What Makes Auction Ideal for Highway Land Sales

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What Makes Auction Ideal for Highway Land Sales

Buyers Are Looking for Land Like Yours — They Just Don’t Know How to Reach You.

In rural areas, there are trucking companies, investors, and developers actively searching for highway-access land. The challenge they face isn’t demand — it’s access.

The demand for new privately developed truck storage yards is real and growing. The U.S. trucking industry continues to face a nationwide shortage of safe, legal truck parking. Currently only about 1 parking space exists for every 11 truck drivers nationwide, a gap that’s ranked as one of the industry’s most critical concerns.

Land parcels of 2-40 acres are ideal for storage yards provided they are located within 1-mile of rural highway access. Small yards of 2-5 acres are common while larger fleet yards may require up to 40 acres.

Yard operators and investors are aggressively searching for strategic yard locations, access points, and acreage that fit their needs. At the same time, many landowners who might consider selling simply aren’t easy to track down as they may think.

These buyers look at your land differently than they did just five years ago. Trucking companies need yards now. Storage operators need more yard space. Investors want corridor property. Developers and neighbors look for strategic control.

Marketing your property at auction creates urgency among this specific and competitive buyer pool. Traditional listings often miss this audience because realtors tend to list your land and wait for residential or broad commercial audiences to come to them.

The result? Trucking companies, yard operators, investors and developers have no way of knowing the land they urgently need is for sale. It simply isn’t marketed to them.

It’s a disconnect in the market… and a missed opportunity for landowners like you who may not realize that motivated buyers already see potential — even if you haven’t thought about selling.

If you own land near a highway or major route, you may be holding something more valuable than you realize. Your risk isn’t lack of value. It’s unknowingly missing an opportunity, underselling by marketing to the least profitable audience(s), or waiting too long and missing a strong market window. Land auctions solve these problems for landowners and buyers.

Why Auction Works for Highway-Adjacent Land

Auction brings all serious buyers to the table at the same time. Instead of guessing at a list price or negotiating with one buyer behind closed doors, the market speaks openly and competitively. Auction offers:

  • Clear sale timeline
  • No drawn-out negotiations
  • Competitive bidding from multiple buyer types
  • Ability to sell in parcels, combinations, or as a whole
  • True market-driven price discovery

Trucking companies, yard operators, investors and developers tend to move with urgency. They value certainty, defined timelines, and clean transactions. Auction delivers all three, matches their mindset and creates momentum sellers simply can’t get with a realtor.

Through auction, the sale date is known. Terms are clear. Decisions are made without prolonged negotiations or stalled contingencies. For sellers, that means less holding time and fewer unknowns.

Parcel flexibility further strengthens results. Through auction, land can be offered in individual tracts, combinations, or as a whole. This opens the door to smaller operators and larger buyers at the same time, increasing competition without forcing the seller into a single outcome.

Zoning flexibility, often seen as a hurdle in traditional listings, can become an advantage in auction. Buyers who understand local regulations are willing to bid based on opportunity, not speculation. Sellers avoid overpromising future use and let the market price the potential honestly.

Experience Matters

CJ Auctions has deep experience selling land where agriculture, logistics, and investment demand overlap. We focus on clarity, preparation, and disciplined execution that gives buyers confidence and sellers strong results.

You’ve worked hard to build and hold your land. When the time comes, the sale method should work just as hard for you.

What’s Your Property Worth?

If you’ve ever wondered what your land might bring in today’s market — or whether auction could unlock more value than a traditional listing — it costs nothing to have a conversation.

📞 Call Eric or Ronn to learn what’s possible.

Unlocking Hidden Value in Your Lake Assets

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Lessons from Marina Del Rey & South Shore Auctions

Around Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, lake property has always been desirable. Water access, views, and lifestyle appeal create natural demand. But in today’s market, demand alone isn’t what separates an average sale from a standout result. Preparation does.

Recent CJ Auctions successes at Marina Del Rey, South Shore, and other Grand Lake locations show how thoughtful groundwork—paired with the auction method—can significantly change how buyers engage and how aggressively they bid. Under the guidance of Eric Johnson and Ronn Cunningham, sellers are often discovering value that traditional listings never surface.

Start With the Waterfront

For Grand Lake buyers, water access isn’t a bonus. It’s the starting point.

