How to bid

There are three ways to bid on an item. Bidders may use any method or combine methods to develop their bidding strategy.

Note: First Time Visitors Must get a Member ID and Password.  This may be accomplished by clicking the "Get Your Member Name and Password" link on any page.  If you would like to bid on the internet or leave Absentee Bids you must Register for that auction individually by selecting the auction of your choice on the Home page and follow the “Online Bidding” links. Additionally you must completely read the Terms and Conditions of the Auction.  In paragraph two (2) of the internet portion of the Terms and Conditions you will find a link to the "Internet Bidders Registration Package" (PDF file).  Print this package and following the directions on the cover page and deliver the completed forms to our office at the address provided.

1) Attending auction in person. You may bid by attending the auction onsite. The address where the auction is being held will be displayed on the Home page. When you arrive our staff will be happy to assist you.

2) Bidding on the internet. Take a look at the Bidders Live Webcast Screen shot.
Internet bidders may bid against the live event audience in real time as the event is taking place.

a) To participate select the auction you wish to participate in under the "Live Auction" heading. (When the auction is in progress you will see "live now" displayed as the date).

b) Enter your logon ID and password to enter the bidders screen.

c) Bids may be submitted by clicking one of the three "Bid" Buttons on the live bidding screen. The first button on the left side is the minimum bid the Auctioneer is asking for on site. The middle bid button is the minimum asking bid plus one increment. The bid button to the right is the minimum asking bid plus two increments. Three bid buttons are provided to give internet bidders every opportunity to get their bids into the bidding process as early as possible. For Example: In the typical bidding process when the bidding first starts on an item there are usually the most bidders participating. As the bidding advances less and less bidders are competing until there is only one, the winning bidder. Therefore an internet bidder may have a more difficult time placing the minimum bid in the first initial moments of the bidding and a better chance as the bidding continues and less bidders are involved. The second and third bid buttons are provided for bidders that would like a better chance of getting their bids acknowledged in the initial bidding for an item. When the Auctioneer is moving at a fast pace an internet bidder can have a better chance of getting their bid accepted by leading the auctioneer and placing a bid before the auctioneer has reached that amount. If your bid is accepted you will see your logon ID displayed in the "High Bidder" Field and the message field will display you are high bidder. If a bidder onsite is successful you will see "Floor" displayed in the "High Bidder" field. * The bidding process is fast paced and can move very quickly at times Click here for internet bidding strategies that may offer you an advantage.

3) Absentee bids are recorded before the auction item goes on the block for bids. These bids are recorded and appear on the auction manager's clerking screen instantaneously when the item is brought up to the auction block. Absentee bids allow registered Internet bidders to submit a confidential bid on real property that will be executed on their behalf. The bidding may start at your absentee bid or from a floor bidder. Absentee bids can be submitted on any real property any time before it goes to the auction block for live bidding. To leave an absentee bid you must select an auction under the "Live Auction" heading, click on the real property you wish to bid on, and enter your bid. You then will be prompted to enter your logon ID and password. Your bid will be confirmed via email. Absentee bids may be placed in the lower section of the live bidder’s applet when the Auction is in progress. Please insure that you are bidding on the correct property, as you are responsible for your bids. Absentee bids will not be valid until you complete the Internet Bidder’s Registration Package, deliver it to our office and that Internet Bidder’s Registration Package has been approved by our staff.  Additionally, the New York State, Department of State, who licenses Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons, requires that we must execute absentee bids on real property at their full amount.  The NYS Department of State considers all bids as offers on real property.