Category Archives: Estate sales information

Top Questions Sellers Ask About Estate Sales
The top questions sellers ask about estate sales is based on our Google analytics. We offer this review with links to pages on our website to answer some of these questions.
#1 Estate sale contract – what to know and expect. Estate sale contracts.
#2 Downsizing or moving, estate sale or garage sale and what’s the difference.
#3 Estate sale costs. What you need to know.
#4 Selling cars and vehicles at estate sales
#5 Estate sale clean outs – under estate sale contracts.
On this Thursday as estate sales begin for another weekend we hope these top five EstateSalesNews.com topics answer some major questions.

International Society Of Appraisers And Estate Sales News
EstateSalesNews.com has been honored by asking to speak at this years International Association of Appraisers conference.
We will be speaking about selling out the house and how to avoid the pitfalls of estate sales.
The conference this year is in Chicago, IL.
We will be addressing that conducting estates sales are a business, not a hobby.
Understanding the estate sale contract.
Why ISA (International Society of Appraisers).
What to do with left overs from estate sales and wearing three hats for one client.
We are excited to have this opportunity to speak about a subject we embrace and encourage and to such a prestigious group as the ISA.
Today is the start of another weekend of estate sales and their are thousands taking place across the country.
Please look at these websites for estate sales in your area.

Updated Checklist For Estate Sale Contracts
Here is an updated checklist for estate sale contracts for estate sale companies and sellers.
We are not an attorney, but these items should be included and understood in the estate sale contract.
The estate sale contract should lay out in clear language.
- Name of the estate sales company
- Name of owner/s, heirs, or attorney
- Date of estate sale contract
- Address where the sale is to take place
- Dates the sale is to be held and time
- Dates the estate sale company will be given access to setup and price
- Any items excluded from sale on addendum when contract is signed
- Utilities – electric, plumbing, heating and air conditioning should be working
- Liability insurance for estate sale company
- Homeowner must have active homeowner insurance policy
- Ramifications of removal of items by sellers after contract is signed
- Fee or commission that will be charged if items removed or sold ahead by seller
- Cancellation clause of contract
- Party responsible for advertising and costs
- Who is responsible for obtaining and paying for any permits required
- Cost of sale, commission, fee, any additional sale related costs
- When seller will receive net proceeds and form of payment to be made
- Will seller receive written account of sold items and what it will or won’t include
- Who is responsible for the clean out when the estate sale is concluded
- If estate sale company cleans out any costs associated with clean out
- Any additional costs for appraisals or specific appraisals
- **If needed winter expenses and responsibility, i.e. plowing, shoveling, sand etc.
Visit the top of our front page for Choosing An Estate Sale Company.

Finding And Hiring An Estate Sale Company
Finding and hiring an estate sale company is becoming more involved as the number of estate sale companies continue to grow.
To find companies you can ask your attorney, ask your Realtor, look on estate sale company listing websites and look at estate sale companies who have memberships with estate sale associations and societies.
If you are asking a Realtor and they give you a recommendation ask them if they have any type of working relationship with them. Do they receive a referral fee? Your best interest is served when a real estate company refers you simply because they are familiar with your work and ethics and believe you can best handle the job for their clients.
If you are looking on estate sale listing websites, remember all these sites are paid by the companies on them and in most instances the listing company will provide several names of companies listed with them in your area. They do not have personal or direct knowledge of these companies.
Your attorney may be able to provide a recommendation based on previous experience with a liquidation company.
When you are trying to find an estate sale company, be sure to check for reviews online as well. Toss out the frivolous or silly ones (there are many of those) and be concerned with those who truly question business practices. If you are still interested in the estate sale company speak with them. Ask them about the review and what their side was.
Using several sources and your own research is the best way to find and hire an estate sale company.

Estate Sale Companies Use Research And Knowledge To Price
Estate sale companies use research and knowledge to price your estate sale items. It is amazing what is found in estate sales that require research and where and how to conduct that research.
An experienced and knowledgeable estate liquidator friend recently shared information about luggage labels and baggage tags that have become collectible. The take away is knowing where and how to research these collectibles.
Gaining knowledge and more importantly knowing how to research items is important to both estate sale companies and sellers.
The experienced estate liquidator will conduct research by book, computer, auction catalogue results and networking with other estate sale companies. They will also consult with certified appraisers. Many estate sale companies keep an appraiser on retainer. Especially a CAPP (Certified Appraiser Personal Property).
Having the knowledge to know where and how to research is an important reason for hiring a professional estate sale company. The average seller just isn’t equipped with the knowledge or know how to properly price and advertise their sales. Many times money is lost because of lack of experience or where to research. It’s more than just eBay.
When choosing the right company to conduct your estate liquidation or downsizing sale ask about their experience and how they research. It’s your $$$$ that are at stake.