Welcome!
Don Hower Auctioneers is a family owned business located in Lake City, Michigan. Celebrating 50 years of auctions for any and all types of auctions, including antiques/collectibles, estates, household, farm and liquidations. If you are interested in having an auction, contact Don Hower-Auctioneers for a free consultation.
Don Hower-Auctioneers also offers full service personal property appraisals, including estate/probate, liquidation, divorce, bankruptcy, insurance, and casualty loss. Darin is a certified member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America (CAGA), the largest personal property appraiser organization in the United States.
WE ARE PROUD TO BE YOUR NORTHERN MICHIGAN AUCTIONEER!
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answered a wide range of Questions for your ConvenienceQ. I am thinking about having an auction……….what do I do first?
Your first step would be to contact us. There is no charge for this consultation. We can help you determine if there is enough personal property for a successful auction.
Q. How do I know what will sell?
There is very little that will not sell at auction. Important!!! – Do not throw items away that you think are not worthy, they may be of some value!! Often times, we are contacted after many items have already been sold, donated or thrown away…..if you are thinking about an auction, this may negatively affect the overall success of a potential auction. The formula for a successful auction = a wide variety of items large & small that will appeal to the largest amount of potential buyers. We believe the “live auction” method is still the best way to generate the best price, for our clients.
Q. Are there any “up front” costs to begin the auction process?
There are no “up front” costs. In most cases we typically will pay for everything and deduct those expenses from the gross proceeds of the auction.
Q. How much cleanup will I have to do after the auction is complete?
Our clients are very surprised…..there is very little left at the end of an auction. What is left, you can be assured is truly ready for disposal.
Q. Will I have to prepare the auction, myself?
This totally depends on your situation. If you are able with the help of friends & family to prepare the auction, this is encouraged. However, if you are limited by time and help, we offer a full auction setup with an experienced, trustworthy crew. This can be decided in contract stage.
Q. How long will the auction process take from start to finish?
Typically 3-5 weeks (30 days), depending on the size and property involved. This will provide time for marketing, distribution, auction prep, and the opportunity to generate excitement and interest in your auction.
Q. Can I put a reserve or set a certain price for an item?
Although we would prefer no “reserves”, we understand that in some cases reserves may be warranted.
Q. How long will the auction take?
This totally depends on the size of your auction. We devise different strategies, prior to your auction, to maximize pricing, timing of specialized items to sell, overall order of the auction and crowd retention.
Q. When will I get paid for my auction?
Depending on your situation, payment can be made on the day of the auction or after 10 banking days. Again, this is pre-arranged during the contract stage.
Previous Auctions
Nov 12, 2022 - 10:00 AM
Auction For: Kurt Schaller
Auction Type: Railroad - Marine - Equipment - Tools
Jul 23, 2022 - 10:00 AM
Auction For: Bob & Denise Helsel
Auction Type: Tractor - Implements - Trailers - Tools - Household
Jun 26, 2021 - 10:00 AM
Auction For: Mrs. Lois Matteson
Auction Type: TRUCK - TRACTOR - RIDING MOWER - BOAT
Jun 5, 2021 - 10:00 AM
Auction For: Randy Shepler
Auction Type: TRUCKS - TRACTORS - FARM MACHINERY - VEHICLES - TOOLS
Dec 12, 2020 - 10:00 AM
Auction For: Riddell Trust
Auction Type: TRUCKS - TRACTOR - RIDING MOWERS - GUNS