Whether it’s a real estate auction, antique auction, or any other type of auction, there are a few things that you should know before diving into the experience. Auctions can be fast-paced and overwhelming, especially for first-timers. Start learning the important things to know before attending your first auction so that you can start prepping ASAP.
Learn Essential Terms
Understanding the jargon used in auctions can make the bidding process less confusing and help you make informed decisions. Of course, you should know that a bid is the money you’re willing to put toward the property up for auction, but the terms go much deeper than that. Different bidding styles are available, such as a reserved bid and a minimum bid. The former refers to an auction in which the individual selling the land can turn down the highest bid.
A minimum bid auction means that there is a minimum price at which the property will sell, so no bidders will obtain it for less. There is a lot of important auction terminology you should know before the big day, but many of the terms are relatively straightforward. Once you get a good grasp of the essential terms you should know before attending your first auction, you can listen and communicate with the auctioneer accurately.
Bid When You’re Ready
This step may sound simple enough, but it’s a critical point to think about before your first auction. Don’t bid on something until you’re confident in your desire to obtain the item you’re bidding on and you have the funds to back it up.
Be wary before bidding simply to keep your name in the running for the land or item on auction. After all, not being sure about your bid will be frustrating if you wind up making the winning bid and regret the choice.
Deliver every bid to the auctioneer with clear eye contact and confidence so that they know you’re in. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed in the heat of intense bidding, but just keep your personal goals in mind every step of the way.
There’s no shame in stepping back and letting someone win an auction. For example, if you’re attending a land auction, you may show up to the property and see less potential than you did before in it. In such cases, consider lowering your maximum bid or browsing other properties up for auction.
Always Attend the Preview
One of the best ways to get ready for the auction and gain confidence in your bid is by attending a preview. Most auctions will have a preview session where potential bidders can inspect the items up for auction.
The preview is a great opportunity to get a closer look at the items, check for any damages or flaws, and ask questions. The preview session can also help you narrow down which items you’re interested in bidding on and give you an idea of their condition and value.
The more you know about the auction experience before your first visit, the easier it becomes to focus on what’s important—the property and whether you want it. Use the information above to guide you through the auction process in a more efficient and less intimidating way.
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
