ESTATE SALE DO’S AND DON’TS

Don’t throw ANYTHING away!

This is the most important advice we can offer.  You would be quite amazed at the many “worthless” things that are sold at an estate sale.  Items that are broken, damaged, or incomplete will be purchased by people who need them for parts.  Or, in the case of old or antique merchandise, many buyers like to do restorations.  Items you think are trash may actually be attractive and valuable to estate sale buyers.

Don’t hold a yard sale!

The main reason for hiring a professional liquidation company is their ability to know what is valuable and what is not.  Stories are legendary about the items picked up at a yard sale for next to nothing and later sold for thousands of dollars.  An experienced liquidator will get a fair price for the items.

Don’t sell anything to anyone BEFORE the scheduled estate sale!

One big mistake people make is to allow local antique dealers to come in and buy a few things from an estate home.  After these few dealers cherry-pick the “best” stuff for bargain prices, the estate same company will have little left to advertise and attract buyers.  Leaving these key items will allow the estate sale company to draw in more potential buyers.  Customers will pay more for these items and likely buy other items from the house.

Do have a homeowner’s insurance policy that covers the property!

Keep the policy in effect until the house is sold to cover the owner in case of liability or damage issues arise.

Do encourage heirs to take memorabilia and inherited items before liquidation companies view the property!

The firm’s representatives will base their value estimate on what they see when they inspect the home.  They will advertise the sale based on what is there.

Do ask the estate sale company for a copy of the contract!

Before you sign, read the contract to understand the terms, services included, and all fees.  Ask questions and feel comfortable before you