Testimonials

A Stress-Free and Enjoyable Experience

2012-10-11

Dear Sirs:

I am writing this letter to thank your entire auction team, especially Brian Damewood who worked with us directly and diligently, in the auctioning of our home in Herndon, Va, on the 25th of August of this year, 2012.

I had considered other selling options before meeting with Mr. Damewood, but after he explained what auctioning could offer, we decided on trusting him with the sale of our home.

My situation required that we sell the home within a specific period of time, that we retain the option of setting a minimal bid price, and that the settlement of the home would proceed quickly and flawlessly after the sale took place. All of these conditions were met and we were highly impressed with the professionalism and courtesy that your company provided.

Myself and my wife would highly recommend Brian Damewood and the Nicholls Auction Marketing Group to family, friends, and others who may be considering options for the sale of their homes and personal property.

Thank you once again for making our retirement move out of state a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Our thanks go especially to Brian Damewood who kept us informed throughout the process and became a personal friend. Feel free to use our recommendation for all your services with any who might be considering Nicholls for their real estate and personal property sale transactions.

Best regards,

Jeff and Ceci Taylor
Merritt Island, FL

A Tribute to Your Professionalism

2012-10-9

Dear Sirs:

Your auctioning of my land, constant contact in the days leading to the auction and subsequent customer follow-up is a tribute to your professionalism. It took a long time for me to sum up the courage to take this step but in the end, my decision to talk to you turned out to be the best decision I could have made. Making a quick sale is a thing of thing of the past, so if you want results with a fair outcome, auctioning is still the best way to go. I strongly believe in the honesty and integrity of your company, and I would do it again. I greatly appreciate all you’ve done and extend my thanks to the members of your staff who attended on auction day. The whole transaction went like clockwork.

Karen Arendt

I Knew I had made the right call

2012-10-5

Dear Sir:

As you know I am a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Virginia, and have been active in Real Estates sales since 1985. My mother passed away June, 2010 and I was appointed by her will to be the Executor of her Estate. She owned two properties in North Chesterfield, VA. I was able to negotiate and execute a contract and settlement of the house my mother lived when she died, to my sister. The property that I grew up in at Hopkins Road was in depressed condition. The Estate had no funds to make repairs. I tried for over two years to sell this property the traditional way. Due to the many inspections, contingencies in this process, I knew what I was up against. In addition, I knew no bank would finance this property and no insurance company would insure it. In fact, one insurance company canceled their coverage once their inspectors came to take photographs. Virginia law required me to disclose that I was a licensed Real Estate Broker and I am sure this scared away most prospective buyers.I came to the conclusion, that the most expedient way to dispose of this property was to use the auction method. I contacted the other two Heirs to gain their support of my decision to auction the property. In all honesty I did not receive their support and was subjected to criticism for my decision. I made the sole decision to auction the property.Due to my contacts at the Fredericksburg Auto Auction and the excellent reputation that you enjoy in the Fredericksburg, VA area. I decided to contact your company. On my first call, I knew I had made the right choice. Nicholls Auction projected confidence, knowledge, professionalism, yet personable and friendly. In a few days, Kelly Strauss had traveled to Richmond to assess the property, taken photographs and handled all the details. Kelly was outstanding in working with me and should be commended. Nicholls Auction, with your extensive marketing to include their Internet site, local newspaper ads, yard sign, showing of the property and including Broker participation resulted in over 45 bidders to come on auction day or via the Internet. This created intense competition at the auction that resulted in a sales price far exceeding the family’s expectations. My sister and brother are very happy with me now and were impressed by the results and Nicholls Auction Marketing Group. I knew I made the right call in contacting your company and using the auction method even before the actual auction. As a licensed real estate salesperson for over 26 years I would recommend Nicholls Auction Group for any type of Real Estate sales, not just depressed Properties.

Thank You

Mike Ivey, Executor

WE RECEIVED MORE THAN WE ANTICIPATED

2012-08-15

You have recently auctioned our property located at 609 Ramoth Church Road.

