1 /5 Jared Fielding: I have been a top auction buyer for 25 years, and in my experience, the sale conducted by Mr. Fjeld was the least competent and professional I have ever seen.
Mr. Fjeld began the auction by allowing an unqualified bidder—with no proof of funds—to participate. When I challenged this, he acknowledged he should require proof but openly stated that he “didn’t care.” In over two decades of attending auctions, I have never seen such disregard for basic professional standards. Another gentleman present, who has been a trustee-sale auctioneer for the past nine years, also confirmed that this was contrary to standard practice. Mr. Fjeld again replied that he “didn’t care” and would run his auction however he wished.
This approach enabled ghost bidding and undermined the integrity of the process. Even after the unqualified bidder claimed he would show funds to the attorney, Mr. Fjeld expressly stated he would not require it. By allowing bidders without proof of funds to raise bids, legitimate buyers were forced to overpay. After I won the property, I explained this problem to him. His response was, “I’m glad you got run up.” This statement—made in front of his clients at Yakima Federal—was blatantly unprofessional.
When confronted, Mr. Fjeld admitted he had not conducted an auction since before COVID. His lack of recent experience was evident. His handling of the sale was unprofessional, careless, and contrary to best practices that protect both buyers and sellers. I’ve never seen anything like it in 25 years.
If you value fairness, integrity, and professionalism, I would strongly caution against relying on Mr. Fjeld to conduct an auction.