Before auction, CJ Auctions works with sellers to clarify dock rights, review permitting, and assess the condition of slips, lifts, and walkways. Even modest shoreline cleanup or stabilization can make a meaningful difference. At South Shore, properties that addressed dock access and usability ahead of time consistently drew stronger interest from buyers looking for a property they could enjoy immediately.

This level of presentation turns “nice lake property” into a must-see asset for serious buyers.

Remove Uncertainty Before Buyers Ask

Nothing slows bidding like unanswered questions.

Lake properties—especially those held for decades—often come with survey gaps, shared access, or outdated utility records. Eric and Ronn encourage sellers to resolve these items early by confirming boundaries, documenting easements, and addressing title issues before marketing begins.

At Marina Del Rey, providing bidders with a clean, verified information package created confidence. That confidence translated directly into faster bidding and stronger final prices.

Make the Lifestyle Easy to See

Buyers don’t just purchase land at Grand Lake. They buy a way of living.

Simple improvements often have an outsized impact. Clearing brush to open lake views, defining drive entrances with gravel, adding subtle outdoor lighting, or cleaning up walkways helps buyers picture weekends, guests, and quiet mornings by the water.

Properties with clear access and visible sightlines consistently draw more traffic at previews and hold attention longer on auction day.

Present the Property Like a Premium Asset

How a lake property is presented matters.

CJ Auctions builds professional auction packages using drone footage, detailed mapping, lifestyle photography, and clear narrative descriptions. For Marina Del Rey and South Shore, this included shoreline visuals, water-depth context, proximity mapping, and well-defined parcel options.

That level of presentation doesn’t oversell. It informs. And informed buyers bid with confidence.

Turning Preparation Into Competition

Your Grand Lake property is more than shoreline footage and acreage. When prepared correctly, it becomes an asset buyers compete for, not one they hesitate over.

Recent auctions prove that when sellers partner with CJ Auctions—and work early with Eric Johnson and Ronn Cunningham—the result is often stronger engagement, clearer momentum, and outcomes that exceed expectations. Preparation doesn’t just protect value. It reveals it.

📞 Call Eric or Ronn to learn what’s possible.

Rancher with grandson enjoying the view

From Legacy Ranch to Auction Success

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How to Transition Your Operation Gracefully and Profitably

After years—often generations—of running cattle, maintaining fences, and stewarding land, deciding to sell a ranch is rarely just a business move. It’s personal. The land holds family history, hard work, and identity. That’s why the transition deserves more than a simple listing. It requires a process that respects the past while positioning the property for its strongest possible market result.

Across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas, more ranch families are turning to auction as a way to stay in control of the outcome. When handled correctly, auction creates transparency, fairness, and true price discovery—all within a defined timeline. More importantly, it allows families to move forward without lingering uncertainty.

Drawing on decades of experience guiding multi-generation landowners, CJ Auctions’ Eric Johnson and Ronn Cunningham have helped families navigate this moment with clarity and confidence.

Start with Clarity, Not Paperwork

Before numbers, maps, or timelines come into play, the most important question is simple: What does the next chapter need to look like?

Some families are planning for retirement. Others are simplifying an estate, resolving shared ownership, or preparing land for the next generation in a different form. Eric and Ronn begin with a straightforward planning conversation—often with multiple family members present—to identify priorities such as timing, fairness among heirs, operational continuity, or maximizing value.

Every successful ranch sale begins with clarity that becomes the foundation for every decision that follows. Are you:

  • Passing assets to heirs?
  • Transitioning away from day-to-day operations?
  • Liquidating land to simplify an estate?
  • Preparing for retirement or relocation?

Eric and Ronn often begin with a family-style planning meeting, helping landowners articulate top priorities: speed, transparency, fairness among siblings, maximizing price, or honoring a parent’s wishes. This becomes the “mission” that guides the entire process.

Understanding Your Ranch Through a Buyer’s Eyes

A strong auction starts with an honest, professional evaluation. Buyers bid with confidence when they clearly understand what they’re buying and how the ranch performs in the real world.

Key considerations often include grazing capacity, water availability, fencing, handling facilities, access, improvements, and any existing leases or mineral interests. Rather than simply listing features, CJ Auctions focuses on documenting how the ranch works—because that’s what serious buyers care about.

Clear presentation reduces risk, increases trust, and drives stronger bidding.

With decades in ranch auctions across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Arkansas, Eric and Ronn understand how to document and present these elements in ways that increase buyer confidence and bidding intensity.

