Hiring an estate sale company can feel like a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve compiled some tips and information on how to hire an estate sale company to aid in your search.
Estate sales happen for many reasons, most often involving the death or move to a care facility of a loved one, although downsizing, moving, or simply clearing out collections may warrant an estate sale as well. An estate sale is a different approach than a yard sale, garage sale, or tag sale. Estate sales most often include the contents of the entire property and are run by professionals, often over multiple days whereas yard, garage or tag sales are held by the owner and normally offer limited items at lower price points.
If you have time, check out local estate sales in your area to preview how each company handles their sales. Ask friends or family for recommendations. Often local real estate agents work with estate sale companies when selling homes.
Interview more than one company, asking the same questions of each one. Take notes and don’t rely simply on pricing. Recognize that you are putting your trust into someone else’s hands to access the property and respect your wishes. Do they have references that you can check? Their job is to make money for both you the client as well as themselves and to ultimately turn and empty property over to you.
Is the company insured? How do they advertise? What expenses are covered? Are there upfront costs or extra expenses such as clean out, waste bin rental, extended sale days or more personnel? Some companies do online-only sales or auctions, others do in-person sales. What types of sales does the company use and what do they recommend for your situation? Some companies do pre-sales, others do not.
Does the company offer appraisals for high value items? What happens with items that have not been sold? Do you have a choice in the matter? Are items donated, disposed of or sold elsewhere? Many estate sale companies have stores or other outlets where they sell items. If the company determines there is not enough inventory to warrant a sale, will they do a buy out and purchase the items in bulk?
Can the company give you an estimate of what they anticipate you will net? How long will the process take? Most importantly, do not throw anything out. Leave the home as is in order for the estate sale representative to make an accurate determination of value and cost. There are things that are desirable to buyers that you might look at as old and without value.
Determine your needs. Does the home need to be emptied at the end of the sale? Are there items you or the family may want to keep? If so, be sure to discuss this with the estate sale representative. You will most likely need to remove these item before hand. Decide on a time frame allowing for set up, sale dates, and clean up. Read and understand the contract prior to signing. Adhere to the contract once agreed upon and signed. Once you sign the contract, do not remove anything else from the property unless specified beforehand.
Once the company has access to the property, allow them to set up as needed. Many companies will stage the home while some will do a minimal amount. Notify any family members or neighbors who may have access to the property of the impending sale and remind them not to remove items once the contract has been agreed upon and signed. Voiding your contract may result in legal action.
Tips for a better sale:
- Know your expectations and be realistic.
- Remove items you do not wish to be sold before turning the property over.
- Do not offer to help organize or attend the sale. These are professionals and you might be a hindrance.
- Give the estate company ample time and space in which to work.
- Do not attend the sale, the emotional attachment to items is difficult to experience, best to stay away and avoid seeing items walk out the door.
- Understand that you are doing the right thing, allowing others to purchase and enjoy items rather than sending them to a landfill.
- If you are working with a real estate agent, know that oftentimes a property will garner offers to purchase during the estate sale.
There are many benefits to hiring an estate sale company. Do your research and find a company that suits your needs. You’ll be glad you did. As vintage sellers, we often shop estate sales ourselves, check out some of our finds here.
If you’re looking for more information Estate Sales.net has a great page filled with Tips for Choosing and Estate Sale Company
