Frequently Asked Questions

Estate Settlement Services | Personal Property & Estate Auctions | Online Auction Bidding | Real Estate Property Auctions | Real Estate Property Services | Appraisal Services | Where We Serve | Why Choose Jones 

Wisconsin Auctions, Real Estate Property, Estate Settlement & Appraisal Services

Since 1956, Jones Auction & Realty has helped families, businesses, attorneys, trustees, personal representatives, and property owners sell real estate property and personal property throughout Wisconsin.

Whether you are settling an estate, selling personal property, liquidating a business, marketing real estate property, seeking an appraisal, or registering to bid in an online auction, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process.

Have questions about an estate, auction, appraisal, or real estate property? Call Jones Auction & Realty at (920) 261-6820 to get started.

Jones Auction & Realty Services

What services does Jones Auction & Realty provide?

Jones Auction & Realty provides a complete range of auction, estate settlement, appraisal, and real estate property services in Wisconsin, including:

• Online personal property auctions
• Complete estate settlement services from start to finish
• Real estate property auctions
• Traditional real estate property listings
• Personal property appraisals
• Real estate property appraisals
• Farm and business liquidations
• Construction and landscape equipment auctions
• Truck, car, ATV, and vehicle auctions
• Consignment auctions
• Municipal and school district surplus auctions

Our goal is to provide clients with professional guidance, effective marketing, and personalized service throughout the entire process.

Personalized Service IS Our Business.

Complete Estate Settlement Services in Wisconsin

What is a complete estate settlement service?

A complete estate settlement service brings together the services needed to evaluate, organize, market, and sell an estate's real estate property and personal property. 

Depending on the estate, Jones Auction & Realty can assist with: 

• Personal property appraisals 
• Real estate property appraisals 
• Sorting and organizing personal property 
• Online personal property estate auctions 
• Online real estate property auctions 
• Traditional real estate property listings 
• Buyer payment processing 
• Buyer pickup coordination 
• Shipping when available or requested 
• Detailed auction settlement reports 
• Coordination with estate attorneys, accountants, and other estate professionals when needed 

Instead of coordinating several different companies, families can work with one experienced team from appraisal through auction and real estate property closing.

One Call. One Team. From Start to Finish.

What is the best way to settle an estate in Wisconsin?

Every estate is different, but many estates require three primary steps: determining the value of the assets, selling the personal property, and selling the real estate property. 

Jones Auction & Realty can coordinate these services from start to finish, including appraisals, online personal property auctions, real estate property auctions or traditional listings, buyer pickup, and final auction settlement reporting. 

This approach can make the process easier for personal representatives, trustees, attorneys, and family members by providing one point of contact throughout the estate settlement process.

Do you work with personal representatives, trustees, executors, and attorneys?

Yes. Jones Auction & Realty regularly assists:

• Personal representatives
• Executors
• Trustees
• Probate attorneys
• Estate-planning attorneys
• Financial advisors
• Family members
• Out-of-state heirs and family members 

We can also assist families who live outside Wisconsin and need a local company to oversee the sale of Wisconsin real estate property and personal property from start to finish.

How do I get started with an estate settlement?

Start by calling Jones Auction & Realty at (920) 261-6820 or emailing info@jonesauctionservice.com to discuss your situation and schedule an initial consultation. 

After reviewing the real estate property and/or personal property and discussing your goals, we can recommend a sales strategy and provide a written proposal explaining the services, commissions, labor, and other anticipated expenses.

Settling an Estate? Call (920) 261-6820 before you clean out, donate, sell, or dispose of anything. There may be value you don't realize is there.

Personal Property & Estate Auctions

Should I clean out an estate before contacting an auction company?

No. Contact Jones Auction & Realty before throwing away, donating, selling, or removing items. 

Items that appear ordinary may have collector or resale value. An initial walk-through allows our team to identify potential auction items and help determine what should be sold, retained, donated, recycled, or disposed of.

What types of personal property can be sold at auction? 

Jones Auction & Realty regularly sells:

• Antiques and collectibles 
• Select furniture and household items 
• Tools and shop equipment 
• Farm machinery and equipment 
• Trucks, cars, trailers, and recreational equipment 
• Lawn mowers and landscape equipment 
• Firearms and sporting goods 
• Coins and paper currency 
• Jewelry and specialty clothing 
• Advertising memorabilia 
• Farm toys and vintage toys 
• Business and industrial equipment 
• Specialty collections 

Auction suitability depends on an item's condition, age, rarity, demand, location, and anticipated selling value.