Parceling That Expands Your Buyer Pool

One of the greatest advantages of auction is flexibility. A ranch doesn’t have to be sold only one way. Auction gives you the powerful ability to offer land in parcels, combinations, or as a whole. This opens the door to neighboring ranchers, expanding operators, investors, and lifestyle buyers—all competing at the same event.

CJ Auctions often recommends parcel structures such as:

  • Working-ranch parcel (home, barns, corrals)
  • Grazing parcels divided by fencing or access
  • Recreational or timber parcels for lifestyle buyers
  • Investment parcels with future development potential

This approach consistently generates more competitive bidding while allowing families to sell the entire ranch in one coordinated event.

Thoughtful Terms That Respect Family Needs

Selling doesn’t have to mean disruption. Many ranch families want time to transition operations or maintain continuity during the change.

Auction terms can accommodate those realities. Lease-backs, extended possession, or rights of first refusal are often used to ease the process. When structured correctly, these terms protect family interests while still appealing to serious buyers.

Eric and Ronn are known for building transactions that work not just on paper, but in real life. Terms can be structured to respect family needs, reduce stress, and maintain harmony among heirs.

Marketing That Honors Your Story—and Attracts Serious Buyers

A ranch auction is more than a transaction; it’s the passing of a legacy. CJ Auctions uses a blend of professional photography, accurate mapping, and targeted outreach ensure the property reaches buyers who understand its value.

CJ Auctions combines national exposure with direct, market-specific outreach—bringing the right people to the table and giving them the information they need to bid confidently. The result is marketing that honors the land while creating real momentum. Your ranch is presented with dignity, clarity, and professionalism—while also capturing the attention of high-capacity bidders.

Why Ranch Families Trust CJ Auctions

Over the years, Eric Johnson and Ronn Cunningham have guided the sale of tens of thousands of acres of ranch and farm land. Clients consistently cite their steady approach, clear communication, and ability to manage complex family dynamics.

They don’t oversell. They don’t rush decisions. And they don’t lose sight of what matters most to the people who built the land’s value in the first place. Their work produces top-tier results precisely because it is rooted in experience, empathy, and a commitment to preserving each family’s legacy.

A Confident Path Forward

Selling a ranch doesn’t have to feel like letting go in the wrong way. With the right strategy, it can be a respectful, efficient, and financially sound transition.

If you’re starting to think about what comes next, the most important step is an early conversation. CJ Auctions is ready to help you plan carefully, avoid common pitfalls, and position your land for a strong, decisive outcome.

Thinking about transitioning your ranch?

Start with a conversation. CJ Auctions is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact CJ Auctions today.

Preserving Your Family Legacy

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Across America’s heartland, generations of families have built their livelihoods on the land. But as time passes, many family farms and ranches reach a natural turning point — when it’s time to downsize, retire, or pass the operation to the next generation. That transition can be emotional, complex, and filled with tough questions:
How do we ensure fairness among heirs?
How can we protect the land’s value?
How do we honor the legacy built over decades of hard work?

For many families, the answer is found in the auction method of sale.

Auctions Protect the True Market Value of the Land

Unlike traditional listings, an auction invites qualified buyers to compete—driving real market value instead of settling for what one buyer is willing to offer.
In today’s active ag land market, auction ensures the seller never leaves money on the table. Competitive bidding brings transparency and excitement, allowing every bidder the same opportunity, and every seller the confidence that their land sold for its highest achievable price.

A Timely, Controlled Process

Farms and ranches are more than just assets—they’re often the heartbeat of a family’s history. But drawn-out negotiations and uncertain listing periods can add stress during an already emotional transition.
An auction sets the timeline—you choose the date, the terms, and when the property will sell. That certainty helps families plan for retirement, settle estates efficiently, and avoid the fatigue of open-ended listings.

Fairness for Families and Heirs

When multiple family members are involved, auction provides something rare in emotional decisions: objectivity.
The open, competitive process removes favoritism and speculation. Every interested party—family member or outside buyer—has an equal opportunity to bid. The final price is determined transparently by the market, creating peace of mind for heirs and minimizing family conflict.

