Page 24 - CFAN_Aug2014

HOW TO BE A WISE BIDDER AT A REAL ESTATE AUCTION, STEP III
STEP THREE: WHAT TO ASK AN AUCTIONEER
Before the real estate auction, be sure to ask the auctioneer (or auction manager) any questions you may have about the property.
There are two types of auctions: RESERVE and ABSOLUTE. RESERVE means the seller (owner) may accept, or reject, the final Bid. ABSOLUTE means just that. The property will be sold to the last and highest bidder. If a property is being sold ABSOLUTE, it will be stated as such in the advertising, and information packages, as well as on the real estate or auction website.
There is a 10 percent buyer’s premium added to the bid price, which creates the contract price.
The down payment (specified amount will be in the info package) is due at the close of the auction, when the contracts are signed. The remaining balance, will be due at closing.
You can always go to our website, www. Higgenbotham.com, and download all the information you need on any of our upcoming auctions.
This column is sponsored by Donald Kirkland and Higgenbotham Auctioneers. Get more details online about our interesting properties at www.higgenbotham.com and then click on "upcoming auctions." Give me a call if you have a property to sell at (863) 607- 7877, or email donald@higgenbotham.com.
by DONALD KIRKLAND
BIO: Donald Kirkland (AU1803 AB 158) is a third generation Floridian, from Medulla (South Lakeland) and is an admitted "Florida Cracker." He has been with Higgenbotham Auctioneers since 1993. Donald enjoys the agriculture community spirit of 4-H, FFA, and FHA. Donald is a certified and licensed auctioneer and real estate associate.
24 | CFAN
EFEATURE | agribiz: from page 8
Erik Peterson, a principal planner with
Polk County’s land development division,
suggests farmers and ranchers consult
with the county when they are considering
agritourism. County staff can help address
issues that arise whenever there are crowds: Parking, handicap access, and bathrooms. “You have to have the ability to accommodate crowds. That’s the biggest hurdle,” he says. “With crowds come more costs.”
County staff also can help you avoid potential problems, sometimes with state laws. “The moment you slice that orange you become manufacturing. The moment you serve that smoothie you become a restaurant,” he observes.
The county is looking at how to accommodate blueberry wineries that may offer food, wine tasting and tours. “They become like entertainment venues,” he says.
Meanwhile at Collier Rocking Bar W Ranch and Hunting Club in Wauchula, 83-year-old Wayne Collier has been opening up his cattle ranch to hunters for about 12 years. “Hog hunting is probably the most popular. They come and bring their kids. This is just something to keep us afloat,” he explains. “They bring their guns and their hunting licenses.”
Collier supplies a hunting guide, who takes them out and can stay with them if they wish. He also has tree stands, ground blinds that reduce the hunters’ detection, and— for all day hunts— lunch, snacks, and drinks. Game includes quails, deer, and Osceola turkeys.
At Oponay Farms Inc., in Lakeland, visitors pick blue- berries, strawberries, and peaches. “We have blackber- ries planted. Hopefully this coming season we will have that also,” says owner Lewis King. The farm is named for a Seminole Indian chief who lived in the county in the 1800s.
The Smiths are finding that the weather can be challenging even with agritourism. “We’ve had bad weather every year,” Donna acknowledges. Because of their proximity to the swamp, it’s extra trouble. “It takes longer for water to absorb in the ground,” she points out.
As part of their farm operation, they’ve been experimenting with growing green olives, which would be pressed for oil. “They should actually produce in September. We’ll see,” she says. As they continue to diversify, however, they offer photo shoots, providing the rustic background for engagement pictures and even a CD cover. They are also hosting schoolchildren for field trips, providing hayrides, and teaching the children how to feed cows. ag
FloridaAgNews.com
SHE HAS BEGUN
organizing group tours designed to show people where their food is grown and how it is handled.