What items generally perform well at an online auction?

Firearms, coins and currency, advertising memorabilia, farm toys, antiques, farm equipment, vehicles, tools, and quality specialty collections can attract strong bidder interest. 

Results depend on condition, rarity, provenance, current market demand, and the quality of the photography, descriptions, cataloging, and advertising.

How much does a personal property or estate auction cost? 

The cost of a personal property auction depends on the size and type of the collection, item location, labor requirements, advertising needs, transportation, and services provided. 

Jones Auction & Realty will meet with you, review the personal property to be sold, and discuss the services required. 

Before an agreement is signed, we provide a written proposal explaining applicable commissions, labor, transportation, advertising, and other anticipated expenses. 

Our goal is clear communication - so you understand the anticipated costs before the auction begins. 

How long does an estate or personal property auction take?

The schedule depends on the size of the estate or personal property auction, the number and type of items being sold, and the amount of preparation required.

From the time Jones Auction & Realty staff first arrive on location to begin preparing the auction until the scheduled auction pickup date, a typical estate or personal property auction takes approximately 30 to 45 days.

During that time, our team manages the auction process, which may include:

• Sorting and organizing personal property 
• Cleaning items when necessary 
• Researching and identifying items 
• Cataloging and lot preparation 
• Photography 
• Writing item descriptions 
• Advertising and marketing the auction 
• Publishing the online auction 
• Online bidding 
• Buyer invoicing and payment processing 
• Scheduled auction pickup 

The exact timeline will vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Larger estates, specialty collections, extensive equipment auctions, or projects requiring additional preparation may take longer. 

After reviewing the estate or personal property, we will provide a more specific anticipated timeline for your auction. 

Our goal is to efficiently move your estate or personal property from preparation to auction pickup while allowing enough time to properly catalog, photograph, advertise, and market your assets to potential buyers. 

Where will my personal property auction be conducted?

Depending on the project, an online auction may be conducted at the seller's real estate property, or the items may be moved to one of our auction facilities. 

We will recommend the option that provides an efficient setup, secure storage, convenient buyer pickup, and effective presentation of the personal property.

How does Jones Auction & Realty advertise an auction?

Every auction marketing plan is customized for the assets being sold and may include:

• Jones Auction & Realty's website and online bidding platform 
• Email announcements to established bidders 
• Social media advertising 
• Radio commercials 
• Auction and estate-sale websites 
• Search-engine and digital advertising 
• Targeted marketing to buyers interested in specific categories 
• Printed materials and signage 
• Specialty publications and industry websites 
• Direct outreach to likely buyers

Specialty equipment, real estate property, and collections may be marketed locally, regionally, statewide, or nationally depending on the assets and likely buyer audience.

What happens after my personal property auction closes?

Jones Auction & Realty manages buyer invoicing, payment collection, scheduled pickup, and shipping when applicable. 

After buyer payments and auction expenses have been processed, the seller receives an itemized settlement report showing individual auction results, commissions, and auction expenses by category. 

The settlement schedule and applicable expenses are explained in the auction agreement.

What happens to items that are not suitable for auction?

We can help identify items that may be better suited for donation, disposal, recycling, or another sales method. 

Available services and associated costs will be discussed before work begins.

Online Auction Questions for Bidders

How do I register for a Jones Auction & Realty online auction?

Select the auction you are interested in, choose "Register to Bid," and follow the instructions to create or access your bidding account. 

You must read and accept the auction's terms and conditions before bidding. Some auctions may have additional approval requirements.

Is there a charge to register for an online auction?

There is no charge to create an account or register for an auction. However, a valid credit card is required to help verify your identity. 

Always review the specific auction terms and conditions before registering. 

Why is a credit card required to register?

A valid credit card helps verify a bidder's identity and protects the integrity of the auction. 

Credit card information is handled securely and is not shared. Payment requirements are governed by the terms and conditions of each individual auction.

What is an auction buyer's fee?

