An estate sale’s main objective is the orderly liquidation of personal property in a relatively short period of time for the highest proceeds possible. The concept is pretty straightforward, yet without one of our professional estate appraisers on site, the process can be laden with significant emotional trauma, difficult logistical challenges and crucial deadlines.
Closing a home or business can be exhausting and even traumatic. We strive to minimize our clients’ stress throughout the entire process. We are experts in managing estate liquidations. We offer efficient, professional services without forgetting the needs of our clients.
Your home need not be filled with antiques, artwork, vintage automobiles, rare firearms, fine jewelry and other expensive assets in order for a sale to be successful. We routinely liquidate estates of all types and sizes.
No death need have occurred, either. We often work for those who just wish to downsize. We also work for those who are moving, couples who are divorcing, businesses that are liquidating etc.
The process begins with a complimentary consultation in which we come and view the property in question. At this time, we also discuss any special needs you may have. We recognize that each situation is unique.
Our commission, something usually set in the initial consultation, is based upon what we estimate the gross sales will be and how much work must be done in order for your sale to be successful. We may quote smaller commissions on particular items (e.g., motorcycles, higher end automobiles, recreational vehicles, boats, farm implements etc.).
WHAT WE DO:
Once we sign a contract that outlines our basic duties and expectations, we work patiently and efficiently. We clean, organize and display all items in the home.
We separate household trash from merchandise to be sold. There’s no need for you to do this beforehand. We do the work for you! In fact, we even go so far as to ask that you throw absolutely nothing away until we’ve had a chance to see the estate in its entirety. (You’d be amazed to see what some folks have put into the garbage!)
We price all items to be sold based upon our many years of experience as professional estate appraisers and liquidators, as well as our knowledge of current market comparables. Should an outside expert be needed for consultation during the research/pricing process (e.g., with large gems, certain firearms, coins and stamps etc.), we take care of matters quickly and discreetly.
We provide and set up shelving, lighting, mirrors, drapes, tables, locked and lighted showcases, risers, clothing racks, jewelry trays, cash registers and all other necessary equipment. We obtain the necessary municipal permit(s) for the sale, then send out e-mail notifications about the upcoming sale to the many thousands of customers already in our database. We create, place and pay for advertising in the most appropriate local newspapers.
Our friendly and reliable staff waits on each and every customer on sale day(s), making sure to keep meticulous records as each ticket is written. We even provide boxes, bags and wrapping materials.
We collect all information required by the local District Attorney on checks written, and we alone are responsible for bad checks.
We can arrange for charity pick-ups and/or buy-out brokers after your sale, else you can choose to keep everything. (Most clients choose to do a “walk-through” at the close of the sale itself.) With very high end items, we can even arrange to have the items placed into an out-of-state auction house. Our clients are always free to be on site during charity pick-ups and/or buy-outs.
We’ll work with your realtor to expedite the sale of your home, and we’ll be happy to provide you with top rate professional referrals for everything from realty to mortgage services, from housekeeping to electrical work, and from general contracting to plumbing. (We may even refer other professional liquidators or auctioneers as needed!)
We work for YOU, the client, and strive to make you as much money as possible in as short a time as possible. Our commissions are competitive; our service is comprehensive.
WHAT WE DON’T DO:
Under no circumstances do we buy estates or partial estates, nor do we sell or rent our mailing list/customer database. We don’t conduct dealer previews before our sales, although we once did. (And we regretted as much on several occasions!) We don’t own a shop or rent booth space anywhere, nor do we sell online. In short, we don’t do business in such a way that ever competes against our clients’ best interest. Your trust, privacy and peace of mind are of paramount importance to us.