Auction Laws.

[badmomma]

There are laws governing auctioning real estate. Knowing these laws helps you to decide what to do or what you need to do if you plan to auction off some real estate.

I did a little research and found this tidbit for my state: Michigan.

Is a real estate license required to auction real property for others for a fee?
A real estate license is not required for individuals who hold auctions of real property. A person conducting an auction of real estate may promote, advertise and conduct it ("call the sale") to determine a selling price. The closing of the sale after the "pounding of the gavel" (to signify the close of the auction) must be handled by a licensed Michigan real estate broker or an attorney. Many various types of auctions are conducted and persons engaging in purchasing at auction are encouraged to read the materials thoroughly and understand the process before engaging in bidding. There may be local governmental regulations, e.g., county, city, township, that require an auctioneer to secure a permit or registration.
Also, in Michigan if a person wishes to call themselves a "registered auctioneer" and hold themselves out to the public as being registered that person must meet the requirements of Article 29 of the Occupational Code. Applications for registration as an auctioneer are processed through the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, Bureau of Commercial Services, Licensing Division,

I did not know this and now that I do I will seriously do some checking on the people who are holding the auction next time I attend one. It is important to know what part each individual plays in your transaction.