This was the first auction we had participated in so we had a considerable amount of concern.

John Nicholls worked with us in preparation for the auction. He told us the best way to would be with an Absolute Auction which means the high bid would get the property regardless of the price. We were concerned about this and felt we should have a minimum acceptable amount. However John stated that an Absolute Auction would attract more potential buyers and he felt the property would bring what we were looking for. We accepted his recommendation and were real happy with the outcome. We received more than we anticipated. This can be attributed to the efforts of your people including use of the internet. We would like to commend Kelly Strauss for keeping us informed along the way by phone and internet.

We will certainly recommend Nicholls Auction to anyone considering an auction.

Sincerely,

David M. and Betty L. Hudack

INCREDIBLY PROFESSIONAL IN EVERY ASPECT

2012-08-05

John, just wanted to thank you all so much for the outstanding job your company did in the marketing and auction of our family’s property in Bumpass. You all are incredibly professional in every aspect. Everyone has been a delight to deal with throughout the entire process. We didn’t think twice when we decided to sell the property with your company. You all make it a very easy and comfortable process. My Sister was amazed at the overall process and how it all played out. She had to see it for herself. We hadn’t heard too much from your Dad during this Auction cycle but were really pleased to see him in action with the crowd. Please pass on our sincere thanks to your Dad, Kelly, Shields, Anne and everyone else involved. We look forward to working with you all through the Closing process. Seems like that may be fairly quick. That would be great. I have already spoken with Michelle. Thanks again! John Diggs & Family.

YOUR HARD WORK AND PROFESSIONALISM IS SECOND TO NONE... 2012-06-08

John, I wanted to thank you and your Dad for such a successful sale today at Telegraph Road. I have attended one real estate auction coordinated by Nicholls Auction in the past, but did not have any personal interest in the property. Your hard work and professionalism is second to none and greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with you in the future. Please be sure to thank Kelly for me as well.

Regards,

Rodney Nichols

THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL JOB!!

2011-01-01

Dear Kelly,

Thank you for the wonderful job you did running the Snead Family Farm auction. In today’s austere real estate market, your friendly demeanor and extensive experience as a marketeer were instrumental to the success of the sale.

I also wanted to extend my thanks to the entire Nicholls team for their tremendous efforts as well. The long hours, dedication, and teamwork were certainly impressive and resulted in a very satisfying outcome.

Please feel free to use my name for recommendation proposes if so desired.

Sincerely,

Jane Snead

"EVERY TIME YOU DELIVERED."

2010-08-01

Dear Charles and John,

Thank you for the wonderful job that you did running Aunt Bobby’s estate auction. From our initial consultation through settlement, I was always able to rely on your promptness, expertise and integrity. We faced some challenges that needed ingenious solutions, yet every time you delivered.

I will certainly miss the farm, but I can see why generations of my family have trusted your services. Your reputation as the best auction outfit in the area is well deserved.

Yours truly,

John Alrich-Altman

"I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH..."

2009-11-01

Dear John and Charles,

Just a note to say how much I appreciate your continued efforts to support the Youth For Tomorrow Auctions in so many ways. Without folks like you, we would not be able to have such success year after year at each of our events or continued success with our kids at YFT.

It seems there is never enough time at our events for me to be able to personally thank each person who has worked so hard. I am fully aware of how many hours are invested by each of you to make an event successful. I’m always encouraged and proud of the efforts of so many valuable volunteers. You have been extremely loyal to our kids for many years and I cannot thank you enough for your continued involvement.

May God continue to bless you and your family.

Sincerely,

Joe Gibbs

Joe Gibbs
Joe Gibbs Racing

"PLEASE ACCEPT OUR THANKS FOR A WELL-DONE JOB BY YOUR FIRM..."

