FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About Estate Sales

WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ESTATE SALE?
The term “estate sale” generally refers to the sale of personal property, i.e. furniture, appliances, china, books, linens, etc. It differs from a garage sale in that it usually involves the entire contents of a household and is normally held inside the home. Some call these house content sales, estate auctions, liquidation sales, moving sales, or tag sales.

Such a sale may be needed after a loved one's death or move to an assisted living facility or nursing home, if you are downsizing or moving from your current home, in the case of divorce or any other lifestyle change. Under such emotional and stressful circumstances, we know how difficult it can be to sort out the entire contents of a home often accumulated over the course of a lifetime. It can be even more daunting to decide what to do with everything else after the family has removed items of sentimental value. Often times the least stressful alternative is to call in an estate sale team. I am here to help during such times.

HOW DO WE GET STARTED?
I know that each estate is unique. First, I'll sit down with you and I listen. You tell me what you want to accomplish and that becomes my goal. I carefully consider your goals, what you've decided to sell and the market for your merchandise. I also study the physical arrangement of your home & property to determine how best to showcase the estate. After meeting with you, I formulate a sale plan that will most effectively accomplish your goals

WILL YOU MEET WITH MY LAWYER, ACCOUNTANT AND/OR FAMILY MEMBERS & ME?
I would be pleased to meet with you and any of your key decision-makers. Our first meeting is on a "no cost/no obligation" basis. If you contract with me for the sale of your property, additional meetings related to the sale of your property are also on a "no cost" basis. If you do not contract with me for the sale of your property, additional consultations or appraisals can be scheduled on a fee basis.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
My commission is 35% of the gross sales with a $2000 minimum commission. My fees include advertising, all pre-sale organization, research, pricing & staffing of the sale. There are no upfront costs.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT PRICES TO CHARGE?
Encompassing over 40 years of combined experience, our team has expertise in a number of fields including:

Antique & Contemporary Furnishings

Jewelry

Pottery, Porcelain & Glassware

Books & Manuscripts

Paintings & Prints

General Household Goods

By employing my comprehensive research library, the latest online resources, my industry experience and our network of specialists we assure you accurate, fair market values of all antique, collectible and higher priced items you may have.

HOW DO YOU GET BUYERS TO ATTEND MY SALE?
In addition to photos & descriptions on our website & estatesales.net, a nation-wide estate sale listing website, I email our extensive list of dealers & collectors to gather the highest number of potential buyers to your sale. On the days of the sale, signage is posted at nearby intersections as local statutes allow. In some areas, newspaper advertising may also be utilized.

WHAT SHOULD I THROW AWAY & WHAT SHOULD I KEEP?
I always advise clients NOT TO THROW ANYTHING AWAY until they've met with me. Heed the old adage that “one man's trash is another man's treasure”. All common household goods, pots & pans, even cleaning products, old cosmetics, linens, old papers, garage items – virtually EVERYTHING in a home can bring in revenue at your estate sale.

WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?
I am uniquely qualified to help solve your problems and accomplish your goals. I do so professionally, honestly, promptly, and successfully. My client's goals is my highest priority.
I handle all of the details so you don't have to! Organization, display, accurate pricing, advertising and security during the sale are all part of our service. Dealing with professionals relieves much of the stress associated with liquidating an estate.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SALE?
After the sale, you may keep any of the unsold items, consign them to a local shop, consign select items for sale on eBay through me, or donate them to charity, or hire a clean out company to remove remaining items.

I am pleased to provide a list of references upon request.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
CALL ME TODAY AT (914) 671-4721 FOR A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION