Mt. Pleasant, Mich. — Jack Jones resided in his Isabella County home on 80 acres for about 50 years. He worked for Hubscher Gravel until his retirement, and he enjoyed projects around the house. His collection of antique tractors, lawn mowers, and tools was visible proof of that. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, with the back 40 acres of his property consisting of woods and a stream.

When he passed away, his family decided to sell the homestead, so Pavlik Auction and Real Estate, LLC was selected for the job. Auctioneer and Realtor/Broker John Pavlik has an established reputation for selling farm property in the mid-Michigan area for over 30 years. His father, also named John Pavlik, recently celebrated 50 years in the field, so the family has a firm foundation for service and results in the rural community.

The sale of the house took place part way through the auction and was conducted as any other part of the auction, with the property going to the highest bidder. Pavlik explained that once the auction process had determined the price the rest of the transaction would proceed as a regular real estate sale. A $2,000 down payment was required, with closing in about 30 days. However, since part of the property was tillable land, they were willing to work with the new owner to get crops in the ground if needed before closing. The asking opening bid of $200,000 was quickly met. There appeared to be three or four people in the audience who were interested, and they worked their way to the front of the crowd. Auctioneer Gary Kochensparger, who was assisting that day, stood next to Pavlik to help verify the bids as they were placed. Within about 15 minutes the entire process was done, with a high bid of $290,000 claiming the 2-story, 3-bedroom house, out buildings, and land.

Prior to and after the sale of the property, Pavlik and Kochensparger conducted two sales rings to disperse the tools, home furnishings, tractors, and vehicles. There was no buyer’s premium, so prices listed here are the final selling prices.

Parked in the middle of the yard, the Ford 1995 F250 flat bed pick up truck was the center of attention. It had 45,000 miles, came with a Meyers 8’ show plow attached on the front and wooden racks attached to the bed. It started right up and ran well, which inspired the bidding to climb to a final price of $4,000. The truck shoppers backed up and the automobile buyers moved forward as the Lincoln Town Car was offered. It was a white 2003 model, with a leather interior and 103,000 miles. Kochensparger teased and cajoled the bidders while they considered the vehicle, and it slowly climbed to a high bid of $2,600.

Mr. Jones’s antique tractors were all from the 1950s and were very popular with the crowd. Lined up in the yard, each was started and run for the bidders to listen to and determine their value. The large red Massey-Ferguson 65 diesel tractor with excellent tires was the winner in this category, drawing a high bid of $3,500. Next was the John Deere 50 with hand clutch and very good tires that finished at $2,300. A Ford Select-O-Speed 801 with front blade was considered before closing with a high bid of $1,150 and the vintage Ford 8N sold with wheel weights and chains for a final bid of $850.

The property featured a huge yard, so there was a nice selection of mowers that were used to maintain it. The zero-turn Exmark mower provided a comfy seat in the shade during the auction until it was started up and sold with a high bid of $1,500. The Club Cadet Hydro mower with a brush on the front was offered as a way to clean up the stones that the county plows push onto the lawn. Along with a detachable mower deck, this unit left with a high bid of $1,700. The Murray 5-speed 11-36 mower wouldn’t start, but it still earned a respectable bid of $160. Other outdoor maintenance implements included a Snow Devil electric start snowblower with plastic cab cover that closed at $350, a Ferguson 3-point brush hog finished at $325, a 2600 psi power washer with a Honda motor for $120, and an Estate lawn rake/thatcher that closed at $160.

Numerous home furnishings were offered, including shelves, cabinets, tables, and chairs as well as china and glassware. Everything was moved out onto the lawn on this sunny day for ease of viewing and shopping. But the beautiful Daniel Dakota quartz oak grandmother clock remained in its place of honor inside the front room. Pavlik was leery of moving it, as sometimes clocks stop working when they are disturbed. After sufficient time to examine it, bidding was opened on this marvelous time piece, and it was claimed with a high bid of $150.

Meanwhile, a second ring featured the tools and parts. Some highlights there included a Schumaker 40/200 battery charger that finished at $42.50, a Magna Force air compressor at $35, a Werner extension ladder at $80, and a cutting torch set for $200. There were two flat bed trailers full of tools, as well as more in the out buildings and around the yard.

A somewhat contentious bidding flurry erupted over an antique telephone. This vintage candlestick-style phone complete with its ringer box proved very popular as the price continued to climb. Finally, one bidder emerged successful with the high bid of $100.

As the auction progressed, the word of the day became “puddingstone”. This is the popular name given to a type of conglomerate rock that features rounded pebbles of contrasting colors compared to the base color of the rock. There was a handsome pair on the front lawn measuring approximately 24” long each that were eagerly claimed for $100. Another large singular one near the garage closed at $50. Numerous other, smaller ones were used in the landscaping of the house, and the crowd eagerly sought them out for purchasing. Then came the realization that they would have to be extracted and carried, and much teasing ensured as to who would move them and how much they would charge. An audible groan was heard as one last cluster of stones was discovered in front of the house, but they were quickly dispersed.

Pavlik Auction and Real Estate, LLC of Alma, Michigan, is looking forward to many more auctions throughout the year. They can be reached via their website www.PavlikLLC.com or by calling 989-463-4903.