Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Real Estate Auction Services | Cates Auction
Cates Auction has been a leader in real estate marketing since 1942, pioneering innovative auction techniques that connect buyers and sellers efficiently. Our four-generation legacy combines traditional auction principles with cutting-edge technology to maximize property value and streamline transactions. We specialize in residential, commercial, and land auctions, offering sellers predictable timelines, full transparency, and contingency-free closings.Our team of brokers and auctioneers leverages decades of expertise to create competitive bidding environments that drive results. With a 93% sales ratio and 98% closed ratio, we prioritize client control and market-driven outcomes. Our commitment to ethical practices and client-centric service has earned us affiliations with major real estate and auction associations nationwide.
Services
Real Estate Auctions
Property Sales
Buyer Services
Agent Partnerships
Online Bidding Platform
Market Analysis
Property Marketing
Auction Consultation
Transaction Management
Competitive Bidding
Details
- Year established: 1942
Highlights and features
- We have 80 years of experience revolutionizing real estate auction techniques.
- Our innovative online marketplace generates qualified buyers for properties.
- We guarantee full transparency and predictable timelines for transactions.
- Our team includes fourth-generation auction professionals with modern technology expertise.
- We maintain a 93% sales ratio and 98% closed ratio through competitive bidding.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Realtors (NAR)
- Missouri Association of Realtors (MAR)
- Kansas Association of Realtors (KAR)
- National Auctioneers Association (NAA)
- Missouri Professional Auctioneers Association (MPAA)
- Kansas Auctioneers Association (KAA)
Services
Real Estate Auctions
Our real estate auctions combine 80 years of auction expertise with modern technology to create competitive bidding environments. Sellers benefit from predictable timelines and maximum market exposure while buyers access transparent, contingency-free transactions. The process guarantees seller control and market-driven pricing.
Agent Partnerships
We partner with real estate agents to provide auction marketing solutions that accelerate sales timelines. Agents receive enhanced referral commissions and access to our proprietary technology platform for property monitoring and bid tracking. This partnership model increases agent value while delivering faster client results.
Property Marketing
Our award-winning marketing strategy employs targeted digital campaigns and traditional outreach to generate qualified buyer interest. Properties receive multi-channel promotion including social media, email marketing, and local media partnerships to ensure maximum market penetration during the 5-week pre-auction period.
Online Bidding Platform
Our proprietary online platform enables 24/7 bidding access from any device. Buyers can review property disclosures, track bidding history, and submit offers securely. The system provides real-time updates and integrates with our mobile app for convenient on-the-go participation in competitive bidding processes.
Market Analysis
We offer complimentary property analysis to determine auction suitability. Our experts assess market conditions, property characteristics, and seller timelines to develop customized auction strategies that maximize returns while ensuring realistic pricing expectations.
People
Dean Cates
Founder
Pioneered real estate auction techniques in 1942 after mastering market psychology principles. Established foundational auction methodologies that continue influencing modern real estate practices.
Jeff Cates
Third Generation Leader
Continued family legacy with modern auction innovations. Earned state and global designations for real estate expertise while expanding auction technology applications in property sales.
Chandler Cates
Fourth Generation Executive
Brought digital marketing intelligence to auction practices. Combines modern technology expertise with traditional auction methods to create data-driven property marketing solutions.
Questions
What types of properties do you auction?
We auction residential homes, commercial properties, and land across Missouri and Kansas.
How long does the auction process take?
The average timeline is 6 weeks, with 5 weeks of marketing and 1 week of bidding.
Do sellers pay commission fees?
No, sellers only pay a flat marketing fee. We only profit when your property sells.
Can buyers use financing for auction purchases?
Yes, conventional loans are available for auction property purchases.
How do agent referrals work?
Agents earn 167% more than standard referral commissions with guaranteed 30-day post-auction payouts.
What makes auction selling different from traditional methods?
Auctions provide fixed timelines, buyer competition, and contingency-free closings for faster results.
Reviews (4)
Edward Emery
Dec 30, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism
I bid on an item that had 5 seconds to go and they changed the time to permit more bids. I should have had it. They are not doing the righy thing.
I bid on an item that had 5 seconds to go and they changed the time to permit more bids. I should have had it. They are not doing the righy thing.
Curtis Duffett
Dec 17, 2021
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I have participated in several of their estate and other auctions and have a good experience each time. Its easy to bid online and they make picking up your items a breeze. I use other auction services but Cates is one of my top 2 favs in kc.
Chuck Hill
Nov 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
Just had a first class dealing with Jeff and Kristi Cates! No need to look any where else they will take care of all your needs! Family owned for 80 years! Just real people!!! Thanks so much! Chuck
Just had a first class dealing with Jeff and Kristi Cates! No need to look any where else they will take care of all your needs! Family owned for 80 years! Just real people!!! Thanks so much! Chuck
Micha Smitt
Sep 24, 2021
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Working with Cates Auction was a true pleasure. They were very professional online and in person. Every question was answered thoroughly and promptly. I would highly recommend their services! Using Cates to sell my familys (truly) one-of-a-kind estate was the best choice. They handled everything seamlessly; from our parent large home to the estate and contents. Auction is the way to go. Best in the Midwest!
