Asset Liquidation Services In Central Ohio
Auction • Real Estate • Appraisal Services Under One RoofFor nearly 25 years, Michael Hoffman, CAI, has operated as a full-time, full-service auction professional providing comprehensive solutions for estate settlement, downsizing, business closure, and court-ordered sales. As one of Central Ohio's most credentialed professionals—holding CAI, AARE, CES, BAS, GPPA, AMM designations plus REALTOR® licensing—we handle every aspect of asset liquidation from appraisal to marketing to sale.
Our Core Services:
Whether you're settling an estate, liquidating a business, selling real estate, or need professional appraisal services, Hoffman Auctions provides comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs. With nearly 25 years of experience and elite professional credentials, we handle every aspect of asset liquidation from initial consultation through final settlement.
Personal Property Auctions
From single items to complete estates, we handle furniture, collectibles, antiques, vehicles, farm equipment, and virtually any personal property. Our professional photography, comprehensive marketing, and experienced bid-calling produce results whether your auction is live, online-only, or simulcast.
Real Estate Auctions
Sell residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial properties in as little as 60 days. As both CAI-designated auctioneers and licensed REALTOR® professionals, we provide dual capability—auction or traditional listing—based on what serves you best. Full MLS exposure on every property.
Business Liquidations
When closing, downsizing, or restructuring a business, we efficiently liquidate inventory, equipment, machinery, vehicles, and fixtures. Our experience spans manufacturing, retail, restaurant, agricultural, and professional service businesses—from small office closures to large industrial liquidations.
Court-Ordered Auctions
As court-approved auctioneers, appraisers, Private Selling Officers (PSO), and Receivers, we provide compliant solutions for judicial foreclosures, bankruptcy sales, receiverships, and other court-mandated asset dispositions. Detailed reporting, transparent processes, and timely settlements meet stringent legal requirements.
Fundraising Auctions
As Benefit Auction Specialists (BAS), we transform fundraising events into engaging experiences that maximize donations. We provide auctioneering, emcee services, and professional event support for schools, churches, hospitals, museums, and civic organizations throughout Ohio and nationally.
Traditional Real Estate Sales
Not every property requires an auction. As licensed REALTOR® professionals and AARE-designated real estate auction specialists, we offer full-service traditional real estate representation for buyers and sellers. All properties receive full MLS exposure with syndication to major real estate platforms.
Personal Property Appraisals
Our Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA) certification and court approval across Ohio ensure reliable valuations for estate and probate, insurance, divorce, charitable donations, tax planning, and business assets. Every appraisal follows USPAP standards with detailed photography and documentation.
We Buy Estates
Sometimes you need immediate resolution rather than waiting for an auction. We purchase quality personal property, collections, and select estates for cash, providing fast settlement when time is critical. Fair market value offers backed by CES estate expertise and GPPA appraisal training.
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Our Auction Formats:
Auctions create competitive bidding environments that often exceed seller expectations while providing definitive sale dates. We offer three distinct auction formats, each with unique advantages depending on your assets, timeline, and target buyers.
During your free consultation, we'll assess your assets, timeline, target buyer demographics, and goals to recommend the auction format most likely to achieve optimal results. Sometimes we even use different formats for different asset categories within the same engagement—for example, live auction for real estate with online-only auction for personal property.
Live Auctions bring the excitement of in-person bidding with an auctioneer's real-time call. These work exceptionally well for estate sales, farm equipment, and situations where local buyer interest is strong. The energy and competitive atmosphere of live auctions often drive prices higher than expected.
Online-Only Auctions provide maximum convenience and reach, allowing bidders from across the country to participate from their computers or phones. This format extends bidding over several days, accommodating busy schedules while reaching buyers who might never attend a live event. Online-only auctions are particularly effective for specialized items, collectibles, and situations where nationwide exposure maximizes value.
Simulcast Auctions combine the best of both worlds—a live auctioneer conducting an on-site auction while simultaneous online bidding allows remote participation. This hybrid approach captures local excitement while accessing the broader buyer pool that online bidding provides, often resulting in the highest possible participation and competitive bidding.
Contact Us Today for Rates & Dates
Once a better scope of your project has been determined, we will be happy to provide you a quote for our services.
Whether you're managing an estate, downsizing, closing a business, or facing any situation requiring professional asset liquidation services, Hoffman Auctions is here to help. Our comprehensive credentials, extensive experience, and commitment to personalized service ensure you'll receive the attention and results you deserve.