2009-08-01

Dear Mr. Nicholls:

As you know, we recently enlisted the services of your company to auction our house in King George. The auction was successful, and we reached our reserve handily. That this happened in today’s austere real estate market is due in no small part to the impressive efforts of Kelly Strauss. Kelly spent hours and hours working with us to set up the auction with a reasonable reserve, establish an effective advertising campaign, show the house to interested parties, and, last but not least, "work the crowd" during the actual house auction which occurred on 10 July. I’m certain that Kelly was engaged in many other efforts of which we are unaware to help ensure the success of the auction. Of course, he was assisted on the auction day itself by your able colleagues Shields Jones, and your son, John.
It should go without saying, but Kelly is the epitome of a great employee. His positive attitude in a stale real estate climate kept our spirits up, and the frequent contact he kept with us made a huge difference in our confidence as the big day approached.
We would also like to add that we were impressed with the professionalism of your company on the auction day. All of your fellows were sharply dressed, and the setup was spot-on for a real estate sale. Certainly this also helped our success for a sale at a fair price.
Please accept our thanks for a well-done job by your firm, and particularly for a wonderful job by Kelly Strauss. We will always consider all of your folks to be friends.

Sincerely,

Chuck & Carolyn Ellington
1355 Kings Road
Rapid City, SD 57702-7721

Chuck and Carolyn Ellington

"NO OTHER COMPANY COULD COMPARE TO THE BROAD SPECTRUM OF SERVICES THAT NICHOLLS OFFERS..."

2009-07-01

To Whom it May Concern:

It is a privilege to speak on behalf of Kelly Strauss of Nicholls Auction Marketing Group. I became acquainted with Mr. Strauss through a business relationship involving the sale of assets held by Richard Woodie Tree Farms, of which I am a partner. After careful examination of national auction and marketing groups I chose Nicholls. I spoke with several representatives from other companies and none could match the introduction of Mr. Strauss, his professionalism was exemplary. I considered each company’s record while viewing testimonials as well as their client base. Mr. Strauss represents a company that is entrusted with the distribution of countless assets and the reputation of internationally recognized organizations. No other company could compare to the broad spectrum of services that Nicholls offers from a small parcel sale to the high profile clientele that is served by Mr. Strauss and the Nicholls company. It is apparent to me why the integrity, experience and professionalism delineates Nicholls and places them above the competition. They are prepared to handle the rigors that come with the marketing and auction of assets whether it is sentimental heirlooms or the downsizing of business property.

Time is of the essence when considering a campaign to the day of auction. Kelly Strauss is very thorough and timely. He is exactly the responsive and attentive person for the duty. Upon the signing of the contract, signage was immediately installed and an advertisement was placed on the internet that day. A quick response from potential bidders was the dividend paid from such a rapid action. I believe it was only due to the aggressive nature of Mr. Strauss to attack the bidding pool from the first moment, and he never relented until the gavel was struck. Every step was a carefully measured, culminating in a successful transaction.

On the day of my sale a prudent orchestration by Mr. Strauss and the Nicholls team exhibited their fine qualities as marketeers. My property was sold with a bidding audience from the four corners of the United States. Every resource was exhausted to achieve the highest possible price. The data base of fellow trades people had obviously been exploited by Mr. Strauss. The bidding pool was teaming with qualified bidders from my industry and also investors apprised of the potential. The necessary component to a successful auction had been delivered by Kelly Strauss and the highest possible price was attained.

I can summarize exuberantly the superlatives of Mr. Strauss as being timely, thorough and professional. I will return with future patronage and note the integrity that Kelly Strauss possesses. I will also freely promote the accolades of Kelly Strauss and recommend the services of Nicholls Auction Marketing Group.

Thank you,

Robert Woodie

Partner/Manager

Robert Woodie
Richard Woodie Tree Farms

SINCERE APPRECIATION

2009-05-01

Dear Craig,

I am writing to express again my sincere appreciation to you and all of your network for the outstanding services you provided to me and my family during our recent sale.

You helped us to arrive at all of our objectives, and it was carried out in a very professional manner. Please convey our sincere thanks to everyone involved.

Feel free to use my name for recommendation purposes if so desired.

May God bless you and yours with happiness and good health.

