values that screams Americana.

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Estate Auctions - What you need to know as a seller

Estate auctions happen daily.  Most people are familiar with them and many have purchased from them.  However, when you are on the selling side rather than the buying side, it is a much much different experience.  It's an emotionally taxing task for those in charge.  As I have written before, auctioneers are basically problem solvers.  Estates are an area in which the auction method can really benefit executors and heirs alike.

First and foremost, you should demand an auctioneer who will serve the needs of the estate with dignity, respect and humility.  While there is great benefit in having someone come in with no emotional attachment, respecting the consignor(s) grief process is VERY important.

An estate auction, properly promoted by a professional auctioneer, will yield clear benefits to heirs.  Let's examine several that I think are important:

• Estate auctions are honest, efficient and transparent.
• Anyone can openly bid, the price works upward and everything is done in a generally short period of time.  Records are kept with reports provided to the estate so that everyone understands what sold and for what amount.
• Estate auctions take a burden off of the executor and heirs
• During an already mentally exhausting time, an auction can relieve a major burden from executors and heirs.  Choosing a trustworthy auctioneer who can handle things for the executor can be a genuine relief.  In fact, most auctioneers can provide a complete solution.  Read on for more related to that.....
• Estate auctions maximize price realized for the heirs
• In an auction setting prices always work upward.  Price benefits from competition between interested buyers.  Rather than accepting the first "acceptable" offer, sellers are able to get all that the market will bear.  I provided more specific theory in a recent blog that you can read HERE. 
• Estate auctions can liquidate everything if the executor/heirs wish
• Not only will an estate auction take away burden and maximize the price on desirable items, it can also divest heirs of the less desirable assets as well.  This is a major difference as compared to estate sale events which could leave heirs figuring out what to do with unsold items.  In an auction setting, the less desirable assets may be grouped until someone "bites" ......again, setting the market price for that asset.  This is key if the estate needs to empty a property to create marketable real estate.  Speaking of which.....
• Estate auctions can include real estate in addition to personal property
• Perhaps the estate includes personal property and real estate.  Most auctioneers who offer real estate sell at auction and in traditional listing environments as well.  All situations and property are different, so either method could be appropriate.  This is another example in which an estate auction could be complete and turn-key for an executor.
• Estate auctions can give executors and heirs a method to efficiently divide assets
• Finally, an estate auction can actually provide executors and heirs with a method to equitably divide an estate.  At auction heirs compete and bid for items that they want.  The money that they spend would then, in turn, make its way back to them in their portion of the estate settlement.  Disagreements among heirs are unfortunate and sometimes nefarious.  As I mentioned in point one an auction is an honest, efficient and transparent solution and it could prevent that kind of situation.

Finally, it is important to note that many times estates are sold by the owner while he/she is alive and well!  I contend that the same information applies.  Simply replace the word heir with owner.  If you have any questions about estate auctions, or the auction method in general, feel free to contact me.  I'd be very happy to help you better understand the process.  Thanks for reading!

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Why Auction?

Why auction?  I get that question a lot.  First we must understand the objective.  Generally speaking, auctioneers are problem solvers.  What problem are we trying to solve and what are we trying to sell?

Sale of a common asset.  When dealing with common assets, the general goal is to divest the owner of the item(s) as quickly as possible.  Price for these types of assets can sometimes be lower than the seller expects, but when promoted properly by a professional auctioneer, they will achieve market value.  In fact, they have the potential to bring more than expected and sometimes do!  Things falling into this type category might be furniture, equipment, business assets, most mainstream collectibles and estate contents.  Common or distressed real estate also fits into this category.


Sale of a unique asset.  Unique assets benefit greatly from the auction format as interested bidders are very motivated to compete for something that they might not otherwise have access to.  There is a reason that Shelby Cobras and precious gemstones are commonly sold at auction.  They must still be promoted properly and professionally, but this scenario is the same as above.  Market value will be reached.  Things falling into this category might include rare coins, collector cars, highly desirable real estate, rare antiques or even intellectual property.

In either scenario, the process is honest, efficient and transparent.  Additionally, both situations benefit from competition between interested buyers.  One is about sheer liquidation, but both will yield market value.

The best example I ever read came from champion auctioneer, and all around auction rock star, Renee Jones as she recounted a phone call with a potential client.  It went something like this:

Caller: We are looking at your company and another group to handle our Mom's estate. What makes you different? 

