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Ins and Outs of Estate Sales
Dear Phyllis,
I am an avid reader of your column. If you have previously discussed estate sales, forgive the repetition. My uncle passed away last month, and his house and garage are packed with thirty years of accumulation. I am the oldest nephew and his trustee. Just going through the files and paperwork has been overwhelming. My wife and I don’t have the time or energy for a garage sale. Therefore, we are thinking it may be easier for me to have an estate sale. Although I have seen lots of signs for them and even gone to a few, I am not sure of the particulars. Can you explain the ins and outs of estate sales? John Doe
Dear John,
I am sorry for the loss of your uncle. As a trustee, you have a significant responsibility ahead of you. Many estate sale companies offer these services, and like Realtors, some perform far better than others. I have worked with outstanding estate sale professionals and, unfortunately, with some who fell far short of expectations. Feel free to contact me if you would like a recommendation.
An estate sale company clears the home of everything—the valuable, the ordinary, and everything in between. The team sorts, prices, and professionally displays the contents for sale. After the sale, they typically donate or dispose of the remaining items and leave the property in “broom-clean” condition. In many ways, an estate sale is an upscale garage sale managed by experienced professionals.
Above all, a good estate salesperson is knowledgeable about antiques, collectables, fine art, jewelry, dolls, and vintage clothing. Furthermore, they must be organized and have an artistic flair so that they can best display the home’s contents in an orderly and attractive manner. However, the contents of the typical home and garage will have a majority of everyday household items, and to an experienced estate sale person, pricing these should be second nature.
Most estate sale companies advertise through print media, online platforms, and directional signs. Experienced companies also maintain email lists and notify past customers about upcoming sales. Given your situation, an estate sale likely offers the simplest and most efficient solution. Best of luck with the sale.
Related Post: Liquidating an Estate