Sincerely Yours,

Louis W. Staubs

"I WOULD RECOMMEND NICHOLLS AUCTION TO ANYONE"

2008-12-01

To Whom It May Concern:

This is in reference to the auction for the Estate of Mary L. Roberson. My contact person was Kelly Strauss and I would like you to know the wonderful job that Kelly did in the process of this sale. This was a very distressing time and situation for our family and Kelly helped with reassuring us.
Kelly was very friendly and professional. He kept in constant contact with me to assure that everything was going as planned. He returned calls in a timely manner and it was a great help in scheduling meetings to accommodate me.

The sale went better than I had expected and I believe that had a lot to do with how everything was handled by Kelly and the team at Nicholls Auction. I would recommend Nicholls Auction to anyone.

Sincerely,

Anita H. McAlister

"YOU MADE A NEAR-IMPOSSIBLE TASK, POSSIBLE."

2008-12-01

Six months ago, a difficult journey began with the decision to sell my home of 32 years.  The time had finally come and with it, a flood of emotions.   Because the market was in such a poor state, I decided to move my property through Nicholls Auction Co. and that’s when Kelly Strauss danced into my life.

   From the first, working with Kelly was a pleasure.   His demeanor was unerringly pleasant and professional.  In our first meeting, he patiently explained each phase of the Auctioning process.   No question was treated as too small or insignificant.   Whenever I had additional questions (and I had quite a few) he was always available, even after hours.

   During the months that followed, Kelly quickly addressed all of my worries and complaints; resolving each, to my satisfaction.  In short, he leaned over backwards to accommodate a very emotional, feisty, old woman.

   Finally, I would like to commend Mr. Strauss, for the sensitivity that went well beyond his job description.   His genuine concern for my situation, helped me cope with the extreme sense of loss that is part of selling a lifetime home.

Kelly, thank you.   You made a near-impossible task, possible.
Looking back, I can honestly say: I enjoyed the waltz.

God Bless ~ Luann Watson

Luann Watson

"...MY HEARTFELT THANKS FOR YOUR SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS AUCTIONING MY PROPERTY."

2008-10-01

Dear John And Kelly,

I offer both of you my heartfelt thanks for your successful efforts auctioning my property.

This was the first time I had been involved with the auction process and initially I was apprehensive. That apprehension was quickly alleviated upon our first meeting. Questions I had were authoritatively and
straightforwardly answered in a professional matter. Both of you made the entire process quite easy and seamless from first meeting to final closing. Weekly updates were useful and appreciated. Most importantly, your services
resulted in an outcome exceeding my expectations despite the property being
a difficult one to market.

Bottom line: should the need arise again in the future, I will unhesitatingly seek your services. Moreover, it will be my pleasure to recommend your services to others including those reading this.

I wish you and your team continued success.

Dave Furtnett

David Furnett

"PROFESSIONAL AND ACCOMMODATING IN EVERY WAY."

2008-06-01

Dear John,

As we reflect upon Donna Klein Jewish Academy’s 24th Benefit Ball, Dream School...The Supreme Event, we would like to thank you for helping to make this event our most successful fundraiser to date. Our guests enjoyed an incredible evening and the accolades are still coming in!

The success of our auction was a direct result of your time and talent. In your first year as auctioneer for Donna Klein Jewish Academy, your expertise was directly responsible for an event that exceeded our expectations. From our first phone conference to the evening itself, you and your team were professional and accommodating in every way. It was a pleasure to work with you.

On behalf of the Donna Klein Jewish Academy family, we want to extend our utmost appreciation..

Sincerely,

Sharon Kamber, Associate Head of School

Sharon Kamber
Donna Klein Jewish Academy

"I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE HAD YOU CONDUCT THIS AUCTION..."

2008-04-21

Dear Charles, John and Staff:

I write this letter on behalf on my departed loved one, my husband, David A. Major, Sr. and my family. The manner in which you prepared, handled and conducted the Auction of farm equipment, vehicles and tools of the estate of my late husband made it less stressful for his family. Your staff was most considerate of my grief, and parting with equipment that David treated with tender loving care. Death is so final! So many decisions have to be made as a result, but I feel blessed to have had you conduct this Auction at Cedar Oaks Farm.