A buyer's fee is an amount added to the successful bid price. The percentage or amount varies by auction and is disclosed in the auction terms and conditions. 

For example, if an item receives a $100 successful bid and the auction has a 10% buyer's fee, the purchase price before applicable sales tax would be $110.

How does maximum bidding work?

Maximum bidding allows you to enter the highest amount you are willing to bid for an item. 

The bidding software automatically bids on your behalf using the established bidding increments - but only when another bid requires your bid to increase.

Your maximum bid is not automatically your purchase price.

Maximum bidding allows you to participate without continuously monitoring the auction and also gives you the first position if a tie bid occurs at your maximum amount. 

The software will notify you if you are outbid.

Can other bidders see my maximum bid?

No. Other bidders cannot see your maximum bid. They can only see the current bid displayed by the bidding system.

What is a soft close in an online auction?

A soft close extends bidding on a specific lot or real estate property when a bid is received near the scheduled closing time. 

This prevents a last-second bid from immediately ending the competition and gives other bidders an opportunity to respond.

For personal property auctions, the soft-close extension is usually 60 seconds. If a bid is placed during that period, additional time is added to that item's closing time, allowing other bidders an opportunity to respond.

For real estate property auctions, the soft-close extension is usually 180 seconds. If a bid is placed during that period, additional time is added to the closing time, allowing other qualified bidders an opportunity to respond.

The soft-close process helps create a fair and competitive bidding environment by allowing interested bidders the opportunity to continue bidding rather than having an auction end immediately after a last-second bid.

Can I cancel or retract an auction bid?

Bids are generally considered binding and cannot be withdrawn. 

Carefully review the lot description, photographs, condition, and auction terms and conditions before placing a bid. 

If you believe a bid was entered in error, contact Jones Auction & Realty immediately. Auction staff cannot guarantee that a bid can be removed.

Can I inspect an item before bidding?

Many auctions offer a scheduled preview or an opportunity to inspect items by appointment. Preview information will be posted with the individual auction. 

Bidders are encouraged to inspect items and ask questions before bidding. 

Are personal property auction items guaranteed?

Personal property auction items are generally sold "as is, where is" without warranties or guarantees. 

Photographs and descriptions are provided to assist bidders but are not a substitute for inspection. The terms and conditions of the individual auction control the sale.

How do I know if I won an online auction?

Successful bidders will be notified through the bidding software when they win an item and will receive an invoice by email after the auction closes. You can also review your bidding activity and purchases through your online bidding account. 

If you believe you were the successful bidder but did not receive an invoice, please check your email's junk or spam folder. 

If you still cannot locate your invoice or have questions about an item you believe you won, call Jones Auction & Realty at (920) 261-6820 for assistance.

How do I pay for my auction purchase(s)?

Accepted payment methods and payment deadlines are listed in each auction's terms and conditions and on the buyer's invoice. 

Payment requirements may vary depending on the auction and type of personal property purchased.

When and where do I pick up my auction purchases?

The scheduled pickup date, time, and location are included in the auction information and terms and conditions. 

Before bidding, confirm that you can attend the scheduled pickup. Buyers are responsible for bringing appropriate help, tools, packing materials, and vehicles unless otherwise stated.

What if I cannot attend the scheduled auction pickup?

Contact Jones Auction & Realty before bidding if you cannot attend the designated pickup. 

Alternative arrangements are not guaranteed and may involve additional labor, moving, storage, or handling charges.

Is shipping available for auction purchases?

Shipping availability varies by auction and item. Do not assume an item can be shipped unless shipping is specifically offered in the auction information. 

Call Jones Auction & Realty at (920) 261-6820 before bidding if you have questions about shipping a specific item.

Is sales tax charged on auction purchases?

Applicable sales tax will be collected unless the transaction is exempt and the required sales tax exemption documentation has been provided and approved prior to the auction ending.

What should I do if I have trouble bidding?

Call Jones Auction & Realty at (920) 261-6820 as soon as possible. 

Do not wait until the final minutes of an auction to request bidding assistance.

Real Estate Property Auctions for Buyers

How do I register to bid on real estate property?

Select the real estate property auction you are interested in, choose "Register to Bid," and follow the instructions to create or access your bidding account. 

You must read and accept the auction's terms and conditions before bidding. 

