The first dozen-plus Priest Lake cabin sites to be auctioned today all have sold for the appraised value to the existing lessee, with no one else bidding. Each time, when the auctioneer, Kent Corbett, declared, “Sold!,” the crowd, which now includes lots of people standing up in back and along the sides along with hundreds seated in rows, erupted into cheers and applause – and occasionally whistles and shouts, too.

Corbett noted that the auction is moving along quickly. Slides of the cabin sites, the homes and their views of the lake are being projected on large screens up front during the bidding. “Folks, we’re not talking a whole lot about the properties because they’re all beautiful properties on Priest Lake and you’re all prepared, if you’re a serious bidder, you’re prepared to bid today,” the auctioneer said in his quick patter.

The most expensive lot sold so far was $665,000; the least expensive, $200,000. That $200,000 one was the site where Steve Hubbs has had his cabin for the past 15 years. As he was led to a waiting area to sign contracts, Hubbs said, “I don’t have any complaints. No one’s over-bid on any of ‘em, you notice?” He added, “I didn’t expect anyone to.”

The first batch of auctions wrapped up in just 25 minutes; the next batch is up at 3 p.m. Pacific time.