A vintage rocking horse under the Christmas tree for your child, a diamond ring for your wife, a lawn tractor in great condition or even a new home these are among the many items you can find at an auction. Buying or selling at auction begins by working with a professional auctioneer with the knowledge and experience to achieve the desired results.

“I've been around auctions my whole life,” says Tim Rocco, the owner of Rocco's Auctions and Appraisals.

Rocco, who has owned his own business since 1986, sells real estate and personal property at auction, and also conducts certified appraisals for the purpose of estate and divorce settlement. Rocco has earned a reputation for honesty, integrity and professionalism.

Where other auctioneers and appraisers might conduct their business on a part-time basis, Rocco's Auctions and Appraisals is a full-time and full-service operation. They publicize upcoming auctions to draw interested bidders. In fact, Rocco was one of the first in the area to use the World Wide Web as a way to advertise upcoming sales.

Executors of an estate must rely on the advice of seasoned professionals as they carry out duties that are often unfamiliar to them. “I want my expertise to help executors feel more comfortable,” Rocco says, “When a family turns over an estate to be appraised or sold at auction, they entrust us with items that have a great deal of meaning and sentimental attachment to them.”

Rocco loves using his auctioneering skills to give back to the Erie area. He volunteers his time and resources for various local non-profits that hold fundraising auctions, including the Flagship Niagara League, LECOM, Erie Homes for Children and Adults, the annual Knock Out Homelessness charity boxing match and Cathedral Preparatory School.

In 2006 Tim competed and won the coveted title of Pennsylvania State Champion Bid Caller at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg

“Erie is an auction-oriented community,” he says. “From my years as an auctioneer, I know that people in this community love coming to auctions and finding a great deal.”