The Auction Process with Atterberry Auction & Realty Company

How Atterberry Auction & Realty Company Makes Your Auction in Mid-Missouri a Success


When it is time to sell real estate or personal property, you need a process that is organized, efficient and built around clear expectations. Atterberry Auction & Realty Company helps families, property owners, and professionals across mid-Missouri move forward with confidence through a proven online auction system that delivers strong results and a predictable timeline. We handle the details. You stay in control.

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Atterberry Auction & Realty Company’s Real Estate Auction Process

A Faster, Easy & Transparent Way to Sell Real Estate


Our online real estate auctions offer a clear advantage for sellers who want a defined timeline and a competitive sales environment. Instead of waiting on showings, negotiations, and uncertain contingencies, you know exactly when the property will sell and how the process will unfold. Every real estate auction follows a set marketing period that attracts qualified buyers and encourages real competition.


We manage the entire process from consultation to closing. That includes reviewing the property, photography, creating detailed property information and listings (including MLS, Zillow, Trulia, etc.), marketing across multiple channels, and managing all bidding activity. Buyers compete online in real time, which creates transparency and helps sellers reach true market value without drawn out negotiations. Once the auction ends, our team handles the contract and closing, giving you a smooth and efficient path to the finish line.


Sellers choose the auction method because it delivers certainty that is difficult to achieve through a traditional real estate listing. You receive a fixed sale date, competitive bidding that drives demand, and a sale structure that avoids back and forth negotiations. Our approach is designed for residential homes, land, commercial properties, estates, and investment properties throughout mid-Missouri.

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Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's the difference between an absolute and reserve real estate auction?

    There are two ways to sell your property. One is absolute, where you sell to the high bidder, regardless of price. Absolute tends to bring more buyers and get more money for the property we are selling. Reserve is the other way to sell, which gives the seller the final decision on whether to accept or not accept the final bid. 

  • What happens after I decide to move forward with a real estate auction?

    We will provide a real estate auction contract and marketing budget for your review. Once these two documents are signed by all parties, the auction process begins.

  • How do I set a date for my real estate auction in mid-Missouri?

    Setting a date for your real estate auction starts with a quick conversation about your goals, property details, and ideal timeline. Once we understand what you’re hoping to achieve, we’ll recommend a target auction date based on market conditions, preparation needs, and the marketing window required to attract qualified buyers. From there, our team handles the full setup and schedule, keeping you updated at every step so your auction is positioned for a successful sale.

  • What kind of research does Atterberry complete before the real estate auction launches?

    We make it a point to know the property we’re selling! Because we are professionals in our industry, we strive to educate ourselves as well as the buyers on the real estate we offer. Even though we are selling the property in “as is” condition, we have found that the more informed and prepared the buyers are, the more willing they are to raise their bid and pay a higher price for the property. 

  • Do you offer showings before an online real estate auction?

    Even when real estate is sold “as-is,” potential buyers still like to view the property prior to purchasing. We show the property by appointment or by scheduling open house dates. Licensed realtors are also given the opportunity to schedule private showings for their clients. In addition to open house dates and showings, this also gives potential buyers the option to schedule an inspection if needed.


  • How do you market a real estate auction in Columbia and mid-Missouri?

    Atterberry Auction & Realty Company delivers one of the most effective real estate auction marketing programs in mid-Missouri. Our process is built to maximize visibility, attract qualified buyers, and create competitive bidding that drives stronger final prices. Every auction receives a custom marketing plan designed around your property, your goals, and current market conditions.


    Our campaigns combine high-performing digital marketing with proven traditional outreach. We use targeted online advertising, paid social media, email campaigns, and strategic placement on our website to reach buyers actively looking for property in mid-Missouri. We also leverage property signage, professional photography, and exposure to our established buyer network to ensure your listing gets noticed.


    As members of the Columbia Board of Realtors and the Randolph County Board of Realtors, we list your real estate on local MLS platforms, expanding your reach to cooperating agents and motivated buyers. Your auction is also syndicated to major real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia, providing broad online exposure and consistent traffic.


    This comprehensive approach ensures your property is marketed with the same level of expertise, strategy, and attention that has made Atterberry Auction & Realty Company a trusted leader in real estate auctions across mid-Missouri.

  • How long does it take to close after the auction?

    Most real estate auctions close within 30 days after the auction ends. Because the auction method eliminates extended negotiations and reduces common delays, sellers benefit from a much more predictable closing timeline compared to traditional listings.

Logo for Atterberry Auction & Realty Company in Mid-Missouri

Why Atterberry Auction and Realty Company


Sellers across mid-Missouri trust our team because we provide a clear plan, consistent communication and an organized process that works for both real estate and personal property auctions. We understand the emotional and practical sides of selling a home or its contents. Our goal is to simplify the experience while delivering strong results.


Atterberry Auction & Realty Company is known for our professional photography and cataloging, a large established bidder base, predictable timelines, and a customer-focused approach that keeps every seller informed. When you choose Atterberry, you are working with a team that treats your property with respect and handles every detail with care.

