ClareMart - Auction Group

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31 THIRD BEACH ROAD, CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE

DIVORCE SETTLEMENT

Welcome

The New Year is over and it is back to business as usual across all sectors. The property market has certainly seen a thriving start to 2012 with some unexpected results already so early in the year. As I mentioned last month, we are living in unpredictable times. Holding on to certain attitudes without expecting the unexpected may result in lost opportunities.

Recently there was a commentary made by an industry member on the state of the property market in 2012. The statement reflected the opinion of that auction house which was that South African sellers of property are in a “doomsday” situation. Due to recession and personal financing, they will have to accept that the market will only pay below value prices for their property. This gross sensationalism is often used as a scare tactic to coerce sellers into placing their property on the market at low prices and accepting lower offers.

To be frank, although this statement does have an element of truth, it unfortunately does not create a sense of understanding amongst sellers that they need to be open to market related offers. What it does do, is create a sense of panic, whereby sellers “read between the lines” and come to the conclusion that they should not be selling property in 2012 at all.

This is damaging for the entire industry as it creates a stale-mate whereby purchasers are keen to buy properties that are not on the market and sellers, desperate to sell, are holding on to properties in the hope of 2013 being “the promised year” for a market upswing.

No one knows how the markets will react and our Group already in 2012 has sold various properties for higher than their market evaluations. My message to buyers and sellers of property for 2012 is this: Auctions allow for competitive bidding in a transparent forum. Those buyers who want a particular property will bid for it and pay what they see the value to be. Should it not meet the sellers expected price, then a regroup of ideas may be necessary. In these circumstances, opportunities to sell should not be lost in the hope of securing an uncertain outcome.

Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Smiedt

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About

INTRODUCTION
The ClareMart Auction Group was established in 1976 and has grown into one of the foremost auction houses on the South African sub-continent. The company, under the leadership of Jonathan Smiedt has a proud tradition of service excellence and an enviable reputation within the South African auction marketplace.

As a proudly South African company, ClareMart has since inception been an innovative and profitable concern. Much of its success has been based on its long history, experience and definitive insights it has gained whilst operating in an industry that has grown exponentially. ClareMart Auction Group is thus also a leader in the industry and has innovated most of the formats and practices seen in today’s auction arena.

In 2009, ClareMart Auction Group was awarded 1st place in the Top 500 Best Managed Companies Awards and have been nominated as one of the top 5 auctioneering companies in South Africa for the past 4 years. With its head office in Cape Town, ClareMart is able to offer top-of-the-line auctioneering services throughout Southern Africa. It has also built a credible base of contacts within the international property market and auctioneering environment, confirming its leadership in the industry.

OUR MISSION
Claremart's mission as a leader in it's field is to add value by uniting seller and buyer through the careful and ethical application of the auction Principle - One of the oldest forms of trade and barter. We strive to offer satisfaction to both the seller and the buyer through an approach that encompasses the values and principles of auctioneers of old, whilst embracing the appropriate technology available in a Modern Business Environment. Our professionalism is based on the cornerstones of teamwork and the application of expertise and knowledge gained through experience. Our integrity, service and expertise form the foundation on which we conduct business.

EXPERIENCE
Claremart has five highly skilled auctioneers and, together with their highly trained supporting staff, can deal with auctions of every size ranging from motor vehicles, plant and machinery, large hotels, commercial and industrial properties, farms and residential properties. Their combined experience extends to in excess of 80 years. Our auctioneers are regarded as being among the best in the country and have a results-driven approach to auctions. Our auctioneers are supported by administrative and other support staff all trained in the administration and preparation of auctions and are highly proficient in dealing with prospective purchasers and members.

YOUR AUCTIONEERS
Jonathan Smiedt, Founder and CEO of the ClareMart Auction Group, obtained his Baccalaureus Procurationis. After which he was admitted to the Side Bar and practiced law in Cape Town. After his tenure at this law practice, he chose to leave the legal profession and together with a partner formed the ClareMart Auction Group.

JONATHAN SMIEDT
Jonathan Smiedt is a founder member of the South African Institute of Auctioneers and assisted his co-founders of this institute in drafting the code of conduct, code of ethics and its constitution. Jonathan Smiedt is an appointed Appraiser to the High Court and the South African Council of Valuers. As one of the most expert and respected auctioneers in the country, Jonathan Smiedt has conducted some of the largest auctioneering sales of agricultural, commercial, residential property and hotels.

ANDREW KOCH
Andrew Koch, Managing Director of the group, he studied quantity surveying and was involved in public speaking and the training of public speakers. Andrew Koch has many of the attributes that are essential in the auction game. He was quick in developing his own auction “chant” whilst learning many of the fundamental skills of the auction game. In 1991, he was keen to make a move beyond the construction industry and joined ClareMart Auction Group. Currently he is responsible for the operational side of the business as well as the majority of public auctions. Andrew is also instrumental in deal negotiating for sellers and buyers.