Real estate property bidders are also required to submit identification and a Simple Bank Letter/Proof of Funds Available Letter before receiving approval to bid. 

Examples of acceptable letters can be found under "DOCS" on the auction platform.

Do I need a bank letter to bid on real estate property?

Yes. Jones Auction & Realty real estate property auctions require bidders to demonstrate their financial ability to complete the purchase. 

Whether you intend to finance the purchase or pay cash, you will be required to submit a Simple Bank Letter/Proof of Funds Available Letter. 

You will not be approved to bid until the required information has been received and accepted. 

Specific requirements are stated in the terms and conditions for each real estate property auction.

Is a lender preapproval the same as proof of funds?

No. 

A lender preapproval indicates that a financial institution has reviewed a prospective buyer's information and believes the buyer may qualify for financing, subject to final underwriting and other conditions. 

A lender preapproval is not Proof of Funds Available and will not satisfy Jones Auction & Realty's bidding approval requirement. 

A Proof of Funds Available Letter confirms that the prospective buyer has sufficient available funds to complete a purchase up to a specified amount. Once an acceptable letter is received, the bidder may be approved to bid up to the specified amount. 

Documents should not contain complete account numbers or unnecessary confidential information.

Can I use financing to purchase real estate property at auction?

Yes, financing may be used to complete the purchase. However, a real estate property auction offer is not contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing. 

Bidders should arrange financing and understand their borrowing ability before placing a bid.

Is a real estate property auction purchase contingent on an appraisal or inspection?

No. 

Real estate property is sold "as is, where is" without warranties or guarantees, subject to the specific auction terms and conditions. 

If a buyer chooses to obtain an inspection, it is for the buyer's informational use only and cannot become a contingency of the real estate property transaction or offer to purchase. 

Bidders should complete their investigations and due diligence before bidding.

Can I inspect real estate property before bidding?

Yes. Real estate property auctions typically have scheduled showings with dates and instructions posted on the auction page. 

If you cannot attend a scheduled showing, call Jones Auction & Realty at (920) 261-6820 to ask about scheduling an appointment. 

Prospective bidders should evaluate the real estate property and complete their due diligence before placing a bid.

What is a real estate property buyer's fee?

A real estate property buyer's fee is added to the successful bid to determine the total purchase price. 

For example, a successful bid of $200,000 with an 8% buyer's fee results in a total purchase price of $216,000. 

The applicable buyer's fee will be clearly disclosed in the auction terms and conditions.

Does the seller have to accept the highest bid?

It depends on the auction format. 

For a real estate property auction subject to seller confirmation, the seller may accept, reject, or negotiate the highest bid. 

In an absolute auction, the real estate property is sold to the highest qualified bidder in accordance with the published terms and conditions. 

Each real estate property's auction terms and conditions explain the applicable auction format and seller's rights.

What happens if I am the successful real estate property bidder?

The successful bidder will be required to sign the offer to purchase agreement and submit the required earnest money within the period stated in the auction terms and conditions. 

The remaining balance is generally due at closing. Specific requirements and deadlines vary by real estate property.

Is earnest money refundable?

Earnest money is handled according to the offer to purchase agreement and auction terms and conditions. 

Because auction purchases of real estate property are not subject to financing, appraisal, or inspection contingencies, bidders should fully understand the terms and conditions before bidding.

How soon does a real estate property auction close?

The closing deadline is stated in the real estate property's auction terms and conditions and offer to purchase agreement. 

Real estate property auction closings commonly occur within 30 to 45 days.

Real Estate Property Services for Sellers

Should I sell my real estate property by auction or traditional listing?

The best method depends on the real estate property, current market conditions, desired timeline, and seller's goals. 

Jones Auction & Realty offers both competitive online real estate property auctions and traditional real estate property listings. 

After evaluating the real estate property and discussing your goals, we can recommend the approach most likely to meet your needs.

What are the advantages of selling real estate property at auction?

Potential advantages include:

• A defined marketing and bidding period 
• Competitive bidding 
• Transparent buyer activity 
• Extensive online advertising 
• A predetermined closing schedule 
• Offers made without traditional financing, appraisal, or inspection contingencies 
• The ability to market residential, agricultural, recreational, commercial, and other real estate property

Every real estate property is different, and auction results are determined by bidder demand and the published terms and conditions.