Legacy Protection Through Professional Stewardship

Choosing to sell at auction isn’t just about profit—it’s about controlling the sale so that you can preserve the land’s story.
An experienced auction firm understands the importance of marketing your property to the right audience: serious farmers, ranchers, investors, and land stewards who appreciate its productivity and heritage.
Through professional presentation, mapping, drone photography, and regional advertising, your land is showcased with the respect and care it deserves—ensuring its next chapter is written by someone who values it as much as you do.

Confidence in Closure

Perhaps most importantly, auctions give sellers certainty.
On auction day, the property sells under terms you approve. The buyer is committed, earnest money is deposited, and closing follows promptly. For landowners who’ve spent a lifetime building equity in their operation, that confidence is invaluable.

Turning Generations of Work into a Lasting Legacy

Selling the family farm or ranch can be one of life’s hardest decisions—but it can also be one of the most meaningful.
By choosing auction, landowners take control of the process, protect family harmony, and ensure that their life’s work is passed on in a way that honors both heritage and value.

At CJ Auctions, we’ve spent decades helping farm and ranch families make that transition with dignity, transparency, and success. Because for us, it’s not just about selling land—it’s about preserving legacies.

Beating the Market Slowdown

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Wondering how to unlock your real estate’s maximum value without the traditional hassle of waiting and hoping that your agent brings you an offer?

Real estate auctions flip the script. Time is literally money. Every day a property sits unsold chips away at its value. Instead of waiting and hoping facing low-ball bids and drawn-out negotiations—auction sellers gain a clear, competitive sales path. Auctions create urgency, spark buyer competition, and ensure transparency. Most properties sell in 45 days or less, often exceeding expectations. For sellers seeking both speed and top dollar, the auction block is where momentum turns into maximum value.

Lightning-Fast Sale Timeline

One of the most compelling advantages of property auctions is speed. Unlike traditional listings that can stretch over months, auctions secure a quick, binding sale:

  • Once the gavel falls, the sale is legally binding, eliminating prolonged negotiations or invisible buyer chains. Sellers typically close within 30 days.
  • Traditional sales, in contrast, can take several months from listing to closing.

This defined timeline benefits anyone looking to move quickly—like downsizing, relocating, or unlocking liquidity.

Transparent, Competitive Bidding = Potentially Higher Prices

Auctions create a public, competitive environment that can drive prices upward:

  • With open bidding, all participants see the current high bid, encouraging upward momentum.
  • This urgency and competition often help properties achieve market-driven pricing—sometimes even top-dollar outcomes.

Certainty & Qualified Buyers

Auctions attract buyers who are serious and prepared:

  • Buyers typically arrive auction-ready—they’ve reviewed legal packs, secured financing, and understand the terms. That means post-auction dropouts are rare.
  • This level of preparedness minimizes deal collapse and enhances transaction certainty.

Controlled, Predictable Timing

Auctions offer sellers more control over timing than traditional listings:

  • You select the auction date upfront, and assuming a sale, the closing follows swiftly—typically within 30–45 days.
  • Traditional listings, by contrast, often lack timing certainty, with open-ended marketing and negotiations dragging beyond expectations.

Drawbacks to Consider

A balanced approach recognizes some limitations of auctions:

  • Sales outcomes can be unpredictable; there’s no guarantee the final bid meets expectations.
  • Auctions come with fees and less room for negotiation—so sellers must weigh those costs.

Benefits vs. Limitations

Auction Benefits Traditional Listing Limitations
Fast, binding sale (28–45 days) Long, uncertain timelines
Transparent, competitive bidding Opaque, back-and-forth deals
Prepared, committed buyers Unsure buyer interest; fall-through risk
Seller controls timeframe Market-driven, undefined timeline
Potentially higher sale prices Negotiation often capped by offers

Why CJ Auctions Is Your Best Auction Partner

At CJ Auctions, we leverage these auction advantages—speed, transparency, competition, and buyer readiness—to deliver top-dollar outcomes on ranches, lake homes, and commercial properties. Our marketing precision, seasoned auctioneers, and thorough preparation help sellers outperform traditional listing expectations.

Ready to sell faster—without sacrificing value?
Contact CJ Auctions today.

Why Institutions Turn to Auction

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When banks, trust companies, or estate managers need to liquidate real estate assets, time and certainty are critical. Traditional listings can drag on for months, with no guarantee of closing. By contrast, auctions create urgency, attract qualified buyers, and define a clear sale date.

