FAQ's

1Why should I have a professionally coordinated estate sale on site rather than a garage sale or other venue?
An onsite sale offers the convenience of not having to pack and move items. Our staff will handle the details, do the heavy lifting and oversee the liquidation of all the items to be sold. We bring the collectors, dealers and buyers directly to your home! The customers shop at leisure, unlike auctions where they can grow tired from waiting for their items of interest to go on the "block". Additionally there is often perceived higher value on items when they aren't dragged onto the lawn! Plus a professional company will have the expertise, staff and resources to gain you the most amount of money and handle all the details you may not have considered; i.e, parking, shopping habits, advertising, staging, photography and more!
2What types of things can be sold at an estate sale?
Antiques, art, appliances, automobiles, books, china, collectibles, designer/vintage and reg. clothing, electronics, furniture, musical instruments, fine/costume jewelry, kitchenware, linens, knick-knacks, rugs, tools and silver. Pretty much any legal items in your home can be sold. However estates that have a variety of household and "specialty" items are often most well attended.
3When are estate sales typically held?
Each sale is unique; however, approximately 95% of our sales are two-day sales. From time to time we may encounter a small sale that only merits one day, or an extremely full sale that merits three days. In our area, sales are normally conducted at the end of the week on a Friday/Saturday.
4How much time is required to prepare, conduct and complete a sale?
The more time we have to prepare the sale, research fair prices, and advertise the higher the total sales will be. Our average sale takes about 2 weeks to prepare and conduct correctly. Since each sale varies, the actual time needed will be determined during our initial consultation.
5Do I need to move out? Can I be present at the sale?
Yes you must vacate the home. It’s simply too taxing for both parties, and requires us to be in your living space while you’re in our working space. We also recommend any items you wish to keep be moved or secured elsewhere. In our experience attending the sale may be emotionally difficult for some owners if the items being sold are of sentimental value. Plus at times the owner's presence can be intimidating for customers and may interfere with sales. Therefore it's preferable that you or family members not be present at the sale.
6What do I need to do before meeting with you? Before the estate sale?
Before meeting with us determine which items you want to keep and which items are for sale. Also have an understanding of your timeline, i.e real estate deadlines, packing/moving. Please -don't throw anything away until we have met with you. You’d be surprised to learn what some former clients have, in their zeal, thrown or given always! Let us recommend what items can be removed during the consultation. However it is always OK to dispose of prescription meds, old paperwork/files, OPEN food products in fridge/pantry.
7What do you charge to coordinate my an estate sale?
We operate on a flat, all inclusive commission — there are no out-of-pocket expenses to you. (On rare occasion, an exception to this rule: if a commercial dumpster is required, or the moving of large furniture from an off-site location to the sale venue. Because we operate on commission, we are doubly motivated to get you the most money possible for your household possessions. Commission can range from 35% to 50% of the gross sales (after sales tax). Since each estate is unique a specific commission amount will be quoted to you after the initial consult. The percentage is dependent on the estimated gross value of the sale VS, the amount of work required to get your estate ready. Specialty items such as autos, boats etc are assessed much lower percentages. We do require a REFUNDABLE deposit, a check we HOLD as long as the sale is not canceled by you.
8I am the Executor/personal representative but I live out of town/state, can we still proceed with an estate sale?
Yes! We often work with out of state heirs, executors, trustees etc. All necessary arrangements can be handled via telephone calls, ZOOM and e-mails. We will even work closely with your real estate agent!