Renee: Well, thanks for asking! While I can take up a tremendous amount of your time let me provide you with what I believe is most important for you to consider when making such an important decision. 

1. Public auctions allow for competitive bidding in real time. It is an equal playing field for all customers - not first come first serve and we sell EVERYTHING in a very short period of time. 
2. We are licensed and regulated by the state. 
3. We are insured and do not use temp labor for our auction events. 
4. We do not purchase assets at our auctions for personal use or to "flip" for profit. 
5. I can provide you with positive references from clients all over our region.
6. We charge a competitive commission, no up front costs, and handle all transactions - credit card, wire transfer, checks and accept the risk associated with them. 
7. We collect sales tax and follow the law to the letter. 
8. We have appraisers on staff and catalog writers who are experts in what they do. 
9. We have real estate agents in our firm who can handle the real property transactions as well. 
10. And above all else - We want your business and will provide you with professional service beyond reproach. Now, ask me anything you would like so I can help you make the best decision...

Caller: Renee, can you meet us in the morning to sign a contract? 

Renee: Absolutely.

I would be happy to talk with you further about how the auction method of marketing can yield results for you.  Whether you are an attorney, banker, trustee, executor, real estate agent, or just a regular guy like me, I likely have a solution for your situation.  Feel free to reach out any time!

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.

Vintage tractors and 200 farm toys to be sold at auction April 13-23

A collection of five vintage tractors and over 200 farm toys, known as the Southeast Georgia Collection, will be sold at auction April 13-23.  The name for the auction arose because of the rarity of such a large collection of this type in the southeastern United States.

"It is quite a treat to find a farm toy collection of this size in Georgia," said auctioneer Alex Grovenstein.  "They are a little more common in the midwest and other parts of the country, but not really in Southeast Georgia."

The collection consists of nearly every brand imaginable from John Deere and Ford to Case, International and Massey Ferguson.  You will even find White, Gleaner and Co-op.  Most of the toys are 1/16 scale models by Ertl, but there are others including Spec Cast and Tru Scale.  The collection also includes several special edition tractors that were only available at toy shows.  Perhaps two of the most sought after items in the auction are two very large 1/8 scale tractors, a John Deere A and Ford 8N, autographed by Joseph Ertl.

Toys are not the only items in this collection.  The auction will also include five real vintage tractors as well.  Need a grader?  Bidders will have the chance to compete for a rare Allis Chalmers WC Speed Patrol.  Also included is what Grovenstein calls one of the finest original examples of a vintage tractor that he has ever seen.

"We are proud to offer a nearly all original John Deere 430.  It is such a wonderful tractor that screams 'agricultural heritage' because it's almost as it it came from a time capsule."

Bidding on the Southeast Georgia Collection will end beginning at 7:00 PM EST on Sunday, April 23.  Nationwide shipping is offered on all toys.  To view the entire catalog and register to bid, visit South Auction and Realty online.

#AuctionAlex  #NAAPro  #AuctionsWork

Auctioneers Helping Auctioneers. AHA!

The peer support level among professional auctioneers is a relationship unrivaled in any other field.  It instantly creates a worldwide network that allows an opportunity to serve clients at a high level and also legitimizes the trade.  I've spent the past week on the campus of Indiana University interacting with fellow auctioneers during my second year of the three-year program, of the National Auctioneer's Association, known as the Certified Auctioneer's Institute.

We heard from some absolute giants in the auction industry.  I was also able to interact with and watch some other dynamos who just happened to be in my class.  An association president, a firefighter, successful ladies, and a legit war hero just to name a few.  It was both encouraging and humbling at the same time.  I learned something from each of them.  I learned things that challenged me and others that edified me.  I was reminded to take care of myself so that I can in turn take care of others.  Perhaps it's time for a checkup with a physician..... which would be my first visit since 1998...

The key moment for me was a presentation near the end of our time in Bloomington.  Our final speaker was clearly a man of God.  He mentioned it in passing, but his light was burning bright throughout his remarks.  He posed to us a question..... Why do we do what we do?  I enjoy helping people.  Whether that's schlepping tables at a PTO event or orchestrating an auction that solves a problem for a giant manufacturing company, I just like to help.  But why do I like to help?

I've come to learn over the last few years that God has called me to help.  After waiting for years for a supernatural tap on the shoulder with detailed plan, I finally figured out that God just wants me to help other people and do it for his glory.  Its that simple.  So I wrote it down:

"Bring glory and honor to God by helping other people"

How does that relate to business?  I help folks for free all the time, but I'm certain that God wants me to work and get paid.  As I thought about it in class and on the drive south, I came up with some ways that I can (and already do) help people through the auction business.

