Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What do you charge for your services?
A. An estate sale is based on a percentage of the items sold. Some other services can be done on an hourly basis or a flat fee buy out.
Q. How long are your estate sales?
A. They are typically a 2 day sale. First day is full price, second day is 50% off. All items purchased must be picked up by 3 pm on the second day.
Q. What if there are items that don’t sell?
A. They are left for the client unless there has been an agreement for us to do a home clean out. In that case we will box what is left for a local charity and charge a rate based on the size of the estate- usually a flat rate.
Q. Can you do moves?
A. No, but we can mange a move for you. We can list your home for sale, coordinate a cleaning service, coordinate movers and help prepare your home for sale.
Q. Do you have to be out of the house before an estate sale?
A. Typically yes. This can be a very emotional time selling you or your loved ones belongings. It is best to let us handle the sale so we can maximize your profits.
Q: What should I do to get ready for a sale?
A: First, get all your legal “ducks in a row.” If there has been a death in the family, make sure that you have legal title and full authority to sell. Make certain, too, that all disbursements have been made to any and all heirs before you call us for a consultation. If there’s a divorce or bankruptcy liquidation afoot, make sure that you talk to legal counsel before calling us. (Remember, by the way, that any liens or other encumbrances are solely your responsibility.)
Second, please step away from the dumpster and the thrift shop box — PLEASE. (You’d be horrified to learn what some former clients have, in their zeal, thrown or given away before speaking to us!)
Third, show us any and all items you do not want us to sell before we sign a contract, as a) we base our commissions upon what we estimate the gross sales to be and b) items taken after the signing of the contract are subject to full commission.
Fourth, please remember that professional estate liquidators don’t work with clients who are still living in the home. (It’s simply too taxing for both parties, and requires us to be in your living space while you’re in our working space.)
If you still reside in the sale venue itself, you’ll need to remove all of your personal items to storage and then vacate the premises for a minimum of one to two weeks. (Talk to us about the specific amount of time needed to prepare your sale.)
Q: How much do you charge to look at an estate?
A: Our initial consultations are always free of charge. Should we determine that an estate sale is not your best option, we’ll be glad to provide you with a set of plausible alternatives during this complimentary consultation. Please remember, though, that we usually book our sales anywhere from one to six months in advance.