Certified Real Estate Auctions

National Auctioneers Association - auctioneer requirements

Before enumerating the qualities that the real estate auctioneer you choose should display, it is important to understand what is necessary to become licensed to auction real estate and what auctions achieve.

A real estate auctioneer is a licensed professional that facilitates the process of selling real estate at auction. To obtain an auctioneer's license, one must attend an intensive 14 day program and pass a written and oral exam.After completing the nationally approved coursework, one becomes a master of the procedure and conduct of the public auction. Just as doctors and lawyers follow strict standards and are trusted members of their respective professions, auctioneers are bound by a strong code of ethics (which goes beyond state law) and are respected as icons in the real estate marketing community.

In addition to fulfilling the minimum requirements of state licensure, some auctioneers join the National Association of Auctioneers, which holds a solid reputation for honesty and integrity.

AUCTIONEERS LICENSE

Auctioneers license prerequisites vary from state to state. However, here is an example of licensing requirements.

• Must be 18 years of age and over
• Must have not committed any act or offense in this state or any other jurisdiction which would constitute a basis for disciplinary action
• Pass a written examination approved by the board
• Hold an apprentice license for 1 year or more, or complete 80 classroom hours of instruction on the auctioneer profession whose standards have been adopted by the board.

The General Basic Auctioneering program is a comprehensive 83 hour course designed to teach students the skills and abilities essential to acting as an auctioneer, conducting auctions and operating an auction company. Graduates of the program will be able to communicate and interact with the public in conducting auctions with an emphasis on professionalism and ethics in accordance with federal, state and local auction laws. They will learn how to conduct themselves as an auctioneer in performing the auction chant and other basic auctioneer duties.

In addition, they will learn to initiate seller contact, market, set-up, contract, settle, collect sales tax, maintain auction sale files and perform sale management skills for a variety of types of auction sales. Graduates of this program may find entry level employment at an auction house, antique auction gallery, auto auction, cattle sale barn, for a general auctioneer or may choose to start their own business.

CODE OF ETHICS:

Every Member of the National Auctioneers Association Pledges to Abide by the Following Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice:

MISSION:
To promote, increase and build the trustworthiness of the competitive bidding method of marketing, including: live, Internet and sealed bid auctions, and enhance the professionalism of its practitioners.

VISION:
Competitive bidding will be increasingly utilized as a method to sell all types of goods in all segments of the economy. The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) will unify and lead the competitive bidding industry to fulfill this vision.

PREAMBLE:
The National Auctioneers Association is the professional organization for practicing auctioneers, their associates, affiliated businesses and other related professionals. Membership in the NAA although voluntary, carries with it a requirement of professional commitment to other professionals, clients, customers and the public at large that extends beyond that of laws and professional regulations. Members of the NAA accept this obligation to conduct themselves and their businesses in a manner that serves the public interest, protects the public trust and furthers the goals of their profession.

This Code of Ethics of the National Auctioneers Association and the accompanying Standards of Practice guides the members in the performance of their professional responsibilities and duties. While this Code may establish obligations higher than those mandated by law, in any instance where the Code and the law conflict, the obligations of the law must take precedence.

DESIGNATIONS

To earn a designation, an Auctioneer has taken coursework and demonstrated specific skills, performance and knowledge in a particular area of the auction industry.