At CJ Auctions, we help institutions streamline complex sales while maximizing value, making auctions the preferred solution for:

  • Banks offloading foreclosed or REO properties
  • Trustees managing estate settlements
  • Corporate portfolio dispersals
  • Investment firms seeking rapid liquidity

The Benefits of Institutional Real Estate Auctions

Institutional sellers often face unique challenges—multiple properties, complex ownership, and tight deadlines. Auctions solve these problems by offering:

  • Speed: Sales typically close within 30–45 days.
  • Transparency: Competitive bidding creates a clear, market-driven price.
  • Certainty: Buyers sign contracts on auction day, with deposits secured.
  • Scalability: Sell a single property or multiple assets across a portfolio.

This approach helps institutions minimize carrying costs while delivering accountability to stakeholders.

The CJ Auctions 5-Step Process for Institutions

  1. Discovery & Strategy – Assess property value, market conditions, and seller goals.
  2. Marketing Campaign – Target qualified buyers through online platforms, investor networks, and industry channels.
  3. Auction Day – Live and online bidding ensures maximum exposure and fair competition.
  4. Contract Execution – Winning bidders commit immediately with deposits in place.
  5. Closing – Title work and due diligence are streamlined, ensuring on-time closings.

Why Partner with CJ Auctions

With decades of experience in institutional transactions, our team understands the unique requirements of trustees, banks, and corporate sellers. We handle the details—from compliance and marketing to auction execution — so institutional clients can focus on their core responsibilities.

Why Auctions Work for Commercial Dispersal

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Selling commercial property is a major decision. When speed, certainty, and maximum value matter, a commercial dispersal auction can be the smartest choice.

Unlike traditional listings, auctions:

  • ✅ Accelerate timelines — most sales close in 30–45 days.
  • ✅ Reduce holding costs for taxes, insurance, and upkeep.
  • ✅ Maximize value through competitive bidding, often pushing prices above expectations.

For portfolios with multiple properties—such as retail centers, industrial facilities, or office parks—auctions deliver broad exposure and streamline transactions.

The 5-Step Auction Process

At CJ Auctions, we follow a proven method that ensures every sale is organized, transparent, and effective:

  1. Discovery & Evaluation – We review your property’s strengths, market trends, and potential buyer pool.
  2. Marketing & Promotion – Tailored campaigns target investors, developers, and end-users via digital ads, email, signage, and industry networks.
  3. Auction Day – Live and online bidders compete in a transparent marketplace.
  4. Contract Signing – The winning bidder signs a purchase contract immediately.
  5. Closing – Clear timelines and terms ensure closings typically happen within 30 days.

This structure provides both speed and confidence to sellers.

What Sellers Should Prepare For

To maximize your results, here’s what to expect:

  • Buyer’s Deposit – Winning bidders usually pay a 10% earnest deposit on auction day.
  • Buyer’s Premium – Buyers pay a set premium in addition to the bid price (offsetting transaction costs).
  • Title & Due Diligence – Make title commitments, surveys, and disclosures available up front.
  • Flexibility in Sale Structure – Sometimes parceling properties or selling assets individually can generate higher overall returns.

Best for Complex or Time-Sensitive Sales

Commercial dispersal auctions are especially effective for:

  • Institutional sales — banks, trustees, and estates needing fast liquidation.
  • Multi-property portfolios — selling individually often outperforms bundled deals.
  • Specialized assets — warehouses, redevelopment sites, or unique commercial facilities.

Why Partner with CJ Auctions

Our veteran team has decades of experience selling:

  • Retail strip centers
  • Office complexes
  • Warehouses and industrial sites
  • Development land

We know how to reach qualified buyers, create urgency, and deliver results. More than 75% of our auctions exceed pre-sale expectations, and nearly all close faster than traditional listings.

Understanding Post-Auction Dropouts

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A post-auction dropout occurs when the winning bidder in an auction fails to complete the purchase after their bid has been accepted. These non-paying or defaulting buyers appear in both digital marketplaces (like eBay) and traditional auction settings, including real estate. While the hammer may fall with a winning bid, the deal isn’t truly closed until funds and paperwork are secured.

