Frequently Asked Questions about Estate Sales
Q) Should I clear out items before your team arrives?
– Don’t throw anything away just yet! We encourage you not to sort or discard items before we arrive. It’s common for people to accidentally throw away items that may have value. Perishable food, old newspapers, and expired medications are fine to dispose of, but everything else may hold unexpected worth, especially in the antiques and collectibles markets. Leave the sorting to us—our team is here to handle the details and maximize the value of your estate.
Q) How long does it take to hold a sale?
– Preparing for a sale generally takes up to two weeks, depending on the estate’s size. Once set up, the sale itself usually runs between two and four days. We’re flexible with timelines and strive to meet any specific deadlines you may have.
Q) Do I need to be present for the setup or during the sale?
– For a smooth sale process, we suggest clients are not present. We find it can sometimes be emotionally challenging for clients to watch personal belongings sold, and some buyers feel more comfortable browsing without the owner’s presence. Your absence helps us work efficiently and professionally.
Q) How much does your service cost?
– We have simple transparent pricing models that align with our motivation to secure the highest possible return on your items depending on what is right for you. Our commission structure, flat rate fee or hybrid fee models are all-inclusive and covers staffing, advertising, appraisals, organization, tagging, display setup, and post-sale cleanup. We NEVER have any unexpected or “hidden” fees within our models.
Q) Why should I consider an estate sale?
– Liquidating belongings can be an emotional and complex process, often during significant life transitions such as a move, a loved one’s passing, or downsizing. Our services simplify this challenging time, making it easier for you. If our services aren’t the right fit, we’re happy to recommend other options.
Q) How are items priced?
– Our expertise in market trends allows us to price items competitively for a timely sale. We provide additional research for rare, highly collectible, or antique items. Sales are designed to move inventory within a set timeframe, so prices are strategically set to encourage sales without early discounts unless specified in our agreement.
Q) What is included in an estate sale service?
– A full estate sale service typically includes evaluating, organizing, and staging items for sale, pricing based on current market value, advertising the sale, and managing the sale event itself. Post-sale services may include clearing out remaining items and leaving the property “broom clean.” We handle the entire process to make it as stress-free as possible for you.
Q) What types of items typically sell best at an estate sale?
– Estate sales often attract buyers interested in furniture, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, tools, artwork, kitchenware, and unique or vintage items. High-quality everyday items, such as linens, home decor, and even garage items, also draw attention. Our team uses expertise to highlight items with market appeal.
Q) Will my items be discounted if they don’t sell right away?
– Generally, items are not discounted on the first day to ensure fair pricing for everyone. If items remain unsold, discounts may be applied toward the end of the sale to help clear inventory. The specifics of any discounting process can be discussed in advance and included in our contract.
Q) Can I set a minimum price on certain items?
– Yes, you can request a minimum price for select items. We’ll work with you to discuss reasonable expectations based on our market knowledge. However, keep in mind that items with minimum price restrictions may not sell as quickly as other items, depending on demand.
Q) What happens to unsold items after the sale?
– After the sale, we can arrange for unsold items to be sold to 3rd party wholesalers, donated to local charities, consigned, or even sold in online marketplaces. We are flexible and can discuss options for handling any remaining inventory to best suit your needs.
Q) How is privacy maintained during the estate sale process?
– We take privacy seriously and work discreetly to ensure sensitive items or personal information is not compromised. We do not sell or share private information with buyers and remove any personal documents or photos found during the sorting process. Your privacy and security are a top priority.
Q) Can you handle sales for specialty or high-value collections?
– Yes, we specialize in identifying and appraising high-value items, such as rare collections, art, or vintage items. Our team has connections with collectors and markets where specialty items may command a premium, ensuring you get the best return on valuable collections.