I help consignors by selling their property in an honest and efficient manner.
I help investors who make their livelihood by buying in hopes of appreciation.
I help re-sellers gain access to items that they sell again to make money for their family.
I help collectors fill gaps in the collections that they love.
I help the landlord of the properties I rent out of which I conduct auctions.
I help my coworkers as we build a successful business

.....and what do you know.  I make money doing that, which helps my family and then allows us to help our Cub Scout Pack, Kiwanis Club, Church and others.

I have a file full of other nuts and bolts to take home and implement, but this exercise will be the one that guides me.  Auctioneers Helping Auctioneers.  It wasn't the one I expected when I drove up to IU, but it was my AHA! moment nonetheless.

#AuctionAlex  #NAAPro  #CAI2

Why do items sometimes sell cheap?

The sentiment comes in a variety of forms, but it is always rooted in the same curiosity.

"She got a heck of a deal on that!"
"That sold cheap!"
"He stole that one!"
"Why did that item sell so cheap?"

To answer that question in relation to personal property auctions, we have to examine several factors.  Demand, promotion and competition all play large roles in how an item will perform at auction.

Demand
What is the demand of a particular item?  Some items are more sought after than others.  This is constantly affected by styles, trends and social commentary.  Demand can also be very different in different parts of the country and even within a city.  In my area chalk-painted furniture is in high demand.  A nice original mahogany desk will not generate the same demand as it would if the same desk were painted light green, blue or white.  A decade ago the opposite was true.  In a world of ever changing tastes, understanding demand is important to understanding if something sold "cheap."  Keep in mind too the demand curve.  Pretty much anything will have demand at a certain price.  A worn out dump truck might not be in demand at $10,000, but to someone, it might be at $1,000.

Promotion
Even if you had a warehouse full of gold bars, fine art and vintage Cadillacs, they would still need to be properly and professionally promoted to realize a market price.  If people aren't aware that things are available, they don't know to bid.  Putting a flyer on a telephone pole is not going to yield the exposure needed to fully reach prospective bidders.  If assets are not well promoted, they might sell "cheap."  Good promotion tactics are very advanced and targeted through a variety of channels.

Competition
If items are in demand and properly promoted, bidders will compete to buy them and prices will move upward.  This only happens in the auction format.  It is an inherent advantage over other forms of sale.  Interested parties will bid against each other until only one still perceives value.  Competition arises for a variety of reasons too.  Perhaps a retail business is competing with someone who has sentimental attachment to an asset.  Both will have different points of value for different reasons.  This point also brings up the debate of live versus online auctions.  Well promoted online auctions generally expose items to more potential bidders, theoretically increasing competition.  Without any competition, an item could certainly sell "cheap."  The psychology of competition at auction is actually a great idea for a future blog.  I'll have to revisit that!

If all three are aligned, auction magic happens.  An in-demand item that has been properly promoted to competing bidders will always fetch market prices.  The biggest disconnect in this equation is usually our perception of value.  Our opinion of value might be quite different than someone else..... the other bidder.  Are there variables?  Sure!  Sentimental value, associated expense (if the item must transported modified or repaired) and the risk tolerance of the bidder all can affect hammer prices.

Generally speaking, I contend that items can sell"cheap" at auction if the auctioneer does not promote them and assist in generating competition.  However, when orchestrated properly and professionally auctions show us the market.  Auctions are the market.

I'd love to hear your opinion.

#AuctionAlex  #AuctionsWork  #NAAPro

Live or Online Auction?

Other than some charity events, it has been a year since I have done a live auction.  That changes this weekend as we will host the 6th Auction at the Fairgrounds in Statesboro, GA - INFO HERE.  Online auctions have been paying the bills and have been very successful.  However, I've missed the interaction with the crowd and I'm very much looking forward to Saturday's auction!

You may wonder....... How does a modern auctioneer decide whether to do an auction live or online?  There are a lot of factors, but it is generally decided based on which method would best suit the needs of the consignor.  Which will yield the seller the most money?  Is there a specific time frame that needs to be met?  Is anonymity needed?  Does the seller have a preference?

Both methods have their laurels and drawbacks.  Online auctions can expand the bidder pool and remove bidder inhibitions.  Live auctions can create moments of excitement and allow the bidder to physically touch the items while bidding.