We offer no-cost, no obligation consultations. Let us spend an hour with you to discuss your needs in person. You will be glad you did!
How Our Process Works
From auction setup to post-auction settlement, we provide exceptional service at every step.
Free Consultation & Auction Planning
We begin every engagement with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. Michael personally evaluates your situation, answers questions, and recommends the most appropriate service or combination of services. For complex estates, this often includes on-site inspection to assess both real and personal property.
From contract signing to auction date, we normally spend about 3 weeks getting everything ready. This includes the taking of extensive digital photos to showcase your items and posting them online via various sites and social media. Our CES estate training and decades of experience mean accurate assessments and realistic expectations from day one.
Strategic Planning & Auction Setup
Once engaged, we develop a customized plan addressing:
- Asset categorization and valuation (leveraging GPPA appraisal expertise)
- Optimal selling method for each asset type (informed by CAI, AARE, and CES training)
- Marketing strategy and timeline (utilizing AMM advanced marketing techniques)
- Regulatory compliance when applicable (backed by court approvals)
- Settlement and distribution procedures
We provide the tables, tents, PA system and as many boxes that we can find to sort through your items. Feel free to sit back and watch us work, or lend a helping hand if you feel so inclined.
Professional Execution & Auction Accounting
We handle all details including:
- Professional photography and cataloging
- Comprehensive marketing campaigns employing AMM strategies (email, social media, print, MLS, auction platforms)
- Buyer pre-qualification and registration
- Expert auction or sale management using proven CAI methodologies
- Secure payment collection
- Detailed accounting and reporting
We clerk our auctions using state of the art software. At the end of the day you will receive a print out of what everything sold for and a complete accounting of the auction.
Complete Settlement
Our self-contained mobile office trailer brings professional cashiering and clerking to your location.
You receive full documentation of all transactions, transparent accounting of expenses, and prompt payment—typically within 15 days per Ohio law for auctions (we usually provide your net proceeds check within 10 days), or according to contract terms for real estate sales. We try to pay out fast so that you can get on with your life and make it easier on you.
Absolute vs. Minimum Bid Auctions
At Hoffman Auctions, we offer two auction methods, and part of our consultation involves determining which approach best serves your specific situation:
Absolute Auctions (without reserve) sell to the highest bidder regardless of price. This method generates maximum buyer interest and competitive energy, typically resulting in strong participation and higher final prices due to the certainty that items will sell. Bidders know they have a genuine opportunity to purchase, which creates excitement and drives competitive bidding.
Minimum Bid Auctions (with reserve) establish an acceptable minimum price that must be met for the sale to complete. While this provides protection for sellers, it may reduce buyer participation since bidders know their efforts might not result in purchase. The minimum bid amount may be disclosed or undisclosed depending on your goals.
Our nearly 25 years of experience across estate settlements, real estate, business liquidations, and court-ordered sales guides which method will likely produce the best net return for your specific assets and market conditions. Every situation is different—factors like asset type, market timing, legal requirements, and your timeline all influence the recommendation we'll make.
Contact us today to discuss your auction needs. With Hoffman Auctions, you can trust in our expertise to save you time and achieve the best possible results for your personal property or real estate.
Why Experience Matters
With nearly 25 years serving Central Ohio and elite CAI professional training, we've encountered virtually every asset liquidation scenario. This experience means:
- Accurate value assessments based on thousands of assets sold and GPPA appraisal methodology
- Established buyer networks eager for your assets
- Proven marketing strategies utilizing advanced AMM techniques that drive results
- Professional relationships with attorneys, courts, and financial institutions
- Problem-solving ability when complications arise
- Realistic timelines based on actual market conditions
We don't learn on your dime. Our experience and elite credentials translate directly to better outcomes for your situation.
Related Resources
- Upcoming Auctions – See what we're currently selling
- Past Auction Results – Review our track record
- Client Testimonials – Hear from satisfied clients
- Frequently Asked Questions – Find quick answers
- Our Blog – Industry insights and advice
Hoffman Auctions Serving Central Ohio Since 2001
Michael Hoffman, CAI, AARE, CES, BAS, GPPA, AMM Licensed Auctioneer • REALTOR® • Court-Approved Appraiser
Real Estate Brokered by Re/Max Consultant Group
Member: National Auctioneers Association, Ohio Auctioneers Association, MarkNet Alliance
Smart. Simple. Sold.
One Call. One Company. We Handle It All!
Auctions • Real Estate• Appraisals