Category Archives: Estate Sales Help & Tips

Estate Sales Nitty Gritty Downsizing, Moving, Estate Liquidation
Estate sales handle the nitty gritty of downsizing, moving and estate liquidation.
Recently the New York Times and other publications have written articles by non estate liquidators about this necessary and booming industry. Much of what is discussed could be called fluff.
Whether downsizing, moving or liquidating an estate there is much more to it than just sorting and making charitable donations.
The goal of the estate sale is to reduce or eliminate personal property, Trying to give the seller(s) or heir(s) some kind of monetary return on their past purchases or gifts.
Many estate sale companies have trained staff specifically trained to work with the elderly, but the business of liquidation is still the same.
Helping people part with years of accumulation is not an easy task. Emotional attachment comes into play. A third party without attachments is often beneficial.
It is important when the time for liquidation comes, unless you really don’t want to receive any monetary compensation, donating should be left for after the estate sale.
When interviewing estate sale companies, you should feel comfortable about asking them about their experience working with senior citizens. Ask how they feel about working with families. Especially with loved ones who may be liquidating a family members personal property for medical conditions.
A knowledgeable estate liquidator will recognize items of value that could be donated, but would be more beneficial to the individual being sold.
Many estate liquidation companies are happy to discuss the handling of downsizing or liquidation with emotionally attached family or friends.
The nitty gritty of estate sales is more than just sorting, pricing, advertising and selling. It requires estate sale companies to use compassion and understanding.
Consider these elements when interviewing estate liquidators. Wise choices should make the liquidation process less stressful and hopefully financially successful.

Importance Of Liability Insurance For Estate Sales
The importance of liability insurance for estate sales has become a necessary cost for estate sale companies.
With thousands of estate sales, thousands of estate sale companies and baby boomers moving or downsizing at an increased pace, estate sale companies need to protect their businesses.
The world has become a litigious place. Estate sale companies take care when staging an estate sale, but with hundreds of people moving through the occasional incident can happen. The estate liquidator works diligently to keep the estate sale a safe environment.
One company that works with a large majority of estate sale companies providing estate sales insurance is the ACNA (Antiques and Collectibles National Association),

Estate Sales Summertime Review What’s Hot And Behavior
It is time for an estate sales summertime review of what’s hot and behavior.
Let us start with what’s hot in estate sales.
Recurring themes are fishing and hunting items, Pyrex (seems to be selling everywhere), military items and linens. Tools, mid-century decorative items, wood working items. Pyrex appears to be one of the hottest sellers.
Other hot sellers include good gold jewelry, great costume jewelry, purses, perfumes and inexpensive holiday decor.
The area of the country also helps determine what are hot sellers.
Behavior at summer estate sales is also hot.

Storage Unit Filled Estate Sale Or Auction
Storage unit filled, estate sale or auction. Questions to be answered.
EstateSalesNews.com has received many calls and emails from prospective sellers concerning the liquidation of personal property they have stored in storage units.
Sellers want to know what venue to use.
First question is how much is stored? What is stored? Have they asked the storage unit company if they could sell from the unit?
Many estate sale companies will not sell from a storage unit. The estate sale company has to look at what is going to be for sale, how can they display, will the storage company allow it and is it financially equitable for them?
Simply unpacking boxes to examine what is in the storage unit(s) can present a challenge.
Many estate sale companies are not set up to remove property from a storage facility to another location. On site estate sales are easier to look at and stage. They usually provide space for parking and traffic.
There are some estate sale companies that will provide the service, but usually at a much higher commission because of the work and restrictions involved. Some liquidators may offer to sell via online auction. Other estate sale companies offer both on site estate sales and auctions.
Auction companies may choose to pick up the contents of a storage unit and move it to a facility to be included with other partial contents in an auction.
If you are moving, downsizing or liquidating a loved one’s stored belongings, all of the above needs to be considered and investigated to determine what liquidation process will work best for you and if anyone in your area can assist.
Do not hesitate to consult with your local estate sale companies. If they cannot assist you, they may provide leads as to who can.
Knowing your local estate sale companies can provide you with knowledge to make wise, informed decisions.