Eastern Iowa Farmer Fall 2020

coronavirus
Virtual Real Estate
Online auctions a good option in the era of social distancing;
land prices continue to hold their own in Eastern Iowa
BY nancy mayfield
eastern iowa farmer
When Chuck Schwager auctioned off
82 acres this summer, the social
distancing protocols of COVID-19
did not have much impact on the
turnout. In fact, the entire process
was virtual, with attendees logging on to the company’s
website to view and bid on the Jackson County
ground.
“The participants had to register by 3 p.m. on June
29, submitting their first bid on the registration form.
Then the high bid was posted on my website, and
bidding continued for 48 hours ending on July 1 at 3
p.m.,” explained Schwager, owner of East Iowa Real
Estate at 125 S. 2nd St. in Maquoketa.
Bids could be submitted by phone, text or online.
Many farmers conduct business online these days,
from trading and purchasing machinery to buying
livestock, feed and other commodities. Schwager,
who started offering online auctions in 2018, said the
process gives buyers convenience and privacy while
bidding on real estate.
“There are different methods to sell real estate,” he
said. “The method used depends on what works best
at the time and what is for sale.”
At a time when social distancing is being emphasized,
an online auction is a good option.
“In the midst of COVID-19 some of the live land
auctions across the Midwest were postponed. There
has been more land offered through the written bid
We sow good health
Osterhaus Pharmacy is the pharmacy patients
choose for innovative care, excellent service
and exceptional health-related outcomes.
We care about
your health!
Osterhaus
Pharmacy
Jessie Johnson, Matt Osterhaus, Connie Connolly, Marilyn Osterhaus, Tammy Bullock, Angie Spannagel, and Amy Dunleavy
918 W. Platt • Maquoketa • 652-5611 or 1-800-224-5611 • Locally Owned • Background image by artist Thomas Metcalf
eifarmer.com fall 2020 | Eastern Iowa Farmer 79