The old auction saying has never felt truer: quote it low, watch it go – quote it high, watch it die.

Scheduled Auctions
1151
Reported Auctions
676
Total Sold
553
Total Passed In
123
Clearance Rate
82%

Scheduled Auctions
1076
Reported Auctions
834
Total Sold
604
Total Passed In
166
Clearance Rate
72%

Even with all the regulations around quoting, the market is showing us one thing loud and clear: properties only fly when buyers feel they’re within reach. A sharp quote builds interest, crowds inspections, and creates competition on auction day. Quote too high, and the phones stay quiet.

Buyers today are savvy, and they’re spoiled for choice online. If a property looks out of reach, they’ll simply scroll past it. But give them a reason to come and see it, and suddenly you’ve got momentum and that momentum is what drives the big results.

Of course, underquoting doesn’t always feel great as an owner. It’s tempting to go with the agent who tells you exactly what you want to hear about price. But often, that strategy leads to disappointment, low turnout, and no competitive tension. On the other hand, quoting with discipline and strategy even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first – is usually the best way to generate competition and, ultimately, achieve the very best price.

It’s worth remembering: auctions aren’t about starting at the top. They’re about creating the energy and tension that pushes buyers further than they planned to go. And right now, the homes that are quoting with strategy, not rigidity, are the ones achieving standout results.

So while the government keeps tightening rules, the market keeps proving the same point: in auctions, competition beats honesty every single time.