WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ESTATE SALE?

The term “estate sale” generally refers to the sale of personal property, i.e. furniture, appliances, china, books, linens, etc. It differs from a garage sale in that it usually involves the entire contents of a household and is normally held inside the home.

Such a sale may be needed after a loved one's death or move to an assisted living facility or nursing home, if you are downsizing or moving from your current home, in the case of divorce or any other lifestyle change. In such emotional and stressful circumstances, we know how difficult it can be to sort out the entire contents of a home often accumulated over the course of a lifetime. It can be even more daunting to decide what to do with everything else after the family has removed items of sentimental value. Often times the least stressful alternative is to call in an estate sale team. We are here to help during such times.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?

We know that each estate is unique. First, we sit down with you and we listen. You tell us what you want to accomplish and that becomes our goal. We carefully consider your goals, what you've decided to sell and the market for your merchandise. We also study the physical arrangement of your home & property to determine how best to showcase the estate. After meeting with you, we formulate a sale plan that will most effectively accomplish your goals.

WILL YOU MEET WITH MY LAWYER, ACCOUNTANT
AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS & ME?

We would be pleased to meet with you and any of your key decision-makers. Our first meeting is on a "no cost/no obligation" basis. If you contract with us for the sale of your property, additional meetings related to the sale of your property are also on a "no cost" basis. If you do not contract with us for the sale of your property, additional consultations or appraisals can be scheduled on a fee basis.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Our commission is 30% of the gross sales with a $2000 minimum commission. Our fees include advertising, all pre-sale organization, research, pricing & staffing of the sale. There are no upfront costs. Our commission comes out of the proceeds of the sale.

WHEN DO YOU PAY ME?

We provide you with the proceeds of the sale, less our commission, an itemized list of everything that sold for $50 or more and the house keys no later than 10 business days after the conclusion of the sale.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT PRICES TO CHARGE?

Encompassing over 70 years of combined experience, our team has expertise in valuing antique & contemporary furnishings, home decor, pottery, porcelain & glassware, books, artwork, fine rugs, musical instruments & general household goods.

By employing the latest online resources, our industry experience and our network of specialists we assure you accurate, fair market values of all antique, collectible and higher priced items you may have.

HOW DO YOU GET BUYERS TO ATTEND MY SALE?

In addition to photos & descriptions on our website & estatesales.net, a nation-wide estate sale listing website, and weekly e-mails to over 45,000 subscribers, we personally contact our extensive list of dealers & collectors to gather the highest number of potential buyers to your sale. We do not do any pre-sales thus guaranteeing the largest turnout & fairest buying opportunities for all our valued customers. On the days of the sale, large professional signage is generously posted at nearby intersections as local statutes allow. 

WHAT SHOULD I THROW AWAY & WHAT SHOULD I KEEP?

We always advise clients NOT TO THROW ANYTHING AWAY until they've met with us. Heed the old adage that “one man's trash is another man's treasure”. All common household goods, pots & pans, even cleaning products, old cosmetics, linens, old papers, garage items – virtually EVERYTHING in a home can bring in revenue at your estate sale.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?

We are uniquely qualified to help solve your problems and accomplish your goals. We do so professionally, honestly, promptly, and successfully. Our client's goals are our highest priority.

We handle all of the details so you don't have to! Organization, display, accurate pricing, advertising and security during the sale are all part of our service. Dealing with professionals relieves much of the stress associated with liquidating an estate.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SALE?

After the sale, you may keep any of the unsold items, consign them to a local shop or donate the balance to charity. We work with registered 501C-3 charities who will schedule a pick up day & time with you. They carry out & load anything you'd like to donate & provide you with a receipt for tax deduction purposes.