You took the burden off my shoulders and the Christian men that you are is representative of Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." I can never thank you enough for the dignity and respect you showed to the estate items and the memory of my late husband. Please convey our appreciation to your staff for all the kindness shown to our family.

God Bless,

Sissy Majors

I REACHED MR. JOHN NICHOLLS, AND I AM SO GLAD I DID

2007-11-18

After more than 700 days on the market, I was convinced that my property was never going to sell. Then someone suggested that I get in touch with the Nicholls Auction Group. I reached Mr. John Nicholls, and I am so glad I did. Throughout the process, John showed his commitment to helping me--right up to the final gavel. John is a consummate professional with superb people skills. With his guidance, my resolve to sell never wavered and John sold the property at a price I could live with. To anyone who really wants to move on, as I did, I would recommend Nicholls--and John--in a heartbeat. Thanks ever so much!

Best Regards,

F.L. Thornton, Ph.D.

I FELT SUPPORTED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS

2007-09-26

Dear Kelly:

Thank you so much for handling the auction of my father’s home in Northern Virginia. All procedures were conducted in a very professional manner and both you and your staff were readily available to answer my questions or reassure me regarding the process of selling the house.

I so enjoyed working with you. Your forthright manner and staying in contact with me to communicate details was very comforting. I felt supported throughout the entire process. My father was very happy with the results of the auction, thought he misses the home he shared with my mother for 43 years.

Our family has many fond memories of the home and we wish the new owner much satisfaction in their new home.

Beth Oakes

ALL OF YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE PROVED TO BE CORRECT

2006-11-07

Dear Mr. Nicholls:

This is to thank you, Kelly Strauss, Charles Nicholls and all your colleagues at Nicholls Auction for the fine job everyone did in recently auctioning and closing the sale of my late mother’s home in Fredericksburg, VA.

The transaction involved a difficult property in a challenging market and a less than straight forward closing process. Any one of these problems might have nixed a sale, but Nicholls Auction’s efforts and dogged follow through resulted in a transaction that was probably the most satisfactory result possible under the circumstances.

All of your recommendations and advice proved to be correct. Nicholls Auction took a substantial burden off my shoulders, and the execution of the entire process was first rate. Specifically:

After my initial contact you promptly went to the house, made an accurate assessment of the situation and proposed a comprehensive process to market the property.
The promotion of my property, including a well done internet campaign, was effective in attracting a number of prospective buyers to the actual auction.
Several security and maintenance measures were needed to protect and properly show my property and you took responsibility to engage contractors who did the necessary work in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Throughout the entire pre-auction and closing process you and Kelly Strauss always took the initiative to keep me regularly updated on relevant events.
Nicholls Auction’s forms, contracts and post-auction paperwork were clear, complete and timely.
During a challenging closing process Kelly Strauss, in particular, kept on top of the situation in a manner that completed the transaction on time and exactly as I wished.

Your father, Charles, founded your company many years ago and created a reputation for honesty, professionalism and effective results on behalf of clients. That reputation--and the evidence of it that I experienced in my own transaction--was especially important to meas an out-of-state seller.

Finally, I must note that although the value of my property was substantially less than many of the properties Nicholls Auction handles, you and your staff always treated me as if I was consigning a $1 million estate to your care and responded promptly and with great courtesy to all my inquiries.

I wish you, Kelly, Charles and Nicholls Auction continuing and, in my opinion, well earned success.

Charles R. Ryan

Winthrop, WA

ALWAYS BEEN A PLEASURE TO DO BUSINESS WITH YOU.....

2006-11-06

Dear Mr. Nicholls:

It has always been a pleasure to do business with you and your capable and professional staff in our various real estate dealings over the years. Your family and staff at all times demonstrate the utmost honest and integrity.