Common Reasons Buyers Default

Several factors drive post-auction dropouts:

  • Buyer’s remorse – Emotional bidding in a competitive atmosphere can push buyers to commit more than intended, only for regret to set in later.
  • Financing issues – Some bidders enter without secured financing, later finding themselves unable to obtain the funds.
  • Lack of due diligence – In real estate, surprises like hidden structural issues or title complications can emerge after the win.
  • Unforeseen circumstances – Job loss, medical expenses, or other financial shocks can derail a purchase.
  • Fraudulent bidding – On rare occasions, unscrupulous actors bid with no intention of paying, simply to inflate the price for others.

Consequences for Defaulting Buyers

The fallout for a post-auction dropout can be serious, with penalties varying by contract and jurisdiction:

  • Forfeiture of deposit – In real estate auctions, the deposit (often 10% of the purchase price) is typically lost.
  • Liability for damages – Dropouts may be responsible for legal fees, re-listing expenses, and the difference if the item sells later for less.
  • Legal action – Auctioneers or sellers can sue for breach of contract.
  • Reputation damage – Online bidders risk negative ratings, account strikes, and permanent bans. Traditional auction houses may blacklist offenders as well.

Seller and Auction House Responses

When a winning bidder drops out, sellers aren’t left without options. Depending on the item and auction rules, they can:

  • Offer to the next highest bidder – A fast solution, often used for lower-value items.
  • Relist in a future auction – Useful when aiming for competitive bidding momentum.
  • Sell privately – Provides more control and discretion for sellers wanting a direct deal.

Final Thoughts

While post-auction dropouts remain a frustrating reality, understanding their causes and consequences helps both buyers and sellers navigate the process with more confidence. For sellers, ensuring deposits, clear contract terms, and proper bidder vetting can significantly reduce risk. For buyers, due diligence and financial preparation are essential to avoid costly missteps.

What Rural Land Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About Real Estate Auctions

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Real estate auctions are becoming an increasingly popular method for buying and selling property—especially rural land. Whether you’re a landowner looking for a fast, competitive sale or a buyer searching for value and transparency, understanding the auction process is essential to making informed decisions.

What Is a Real Estate Auction?

A real estate auction is a public sale of property conducted by a licensed auctioneer. It’s a streamlined process used to sell everything from farmland and recreational plots to homes and commercial tracts. Auctions can be held in person, online, or as hybrid events.

Types of Real Estate Auctions

  1. Absolute Auction – The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price, ensuring a sale.
  2. Reserve Auction – A minimum acceptable price is set. The property only sells if bidding meets or exceeds this amount.
  3. Foreclosure Auction – Typically held by lenders when an owner defaults on a mortgage. These are often “as-is” sales.

Why Buyers Choose Auctions

  • Competitive Pricing – Properties may sell below market value.
  • Speed and Simplicity – Auctions close faster than traditional listings.
  • Transparency – All bids are public, ensuring a fair and open process.

What Sellers Gain from Auctions

  • Certainty – Fixed auction dates create urgency and eliminate long listing periods.
  • Control – Sellers set the terms and conditions of sale.
  • Market Exposure – Auction marketing campaigns attract qualified buyers ready to act.

“We’ve found that auctions are one of the most efficient ways to bring serious buyers and motivated sellers together—especially in rural markets where traditional listings can stall. The process cuts through the noise and delivers results.”
— Ronn Cunningham, Owner of CJ Real Estate Auctions

Key Considerations for Buyers

  • Do Your Homework – Research property details, title issues, and comparable land sales.
  • Secure Financing – Many auctions require proof of funds or pre-approval to bid.
  • Inspect Early – Properties are typically sold as-is, so take advantage of open houses or inspection periods.
  • Know the Rules – Understand the specific auction terms, deposit requirements, and closing timelines.

Tips for Successful Bidding

  • Attend Auctions First as an Observer – Get a feel for the pace and strategy.
  • Set a Firm Budget – Don’t get caught up in competitive bidding without limits.
  • Arrive Early and Ask Questions – Clarify any uncertainties before the auction begins.

Thinking About Selling?

If you’re a rural landowner considering a sale, an auction may offer the speed, exposure, and financial return you’re looking for. Working with a trusted auction firm ensures the right buyers see your property—and bid with confidence.

Want to Learn More? Reach out to Eric johnson or Ronn Cunningham at (918) 550-8118 or Info@CJ-Auctions.com

Source: Cunningham-Johnson Real Estate Auctions

How to Sell Your Lake Home Faster, For More

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Owning a lake home is a dream come true for many. The serene views, recreational opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere make for a wonderful retreat or full-time residence. However, when the time comes to sell, many lake homeowners face unique challenges that the traditional real estate market may not address effectively. If you’re considering selling your lake home, an auction could be the most beneficial route to maximize value and achieve a quicker sale. Here’s why.

