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Self-Storage Auctions/Expert Profile
Expertise
I am an expert in self storage lien foreclosure procedures, auctions, commercially reasonable sale practices, self storage operations and management, development, auditing procedures, theft and embezzlement tactics, premises liability, security procedures and loss prevention.
Experience in the area
I have been directly involved in the self storage industry for over 40 years. I have conducted over 300 seminars worldwide, have been certified as an expert in court 40 times and have written more than 200 magazine and newspaper articles in various publications. I have appeared on National Public Radio and have been quoted in the New York Times. I have been a professional auctioneer and have sold over 15,000 self storage spaces. I am considered a leading authority on self storage law, auction methods and procedures and daily self storage operations.
Organizations
Self Storage Association, California Self Storage Association, National Auctioneers Association, California Auctioneers Association.
Publications
Inside Self Storage, Mini Storage Messenger, San Francisco Chronicle, Self Storage Journal, Journal of the Texas Mini Storage Association. Published over 60 procedural manuals for the self storage industry and two bound publications sold on Amazon.com.
Education/Credentials
A.A. in Accounting & Management, B.S. in Accounting & Management. Graduate of the Worldwide College of Auctioneering.
Past/Present Clients
Hundreds of clients worldwide.
Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:
There is currently 6.2 square feet of storage space per capita. This means that every man, woman and child in America can stand under a self storage roof!
Something controversial or provocative about this subject
I have been an advocate for 5 years now urging self storage owners to change the way in which they conduct self storage auctions. It is my goal to continue to educate the industry on new and innovative sales practices that now only simply satisfy our lien on property but to sell the property for value so that tenants might recover some excess funds over and above their debt.
Average Ratings
Recent Reviews from Users
K = Knowledgeability C = Clarity of Response P = Politeness| User | Date | K | C | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Kilgore | 03/25/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Well explained, knowledgeable and in-depth answer. Very ..... |
| jane | 02/09/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | thank you - you are very informative ..... |
| James | 02/09/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Gayle Rodriguez | 02/09/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Tom - that could save ..... |
| james | 01/30/12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thanks Tom,you answered my questions perfectly |
Recent Answers from Tom Litton
2012-04-21 bidding up:
Very good question Norma. The televisions shows have glamorized the competitiveness between auction bidders as this makes for good television. The reality is that "old school" auction buyers are resentful
2012-03-25 Ohio storage unit auction laws:
Good question Tony. Ohio statutes require that self storage owners know the contents of storage spaces for two reasons, 1) They must include a description of the property in the lien notice that is mailed
2012-03-15 Public Storage Auctioning in Washington State:
There is a myth that is portrayed by the popular television show, Storage Wars where the show begins by grinding the lock off in front of the crowd. This practice is designed to create better drama for
2012-02-08 auctions:
In this case Jane, you tenant has clearly abandoned and terminated her tenancy with you. The tenant communicated to you verbally that she has terminated the tenancy, she left the space unlocked and she
2012-02-08 Security Cameras:
The Samsung SDE 5001 is actually a very good DVR. While commercial grade DVR's are good, they are expensive, usually $2,500-5,000. I have had the same experience in that commercial grade DVR's last about
Answers by Expert:
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