Learn how North Carolina estate auctions work. Settle an estate faster, maximize value, and explore professional estate auction services in North Carolina.

Learn how online auctions in North Carolina work. Discover bidding strategies, seller benefits, and why personal property auctions maximize value with Collins & Co.

The winter solstice has passed, and you might have noticed that daylight is gradually beginning to lengthen — with sunset occurring about a minute or two later each day. And in just about two months’ time, we’ll spring ahead to enjoy even more sunlight. In 2026, Daylight Saving Time will begin Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., when clocks move forward one hour — jumping from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac , the purpose of the clock change is to make better use of natural daylight. When clocks “fall back” to standard time, it shifts sunrise earlier — meaning brighter mornings. After the winter solstice on Dec. 21, daylight gradually increases each day, even if mornings still feel dim for a while. And when Daylight Saving Time begins again in March, sunrise and sunset will both occur about one hour later than the day before, giving most people more evening daylight. (ad credit: Jessica Jones-Gorman/SILive.com)

Why settle for 50% off when you can get full value? Estate liquidators start high and discount — we start at the bottom and let competitive bidding drive prices up. Collins & Company auctions draw from a pool of thousands of local and nationwide bidders, ensuring your estate brings top dollar. Unlike estate liquidators who typically leave 25% of items unsold, our auction model means nearly everything sells — leaving you with little to nothing left over to deal with afterward, and we can even help with that. The auction never stops — accessible online anytime, anywhere. That means bidders from across the country can compete for your items around the clock, driving prices even higher. And there's no guessing — at the end of every auction you receive a complete catalog showing exactly what every item sold for. With years of experience and a trusted reputation, Collins & Company has the knowledge and the reach to get you the results you deserve. Why not give Collins & Company a try? Call today for a free consultation — you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Auctioneer’s Note.... by Jacob Force, Realtor and Auctioneer

Seller Beware: The Hidden Trap in Unsolicited Property Offers 

Join Jacob Force - Realtor & Auctioneer as he explores Estate Auctions with Collins & Co. Contact us to start your auction today! (423) 543-5741

The Season of Giving... But Don't Get Scammed The holidays bring out the best in people—generosity, warmth, and community spirit. But unfortunately, this season of giving also attracts those looking to take advantage of trusting homeowners. As Northeast Tennessee Realtors Association President Wayne Porter warns, the region's remodeling boom has created fertile ground for scammers to operate. Our local housing market tells an important story. The average existing home sold in Northeast Tennessee is roughly 44 years old, significantly older than the national median of 36 years. These aging homes need updates, and with limited housing inventory pushing more residents toward remodeling instead of moving, demand for contractors has never been higher. When projects range from $100,000 to $200,000 or more, scammers take notice. The consequences are real. Local cases like the conviction of Joe Wood of Wood Construction and Remodeling, who received 10 months of electronically monitored home detention contingent on full restitution to his victims, demonstrate how devastating contractor fraud can be for families. (For more details, visit https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/wood-construction-owner-gets-10-months-home-detention/ ) Stories of unfinished projects, shoddy workmanship, and broken promises are becoming all too common. Protect yourself by watching for these red flags: No physical office or vague business addresses Refusal to provide licensing or insurance proof Demands for large upfront deposits beyond state limits Unsolicited "discounts" or claims of leftover materials Contractor-arranged financing (often predatory) Suspicious online reviews that seem manufactured No detailed written contract provided Pressure to approve incomplete work While the Tri-Cities area has many reputable, skilled contractors who take pride in their craft, the surge in remodeling demand has attracted less-qualified operators making promises they can't keep. Older homes present unique challenges—outdated wiring, aging plumbing, structural surprises—that require genuine expertise and proper permits. Your best defense is diligence. Take time to verify credentials, check references thoroughly, obtain multiple bids, and read every contract carefully. Don't let holiday excitement or contractor pressure rush you into poor decisions. The National Association of Realtors offers valuable consumer resources at Houselogic.com, including guides on screening contractors and managing renovation projects. Visit https://lookforther.realtor/remodel/ for expert remodeling advice. This season, give yourself the gift of due diligence. A little research now can save you from turning your dream project into a financial nightmare.

Estate auctions simplify probate by providing a clear, efficient way for Executors to sell property. Learn your options and download our free Executor’s Guide.