If I had to choose one, I would comfortably advise that online auctions are the prefered method right now, but that statement is not absolute.  Every auction is different and every seller has different needs.  The modern auctioneer has a responsibility to make sure that his client's needs are met in the most efficient and beneficial way.

Do you need to sell?  I'd be happy to present a proposal addressing your needs.

#AuctionAlex  #AuctionsWork  #NAAPro

Own a Piece of Savannah History

June 13th will be the first day of an online auction where bidders will have the opportunity to own a piece of Savannah history as the fixtures, equipment, decor and memorabilia from Johnny Harris Restaurant will be offered at auction.
VIEW THE AUCTION HERE.

The stories read like that of a vintage southern novel.  The autographed menus hanging on the wall act as a kind of inventory mechanism, denoting the famous patrons from over the years.  The booths still have that private feeling just as they did when the curtains were pulled so that patrons could indulge privately just after the end of prohibition.  The doors of the kitchen show the age associated with wood that has been bumped into by what has to be thousands of different servers, cooks and bus boys.  With all the history, two specific things stuck out to me as I prepared the property for auction.

Did you know that Johnny Harris has a cellar?  Most people do not.  Originally used to store ice, the cellar was once used to store wine as well.  The cellar door spoke to me during auction prep.  It was old, but had been wonderfully preserved down below.  It even has the original hardware on it.  I knew that I had to harvest it and offer it at auction.  I did exactly that, item number 309.  As interesting as the cellar door is, its story pales in comparison to the story behind the murals that surround the top of the main dining room.

According to Johnny Harris President Norman Heidt, the story goes that after spending some time in his new building, Johnny Harris decided that he didn't like the way that the ceiling looked.  One day in the late 1930s a gentleman fresh out of prison came by looking for work.  When he told Mr. Harris that he could paint, a deal was struck.  The gentleman was given food and a place to stay for as long as it took to paint the 3 1/2'x12' murals.  A stunning example of depression era folk art, these murals will also be offered at auction, item numbers 113-126.

What an honor it is to conduct this auction!  Johnny Harris has been a part of my career from the beginning.  I hosted lunch meetings there as a development officer at Memorial Health.  I fed the GACA all-star Basketball teams there when I worked with the Greater Savannah Sports Council.  I hosted alumni luncheons there when I worked with Georgia Southern University.  Now, as an auctioneer, I have the opportunity to help close the book on this gem of Savannah history. It's absolutely an honor and a privilege.

Alex

#AuctionAlex  #NAAPro   #AuctionsWork

Who is Auction Alex?

I always had an interest in becoming an auctioneer.  However, auctioneer school wasn't something that high school guidance counselors typically touted as an option in the late 1990s.  Everyone was to go to college, earn a degree and enter the white-collar workforce.  Of course, I did that.  After a 12+ year career in non-profit development and communications, I decided it was time to finally pursue a lifelong interest and earn my auctioneer's license.  In fact, I wrote a blog about that experience too.  In 2014, I was licensed GAL #4105 by the state of Georgia.  I am also licensed as an auctioneer in South Carolina, #4534 and a licensed Georgia real estate agent, #366186.  I am proud to be helping South Auction and Realty expand into the Statesboro and Savannah, GA markets.

My mission as an auctioneer is simple:
Help people convert assets to cash in an honest and efficient manner.

What do I sell?  I offer, at auction, real estate, personal property, business liquidations, farms, equipment..... almost anything.  At this time, I sell everything except wholesale cars and firearms (though I do have contacts with which I can partner to sell those too!)  I also sell real estate via traditional listing methods as well.

Non-profit experience?  That's right.  I had a great career in non-profit development.  I know what it takes to make your charity auction successful.  Whether you need help from the early planning stages, or just a bid-caller the night of your event, I can help!

What about ethics?  I feel VERY strongly about doing the right thing, especially in the auction business.  Call it a pet peeve; call it common courtesy.  I adhere strictly to the NAA Code of Ethics.

How can I help you?

#AuctionAlex  #NAAPro  #AuctionsWork

Alex Grovenstein
912-657-1831
alex@southauctiongroup.com
GA Auctioneer License #4105
SC Auctioneer License #4534
GA Real Estate License #366186
#AuctionAlex

Serving Statesboro, Savannah, and all areas of southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina with open, honest and efficient auction solutions.