5 Things You Should Know About Estate Sales

Is this the first time you've been in need of an estate sale? If so, you're not alone! Most people find themselves in an estate sale situation just once in their lives, and have many unanswered questions. That's why we've created this list of a few little known facts about the estate sale world that can help you choose an estate sale company that is a good fit for you.

5 Things You Should Know About Estate Sales:

1. The estate sale industry is largely unregulated. Practically anyone can start an estate sale company without any knowledge of the market, antiques, collectibles, how best to advertise, research, provide customer service, crowd control, and without any type of insurance. You'd be surprised how many poorly handled sales are ran by people who claim to be professionals. When you're interviewing an estate liquidator, you may want to ask them: How will you advertise my sale? Do you research and price tag items? What will my estate settlement sheet look like, and when will I receive my funds after the sale? Do you carry liability insurance? A professional will be happy to answer any and all questions you have.

Antiques & Residential Contents Appraisers

2. There are professional appraisal and estate sale organizations that a personal property appraiser or estate liquidator can join, and you can find them by searching those databases! Members of these organizations, like the American Society of Estate Liquidators and the International Society of Appraisers, must have a certain level of experience, related education, and abide by a strict code of ethics. We take pride in being members of ASEL, and Ashley Nunneley has been an active member of the ISA since 2012.

3. You can hire a liquidator without any out of pocket expenses. Some liquidators, like us, charge zero upfront costs to hold an estate sale. Instead, we earn commission based on the selling price of each item, taken out of the proceeds after the sale! You receive your check along with a copy of each sales receipt for items sold inside of the home.

4. House for sale? A well-attended estate sale doubles as a free bonus in advertising the sale of the home! If you have a realtor, we can help meet their goals for emptying the house. We also encourage them to leave us flyers and business cards.

5. Do you need the house left empty? Many companies provide services that will accomplish just that - an empty house (and extra funds) - within just a week following your estate sale! Entrust us with a key, and we'll hold your sale, empty the home, and cut you a check.

If you are looking into hiring a company to handle you or your loved one’s estate sale, they should be open to answering any questions you have about their estate sale process (however silly they may seem). Make sure that they maintain good communication and provide a written agreement so that all parties are on the same page! Need help with your estate sale in the Greater Sacramento area? Contact us for a free consultation!