Auctions and estate sales have always been very popular in Montana, and there are still dozens of auctions held every month. Here are the basics on where to find the auctions and how they work...

Even though estate sales of any kind are generally held after a member of a family passes, I've always viewed them as a very positive thing for everyone involved. The family decides what to part with (usually), they make a few bucks, and the rest of us can acquire new treasures.

Auctions are driven by bids. Simple as that. They can be live or silent, in-person or online. Live auctions are exciting and fast moving. An estate auction is really no different than an auction at a charity event, maybe with a little less glitz.

Time is money and there's generally a lot to get through. It's best to be prepared, do your research ahead of time online if possible, and arrive early enough to get registered as a bidder or participant. If you know there are some items (or 'lots') that catch your eye, you don't want to miss them when they come up for bidding. Once they're gone, they're gone.

Photo by Noreen on Unsplash
Photo by Noreen on Unsplash
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WHAT'S THE LEGAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ESTATE SALE VS. AUCTION

AuctionGuy.com - Many Montana auction listings, along with an auction location search if you want to look further.

Go2GuysAuction.com - Based in Bozeman, Montana. "We offer a solution to the challenges people face during business liquidation, death of a loved one, moving, and retirement." You can simply click on "Current Auctions" that they're handling.

RenoBabock.com - Based in Billings, Montana and they are members of the National Auctioneers Association and the Montana Auctioneers Association. Click on "Current Auctions" to see their list.

NationalAuctionUSA.com - Another auction house based in Billings, Montana with a pretty full calendar of upcoming auctions.

As stated above, lots of charities hold large auctions throughout the year. Events usually have both live and silent components with packages and items of all kinds - gift baskets, antiques, art, collectibles, experiences, and trips. Participating in those events means you get a dose of auction excitement AND your money goes to charity.

Photo by Max Simonov on Unsplash
Photo by Max Simonov on Unsplash
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PICTURES: See Inside 'Yellowstone' Actor Barret Swatek's $100 Million Malibu Estate

Yellowstone actor Barret Swatek is selling her spectacular oceanfront estate in Malibu, and pictures show a bedazzling property that's one of the most upper-crust properties even in that illustrious zip code.

Swatek and her husband, former hedge fund manager Adam Weiss, are asking for just under $100 million for their 4-bedroom, 5.5-bathoom, 7,450-square-foot contemporary villa that sits directly beachside on the white sands of El Sol Beach, one of the most exclusive spots even according to Malibu standards.

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