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How it works

From first call to hammer, in weeks.

Auction explained simply: what happens, what Mike does, what you do, and how long each step takes. Auction jargon is explained as we go.

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Free 15-min call

    Mike learns your situation and assesses your property: its true value, what buyers will make of it, and the right way to sell.

    What Mike does
    Listens, asks the right questions, and gives you an honest view of value and options.
    What you do
    Tell Mike about the property, your timescale and any offers you’ve had.
  2. 2
    Days 1–3

    Your bespoke plan

    The right route, the right auction house, the right guide price and presentation. Sometimes that’s an estate agent, and Mike will say so.

    What Mike does
    Matches you with the best auction house for your property and area, and agrees guide and reserve with you.
    What you do
    Decide whether to go ahead. No cost, no obligation.
  3. 3
    Weeks 1–2

    Listed and marketed

    A specialist auction solicitor prepares the legal pack, and your property goes in front of thousands of buyers.

    What Mike does
    Advises on the listing, how it’s written and where it sits in the catalogue.
    What you do
    Instruct the solicitor and allow viewings.
  4. 4
    Weeks 2–4

    Hammer falls

    Competitive bidding, a committed buyer and a sale that completes in weeks.

    What Mike does
    Guides you through auction day and on to completion.
    What you do
    Watch the bids. Then plan your move.

Auction, decoded.

Guide price vs reserve

The reserve is a floor, not a target.

The guide price is the auction house's indication of where bidding may start. The reserve is the lowest price you'll accept, agreed in confidence. A realistic guide and reserve draw more bidders, and competitive bidding pushes the price up from there.

Two kinds of auction

Traditional vs conditional

At a traditional auction, contracts exchange when the hammer falls and completion usually follows within about 28 days. At a conditional auction (the "modern method"), the winning bidder has a set period to exchange, then to complete. Mike will tell you which suits your property.

Paperwork

What’s in a legal pack?

The documents buyers need before they bid: title, searches, any lease, and the contract. A specialist auction solicitor, recommended by Mike, prepares it and acts for you throughout.

Costs

What does it cost me?

Mike’s advice is free. For many clients, auction fees can be deferred until after the auction, and depending on the auction house and how the listing is structured, costs can often be kept very low.

When auction isn't right.

Sometimes a standard estate agency sale is the best option. If you need to sell more quickly, the right auction listing, properly prepared and presented, can often give you both speed and a stronger result.

I'll always recommend what suits your circumstances, after listening carefully and assessing your property and situation, and then guide you through to completion.

Book my free 15-min call