Challenges of Selling a Lake Home Traditionally

Selling a lake home using the traditional listing method often presents obstacles that can lead to extended market time and potentially lower offers. Some of the key challenges include:

  • Seasonality of Demand: Lake homes tend to attract buyers during certain times of the year, such as spring and summer. If your home is listed during the off-season, it may sit on the market longer than anticipated.
  • Limited Buyer Pool: Unlike traditional suburban homes, lakefront properties appeal to a more niche market. Finding the right buyer willing to pay the premium price for a waterfront location can take time.
  • Uncertain Market Conditions: The traditional listing method often results in prolonged negotiations, price reductions, and uncertainty about when—or if—your home will sell.
  • Carrying Costs: While your home sits on the market, you’re still responsible for maintenance, insurance, and property taxes, which can add up significantly over time.

 

Benefits of Selling Your Lake Home at Auction

An auction provides a powerful alternative to the traditional real estate market, especially for lakefront properties. Here are some key advantages:

  1. Competitive Bidding Maximizes Sale Price

One of the greatest benefits of selling your lake home at auction is the competitive bidding environment. Rather than negotiating with one buyer at a time, an auction creates urgency and encourages buyers to act decisively. As a result, the highest market value is achieved, often exceeding expectations.

  1. Faster Sale and Closing

Unlike traditional listings that may linger on the market for months, auctions have a predetermined date, creating a sense of urgency among buyers. This eliminates the waiting game and leads to a quicker sale and closing, allowing you to move forward with your next steps sooner rather than later.

  1. No Price Ceiling

In a traditional listing, setting a price too high can deter buyers, while pricing too low may leave money on the table. An auction eliminates this dilemma by letting the market determine the home’s true value through competitive bidding.

  1. Targeted Marketing to the Right Buyers

Auction companies use strategic marketing efforts to attract serious buyers who are actively looking for premium lakefront properties. These marketing campaigns focus on high-net-worth individuals and investors who understand the value of a lakefront home, increasing the likelihood of securing the best price.

  1. Certainty and Transparency

In an auction, all terms and conditions are set upfront, ensuring a smooth transaction without last-minute negotiations or contingencies. Buyers know they need to be financially prepared to purchase, reducing the risk of deals falling through.

  1. Eliminates Hassle and Ongoing Costs

Since auctions have a set timeline, sellers can avoid the ongoing costs of keeping their home on the market. The longer a property sits unsold, the more carrying costs accumulate. An auction provides a clear exit strategy, allowing sellers to cut unnecessary expenses.

 

Auction Success vs. Traditional Sales

Recent data comparing lake home sales through auctions versus traditional listings reveal significant advantages for auction sellers. Lake homes sold via auction not only result in faster transactions but also command higher prices per square foot.  Data from the NAR revealed:

Lake homes sell 6X faster via auction. The average lake home closed in 68 days when sold at auction compared to lake homes sold via traditional listing method which closed in an average 371 days.

Lake homes sell more via auction. The cost-per-square-foot sales price for auctioned properties averaged $350, compared to $275 for traditionally listed lake homes.

 

Is an Auction Right for You?

If you’re looking for a way to sell your lake home efficiently while maximizing value, an auction is worth considering. It works exceptionally well for:

  • Luxury or Unique Properties: If your home has features that set it apart, an auction highlights its exclusivity and attracts the right buyers.
  • Sellers Who Want a Faster Sale: If you prefer not to wait months for a buyer to come along, an auction guarantees a defined sale date.
  • Sellers Who Want a Transparent Process: Auctions eliminate prolonged negotiations, lowball offers, and uncertain outcomes.

Wrapping Up

Selling a lake home can be a complex process, but an auction provides a streamlined, efficient, and profitable way to achieve a successful sale. With a competitive bidding environment, targeted marketing, and a set closing date, auctions allow sellers to maximize their property’s value while avoiding the pitfalls of the traditional listing process. If you’re looking for a smart, strategic way to sell your lake home, an auction could be your best choice.

If you need guidance through the process, partner with a trusted auction company like CJ Real Estate auction. Eric and Ronn will help you make data-driven decisions and secure the best outcome for your property.