Harke Auctioneers & Appraisers/ Estate, Benefits, Certified Appraisals

02/19/2024

Beautiful

01/23/2023

My viewers, as I have mentioned, I have what they call, Semi-retired. My page reflects that. However, my page is still up, because after 25 years, of Working my own Estate auctions, large benefit auctions, and bid calling/ringing for so many local auctioneers I have not lost interest in the profession that afforded me years of fun, making new friends, and raising over a million dollars for charity and school auctions. So, I am going to use my company website, for helping you grow with the auction business. Watch, for announcements, referrals, and pro tips on how to conduct yourself and win at auctions. And still, offer support to other local auctioneers. Ron.

08/13/2019

OH, also a reminder if your researching prices on Ebay, the correct way to do that is, using the sold feature. We hear so often during auctions, "well it's selling for $### amount on Ebay" Really. NO. It Sold For. and even that will vary depending on how important it was for the bidder to win it. That's the worth of your item, on that day, that evening, that auction. What it sold for, its called "Fair Market Value" Hope this helps. Sellers and buyers.

08/13/2019

I have suggested several times if you're interested in auctions and want to find one and window shop at the same Auctionzip.com . Many folks ask me to "watch for a certain item, be it furniture, bowls, glassware and more, I head to Auction zip. In fact, I am going to an Estate auction this week, because I saw something I am interested in buying. You will be surprised by how many "weekday" auctions there are in your area. Auctioned from the house on site. Normally preview 9AM, Auction 10AM. Its something fun to do, just to stop by, for those that are not busy. See you at one of them.

07/18/2019

Well, it seems I am way behind on posting. Yes been very busy and need to update on tips for buying and selling at auctions. Will do. Have been busy working with other auctioneers. Still helping so many friends with liquidation of personal property , their own and family members. Helping to reduce the stress and concerns. Will update in coming weeks. Estate and consignment Auctions , still the preferred method as I see it.

02/18/2019

Recent Benefit at Royal Orleans, St. Louis, for young man with Leukemia . Senior at Lindbergh High. A benefit of community and Lindbergh High School support. No pics, it was just a great emotional evening of friends support, well over 400 students and family's at the banquet Center. This is Forest and his Daughter Holly, "they are Royal Orleans" both contributed so much time and effort, "guess who" and daughter Janice, a teacher in the district and member of the Wil's Warriors support community. A terrific feel good evening, with lots laughs, tears, and oh yes $$$$

07/27/2018

Well this evening the auctioneer, switched hats, and took to a consignment auction, downsizing items from both my house and my Daughter who had already moved. Little work in preparing box lots, and preparing/packing items to be sold on their own. Loading into 2 SUVS, unloading at auction. then sitting back and let someone else do all the work. And waiting for the check in the mail. No liabilities , Price haggling , giving up a full day wondering who is walking up your drive way. The average person is may not aware of, stress free, hands off-- liquidating or downsizing a household. OH did you know their are some auction companies that will do all the packing and loading and take to their auction. Bet not. message me.

07/08/2018

Time to get back to some lessons on bidding and buying at Auction. Not everyone will be in favor of my giving these tips. But if helps people enjoy going to auctions, and new folks joining the auction community and "regulars" then we have helped you and our clients.
So, what is a preview. well todays world has made some changes. Preview-your opportunity to view, inspect and note what your interested in. the changes --iphones computers and Auctionzip.com Potential buyers now take the time to look at pictures, sitting at home, of sale items (at preview also) and look up values. Ebay has changed the auction /estate sale business) Buyers now come to auctions with a list of items, and what they are welling to pay. (actually speeds up the auction) and there is always someone bidding who may just want it more then you do. If the bidder whats it for his/her home they will bid more. (so it all evens out, hopefully to the clients and bidders satisfaction . ) While attending please dont think the auctioneer is getting all that money you you hear being bid. No a percentage and from that, he has employees, and a business to run. So ok, getting a little long, I will return with more tips, explanations, etc, If you want to Private Message me with questions, I will do my best to give you straight forward answers. Ron. OH check out my personal FB page. as to friend. Tell my you looked at this page.