Can I sell my real estate property at auction with zero seller commission?

Yes. Jones Auction & Realty offers the opportunity to sell qualifying real estate property at auction with ZERO seller commission. 

This can provide sellers with an alternative to a traditional commission-based listing while benefiting from competitive online bidding and a defined sales timeline. 

Contact Jones Auction & Realty to discuss your real estate property and determine whether auction marketing is the right strategy for you. 

Thinking About Selling Real Estate Property? Call (920) 261-6820 to schedule a consultation and learn more about selling real estate property at auction.

What types of real estate property does Jones Auction & Realty sell?

We market a variety of Wisconsin real estate property, including:

• Residential homes 
• Farms and agricultural land 
• Recreational property 
• Commercial and industrial buildings 
• Vacant land 
• Development property 
• Investment real estate property 
• Estates and inherited property

Appraisal Services in Wisconsin

What appraisal services does Jones Auction & Realty provide?

Jones Auction & Realty provides appraisal and valuation services for:

• Residential real estate property 
• Agricultural real estate property 
• Estates and probate matters 
• Farm machinery and equipment 
• Trucks and select construction equipment 
• Harvested crops 
• Landscape equipment and lawn mowers 
• Personal property 
• Business assets 
• Antiques, collectibles, and specialty collections 

Contact us to discuss the intended use of the appraisal so we can determine whether we can provide the appropriate service.

Why might I need an appraisal?

Appraisals are commonly requested for:

• Estate settlement and probate 
• Trust administration 
• Date-of-death valuations 
• Financial planning 
• Property division 
• Asset valuation 
• Real estate property decisions 
• Business planning and liquidation

Can you evaluate real estate property and personal property before an auction?

Yes. Jones Auction & Realty can evaluate real estate property and personal property, discuss current market conditions, and recommend an appropriate sales strategy. 

An auction consultation or estimate is not necessarily the same as a formal written appraisal. We will explain which service is appropriate for your needs.

Auction, Estate & Real Estate Property Services From Watertown, Wisconsin

What areas does Jones Auction & Realty serve?

Jones Auction & Realty is based in Watertown, Wisconsin, and serves clients throughout Wisconsin, with a strong presence in Southeastern and South-Central Wisconsin, including:

• Watertown 
• Jefferson County 
• Dodge County 
• Dane County 
• Waukesha County 
• Columbia County 
• Rock County 
• Washington County 
• Fond du Lac County 
• Green Lake County 
• Southeastern Wisconsin 
• South-Central Wisconsin 
• Communities throughout Wisconsin 

Contact us if your real estate property or personal property is outside these areas. 

Specialty collections, equipment, larger projects, real estate property, and other assets may be marketed throughout Wisconsin and to buyers nationwide.

How do I find an auction company near Watertown, Wisconsin?

If you are searching for an auction company near Watertown, Wisconsin, Jones Auction & Realty provides online auctions, estate settlement services, personal property auctions, appraisals, business and farm liquidations, and real estate property auction and listing services. 

Since 1956, we have helped Wisconsin families, businesses, and property owners market and sell their assets.

Why Choose Jones Auction & Realty?

Why should I choose Jones Auction & Realty for an auction, estate, appraisal, or real estate property sale?

Since 1956, Wisconsin families, businesses, attorneys, trustees, personal representatives, and property owners have trusted Jones Auction & Realty for professional and personalized service. 

Our services include:

• Complete estate settlement solutions 
• Experienced online auction management 
• Personal property auctions 
• Real estate property auctions 
• Traditional real estate property listings 
• Professional appraisal services 
• Farm and business liquidations 
• An established online bidder network 
• Customized marketing 
• Detailed settlement reporting 
• Personalized guidance from beginning to end
• Licensed Professional

We treat your assets as if they were our own. 

Personalized Service IS Our Business. 

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you are settling an estate, selling real estate property, liquidating a business, selling farm equipment, seeking an appraisal, or marketing a collection, Jones Auction & Realty is ready to help.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Jones Auction & Realty 

Call: (920) 261-6820 

Email: info@jonesauctionservice.com 

One Call Can Start the Entire Process. 

From appraisal to personal property auction to real estate property closing - where Personalized Service IS Our Business.