Personal Property & Micro Auctions

A Simple Way to Sell Equipment, Collections or Household Items


Our personal property auctions and micro auctions make it easy to sell everything from tools, equipment, vehicles, and furniture to antiques, collectibles and more. Every auction is held online, which gives your items greater visibility and attracts a large and active bidder base throughout mid-Missouri and beyond.


For families who are downsizing or managing an estate, the process removes much of the stress that comes with sorting and selling a lifetime of belongings. We handle the evaluation, cataloging, photography, marketing, payments, and pickup day logistics. You have a clear timeline and a dedicated team managing each step, which keeps the process organized and efficient.


Micro auctions are ideal when you have a smaller number of items or a focused group of high-value pieces. These auctions move quickly and work well for seniors beginning the downsizing process, families with only a handful of items to sell, or anyone who needs a fast and professional solution without the need for a full estate auction. The process is straightforward. We review the items, prepare high quality photography and descriptions, market the auction to our established bidder base, manage the bidding, and oversee all pickup activity.


Whether you are selling a single collection or an entire home of personal property, our team brings a thoughtful and organized approach that keeps you informed and supported from start to finish. If you are beginning the downsizing process, settling an estate, or need to sell items quickly, give us a call.

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Personal Property Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I set a date for a personal property or micro auction in mid-Missouri?

    Together, we’ll choose an auction date that aligns with your goals and gives us enough time to market your items effectively. We typically recommend at least 30 days of lead time so we can photograph, catalog, advertise, and promote your personal property to the widest audience.


    Our personal property and micro auction schedules book quickly, especially during peak seasons, so reaching out early ensures you get the date that works best for you. Once your auction is scheduled, we handle everything needed to prepare and market your items for a successful sale.

  • What happens after I choose to hold a personal property auction?

    We will provide a personal property or micro  auction contract and marketing budget for your review. Once these documents are signed by all parties, the auction process begins.

  • What is the listing process for personal property items?

    We bring more than 50 years of experience to every personal property auction. Our dedicated team handles the full process for you, including sorting, listing, photographing, and writing accurate descriptions for each item. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of how buyers search and bid, our staff ensures every lot is presented correctly and positioned to attract strong interest.

  • How do you market personal property and micro auctions in mid-Missouri?

    Atterberry Auction & Realty Company uses a proven, high-performing marketing strategy to maximize exposure for your personal property and micro auction items. Our approach is designed to reach the right buyers, generate strong interest, and create competitive bidding that leads to better results for you.


    Every personal property auction receives a custom marketing plan tailored to the items being sold. We combine targeted online advertising, paid social media campaigns, email marketing to thousands of active bidders, and strategic placement on our website to ensure your items are seen by motivated buyers across mid-Missouri. 


    Because personal property and micro auctions often move quickly, our marketing is built to drive immediate attention and maintain consistent traffic throughout the bidding period.


    This comprehensive strategy allows us to deliver one of the most effective personal property marketing programs in the region. Whether you’re selling tools, vehicles or  collectibles, our best-in-class process ensures your auction reaches the widest possible audience and generates strong demand.

  • Can buyers preview items before an online personal property auction?

    Yes. We schedule a preview period for all of our personal property auctions. It is the bidder's responsibility to take advantage of this opportunity to personally view the items in order to assess their condition, age, genuineness, value and any other determinative factors. We encourage bidders to join us for preview to assess value of the items. All personal property auction items are sold as-is.

  • What happens on auction day for personal property and micro auctions?

    During auction day, bidders will compete against each other online and place bids on personal property items. The winning bidder will receive an invoice for the items they've won. Atterberry Auction & Realty Company handles the bidding process, payment, shipping and more. Auction pickup is typically scheduled for the day after the auction ends.

    Winners will arrive onsite, pay for and pick up their items. 

  • How long does the personal property auction process take?

    The personal property auction process can depend on many different factors. Our goal after receiving your signed personal property contract is to list, photograph, launch and market your personal property auction as quickly as possible. Contact us to start the process today.

  • Why is the Atterberry personal property auction process so effective?

    The Atterberry approach is built on strong organization, clear communication, and a large mid-Missouri bidder base that knows our auctions are trustworthy. Sellers benefit from a structured timeline, professional cataloging, and a marketing strategy that attracts motivated buyers. Whether you are selling tools, equipment, vehicles, furniture or  antiques – our process helps you move forward with confidence.

Atterberry Auctions & Realty Company clients

Atterberry Auction & Realty Company Testimonials

"After we decided to sell our farm and home, the next decision was what to do with everything we no longer needed or did not have room for in the new home. After a bit of research, we decided to do an online auction with Tim Elliott and Atterberry Auction & Realty Company. The process was virtually painless. Atterberry handled everything from sorting things for auction lots, photos, descriptions, and advertising to pick up and delivery! We were delighted with the entire process and final results.  We would highly recommend you to Atterberry in your downsizing plans." –Dave & Nancy Griggs

Whether you are selling real estate, managing a downsizing transition, or want to discuss a personal property or micro auction, we are here to help you take the next step.

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