10/14/2017

Well been a while since I wrote. But this topic is current, (last week) so thought I would make a few comments.

Mr. Auctioneer you missed my bid, I was on when you "said sold"
Every Auctioneer dreads this situation because its a no win. So lets chat about it. As gray as most "auction laws" are this one falls into that area. Lets start with basics. According to legal eagles. Once a auctioneer says "sold" a contract has been verbally made. Remember that as we proceed. Also according to legal eagles, the only one in the crowd that can accept a bid is the Auctioneer" a ring man is " seeing a bid for the auctioneer and sounds out." (he is not accepting the bid, until the auctioneer acknowledges that bid, It is not a bid. Remember that as we proceed.
(Just starting to see the complexity of a auction.
So when the auctioneer says sold, and the "discussion begins" the ringman says I had, #45. But the auctioneer did not acknowledge, (increase by #45 bidder ) therefore #45 is not a bid.

Lets shorten this, Bidders, you have a responsibility to make sure the Auctioneer sees and has taken your bid. Most auctioneers have a mike with speakers on both sides of him, (or one side) a person 5 rows back, Or in a very loud room that says , "yes" cannot be heard by the auctioneer.
So whats the bottom line to this long, Blog.
BIDDERS USE THE BID CARD YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN, "RAISE' IT, RAISE YOUR HAND, WAVE, MAKE SURE THE AUCTIONEER HAS YOUR RAISE, BIDDERS HAVE A RESPONSIBLITY AT AN AUCTION. "NO I DO NOT OPEN UP BIDDING ONCE I SAY SOLD. I AM BREAKING A CONTRACT IF I DO. PERIOD.

So Auctioneers, and Bidders must have a understanding of the rules of the day, and that can only be done by making a verbal announcement at the beginning of a auction. Auctioneers and Bidders if you do not have a mutual understanding between bidders and auctioneer before the auction starts. you are going to run into time delaying ,embarrassing arguments during the auction.

07/22/2017

Well I may be the only one who does not like setting 3 hours at a auction watching $1.00 dollar items put n the block, So here goes. Remember this is my blog , expressing an opinion , Mine. So you sit down, maybe its air-conditioned or well heated, with snack bar, drinks, (adult and otherwise) and maybe its not. The auction starts. with auctioneer asking for $1.00, and sometimes not getting an opening bid (set it back) and the auction continues, with everything/well the major part of the evening starting at $1.00, or the auctioneer goes up in increments of $1.00 to as much as $50.00 How long do you sit there before leaving,? Pro dealers are not there because merchandise can not be double and tripled, and yet management will not , double/triple up on items. To start the bidding. The crowd begins to get restless, and start to leave. and so it goes for couple or three hours. 18 years and I still don't understand it, I have a floor, on average it is $2.50. it I think the merchandise that evening is worth more its $5.00 and I will add until I get that opening bid, I will not set back, for next week. So help me out, you pros out there. Am I that wrong. Or don't some of the newer auctioneers know enough about running a business and find out the hard way, "gone in ? months) because no one wants to consign to a dollar merchandise auction. (yes most of the problem is merchandise for start ups. (we will address that later) Post some comments maybe we all with learn and also teach some of the startups.

07/10/2017

I am posting as a share, because very good information. Auctioneers are well aware of this, and the sentiment is growing. Please read carefully if you are managing an estate or will be. We see it at every Estate Auction. (Fair Market Value). Yes its still selling, (and it is out of the house) but not at $$ you think. Contact a professional. For honest advice. OH and the most important thing, Have a mutual understanding of expectations when you sign the contact or do not sign. You will appreciate it after the auction.

Advice for boomers desperate to unload family heirlooms

07/06/2017

Just a very few pictures of a home set up for a one day "Estate Auction". Notice no price tags. And while there may be a time to have a "sale"--- (why have someone who "thinks they know what its worth, price it) Its not a retail sale. And after 3 or 4 days of folks walking through your home, have price tags discounted by 50%. Just consider an Estate Auction.