My wife and I have recently completed another successful transaction orchestrated through your auction of the Bloomsbury Lane property in Spotsylvania on October 6; and we would like to commend and thank Mr. Kelly Strauss for his very pleasant and able assistance. Mr. Strauss was most helpful in answering or obtaining answers to our questions, and working with our bank’s financial officer and Mr. Goodpasture, our settlement attorney, to aid in our financing and the timely settlement of this sales contract.

May God continue to bless your family, staff and business. Looking forward to possible future associations.

Sincerely,

James C. Bondurant

YOU WILL BE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2006-10-11

Dear Sirs:

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all once again for the successful auction of 9595 Eden Dr., King George, VA. The professionalism, friendship and concern exhibited by you throughout the process is greatly appreciated.

You will be highly recommended when the occasion arises for me to promote your skills and organization. If I can ever be of assistance to any of you, in any way, please don’t hesitate to call on me.

May God richly bless you, and make all your dreams and wishes come true.

J. Michael Gouldman

THANK YOU FOR A MEMORABLE DAY

2006-04-11

Dear Nicholls Auction:

I wanted to thank you for the wonderful job you did with handling the Beard/Shifflet estate auction.

Through the years, I have attended numerous auction and see countless auctioneers, and I can tell you the March 18th auction was by far the most organized and professionally run auction I have witnessed.

The food was delicious, the setting lovely, and the entire crew and auction was perfection. Thank you for a memorable day.

I was a good friend and customer of Reese Beard, and I can tell you he would have been extremely pleased.

Thank you,

Carter K. Hanbach

THE WHOLE PROCESS WAS SO EASY FOR MY FAMILY

2006-03-22

Mr. Nicholls:

I wanted to express my gratitude to you, your son and your staff for making a difficult and sad situation of selling the home and personal property of my 2 uncles into almost a tribute to the lives they had together. I am sure they are very pleased with the outcome.

The elegance and attention to detail in presenting the items was very much like the way my Uncles would have done this auction. The compassion you had for my Mom and family is so appreciated. The whole process was so easy for my family.

Thank you again. I know my Mom will miss talking with you every day.

Sincerely,

Joy Ritenour

NO ONE COULD HAVE EQUALED YOUR SERVICES

2005-11-02

Dear Charles:

We would like you to know how much we appreciated the manner you and your team handled our recent land auction.

The marketing and preparations for the auction were of the highest quality. The day of the auction you were not only professionals but your personal touch moved us.

We left the auction with feelings that no one could have equaled your services and we had a friend forever.

Sincerely,

Tommy and Janice Smith

THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

2005-07-11

Dear Charles:

On Saturday, July 9, Nicholls Auction held an auction at our Mother’s home on Hanson Avenue in Fredericksburg, VA. You did a great job and everything was done in a professional manner.

There were many more bidders there than we had expected. We were very pleased with the bid we received for the house, and the auction only took about fifteen minutes.

We will gladly recommend Nicholls Auction to anyone who is in the market for an auction company.

Thanks so much for a job well done!

Sincerely,

Robert Williams

THE REALTY PROFESSION COULD DEFINITELY LEARN FROM YOUR OUTSTANDING COMPANY

2005-04-18

Dear Mr. Nicholls:

My family and I wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude to you and your professional staff in assisting us with the auction of my father’s estate at Lake Anna. You advertised the property online, with mailings and by the newspapers. This was above and beyond what any realtor had offered with less cost. We were especially impressed with Mr. John Nicholls. His dedication and professionalism was unsurpassed.

The auction went without a problem and was completed in just seventeen minutes. You were able to auction it for more than we had expected. We are very grateful. The Realty profession could definitely learn from your outstanding company.

Professionalism, compassion and a real commitment to excellent is what we found in your company. Thank you again for a job well done.

Sincerely,

Teressa L. Hudson

Nicholls Auction Marketing Group, Inc.

40 Carriage Hill Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
540-898-0971
Licensed in DE,LA,MD,VA,NC,SC,TN,FL,WV,PA,KY
and DC