CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The economic downturn seems to be keeping some bidders away from auctions and affecting prices, according to a recent national survey.

Forty-eight percent of auctioneers surveyed by the National Association of Auctioneers earlier this month reported that they were seeing fewer people showing up at auctions. That same percentage said more people are coming in wanting to sell items.

Sixty percent of the auctioneers said bidders weren't paying market value for items compared to the last 5 years.

And still another 45 percent of auctioneers said many bidders say they're having trouble getting financing for larger purchases, like homes. The ongoing market troubles have caused some credit markets to freeze, especially on mortgages.

"Overall, I think we can safely say that consumers are being more conservative with their disposable income today," said Chris Longly, spokesman for the association. "As with the overall economy, people are hesitant to spend money during these troubled economic times and we are witnessing this in the auction industry."

In West Virginia, auctioneers are seeing people flood the marketplace with low-value household goods trying to scrounge up some quick cash.

Jane Lew-based auctioneer Robert Stewart said this has pushed the value of items sold at auction down by as much as 30 cents on the dollar. He said there's no real demand out there for these kinds of items, either.

"Any time things get tight, you'll see this," said Stewart, who is president of the West Virginia Association of Auctioneers.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The economic downturn seems to be keeping some bidders away from auctions and affecting prices, according to a recent national survey.

Forty-eight percent of auctioneers surveyed by the National Association of Auctioneers earlier this month reported that they were seeing fewer people showing up at auctions. That same percentage said more people are coming in wanting to sell items.

Sixty percent of the auctioneers said bidders weren't paying market value for items compared to the last 5 years.

And still another 45 percent of auctioneers said many bidders say they're having trouble getting financing for larger purchases, like homes. The ongoing market troubles have caused some credit markets to freeze, especially on mortgages.

"Overall, I think we can safely say that consumers are being more conservative with their disposable income today," said Chris Longly, spokesman for the association. "As with the overall economy, people are hesitant to spend money during these troubled economic times and we are witnessing this in the auction industry."

In West Virginia, auctioneers are seeing people flood the marketplace with low-value household goods trying to scrounge up some quick cash.

Jane Lew-based auctioneer Robert Stewart said this has pushed the value of items sold at auction down by as much as 30 cents on the dollar. He said there's no real demand out there for these kinds of items, either.

"Any time things get tight, you'll see this," said Stewart, who is president of the West Virginia Association of Auctioneers.

But Stewart said the market for rare items or good quality items is still strong. He said collectible firearms always seem to sell well in West Virginia.

Estate sales also remain strong, largely because estates are often full of collectible items or items with sentimental value to family and friends of the dead.

Barbara Blake, a Bluefield-based auctioneer, said she's still seeing people buying up higher-valued goods, like appliances, lawn mowers and vehicles. With finances already tight, people tend to buy such things used, Blake said.

"I'm thinking that people are just looking to buy used and trying to do with a little bit less," Blake said, adding she expects business to pick up a little on that end. "I think people are looking for bargains."

Blake said she just held an auto auction in the Princeton area and a "huge crowd" turned up.

But Blake said she is seeing more problems moving real estate because potential bidders are having trouble getting financed.

Blake noted she did see a drop-off in attendance at auctions back during the summer months when gasoline was hovering above $4 a gallon.

Contact writer Justin D. Anderson at jus...@dailymail.com or 304-348-4843.