Estate Sales
Have you been left with the responsibility to handle a loved one’s estate and not sure where to start?
Treasure Trove Estate Sales is here to assist you. This can be a very overwhelming and confusing time and should be handled by an experienced company that will work beside you. Here are some common questions we get when our clients first contact us.
Are you unsure what an estate sale is?
An estate sale is a type of sale where a person’s personal belongings, typically including furniture, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, household items, and other possessions, are sold to the public. Estate sales often occur after a loved one has passed away and their estate needs to be liquidated. The goal of an estate sale is to help liquidate belongings while maximizing the return on valuable items.
Would I benefit from having an estate sale?
It is best to schedule a free consultation to learn how you would benefit from an estate sale. Treasure Trove will meet with you in your home to evaluate your needs and discuss our services. Together we will develop a personalized plan to ensure a successful estate sale and meet all of your needs. We can handle every aspect from sorting, staging, pricing, advertising, managing the sale, and clean-up.
Are you wanting to know how to prepare for an estate sale?
There are only two things we recommend our clients to do. First, is there a family heirloom or something that brings back a special memory? Gather with family and friends and allow them to keep these items. Second, remove any family photos, prescriptions, and documents with identifying information. While removing these items, refrain from disposing of “junk” or “trash”. There are people that acquire all sorts of things, even what you might think is “junk” or “trash”. Other than that, we handle everything else to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Where will the estate sale be held?
The estate sale will be held at the residence of your loved one. It is best to have an estate sale prior to listing the residence with a realtor. The sooner you contact Treasure Trove Estate Sales the better, to ensure we are able to assist in a timely manner.
How long do estate sales last?
Each estate sale is different and varies from two, three, up to four day sales. This varies depending on the volume of possessions that need to be liquidated. This allows time for people to browse and purchase items to ensure a successful estate sale.
Treasure Trove Estate Sales is the company you’ll want working beside you.
We stand out from the rest, by providing a full range of services that support your needs from start to finish. We personalize each sale to meet each client’s needs. Here is what to expect from Treasure Trove Estate Sales.
Time-Saving:
Organizing an estate sale involves a significant amount of time and effort, including sorting through belongings, staging items, pricing items at fair market value, advertising, managing the event, and handling any leftover items that need to be removed. Treasure Trove Estate Sales can take care of all these tasks, saving you from the stress and time-consuming process.
Sorting: Before we begin staging and pricing, we go through everything to discard anything that isn’t sellable. During this time, we pay attention not to dispose of any family photos, documents with identifying information, and any other items to put aside and hold for our clients.
Staging: After sorting through everything, we can begin staging all of the items to sell. Staging allows for customers to see how the items could be utilized in their homes to have a higher chance of selling. We ensure to showcase the prominent, more expensive items.
Advertising: While staging, we are taking pictures of the items to be sold and include them in our advertising. This allows for more items to be showcased to build more excitement for the estate sale. Each estate sale will be advertised on our website, social media accounts, and other related websites and social media pages.
Pricing: Treasure Trove Estate Sales is experienced at valuing items based on the current fair market value. We are aware of the current market and value and can ensure that items are priced correctly to attract buyers, avoiding underpricing or overpricing, which can lead to a lower financial benefit or unsold goods.
Managing the Sale: Estate sale days are busy. Treasure Trove Estate Sales’ employees are experienced to handle the large crowds, answer any questions, process transactions, and assist difficult customers.
Clean-Up: After the sale, we can handle the removal of unsold items. This is especially helpful if you don’t have the means to transport or donate items yourself. No matter how great an estate sale is, there are always remaining items that don’t sell.
Minimized Stress: Holding an estate sale can be overwhelming, especially during a difficult time like the loss of a loved one. Hiring a professional company helps reduce stress by delegating the task to experienced professionals who handle every aspect of the sale.
Estate and Downsizing Sales FAQs
For Hosting or Having an Estate or Downsizing Sale:
What is an estate or downsizing sale?
An estate sale or downsizing sale is a sale of personal items from a home, typically occurring when someone is moving, liquidating an estate, or downsizing their belongings. These sales often include furniture, collectibles, jewelry, art, household goods, and other personal items.
How do I organize an estate or downsizing sale?
To organize an estate or downsizing sale, you can either handle it yourself or hire a professional estate sale company. The process involves sorting items, staging the items, pricing them, advertising the sale, managing the event, and clearing out what doesn’t sell.. A company can help with pricing, marketing, and conducting the sale, which can make the process smoother and more efficient.
Should I hire a professional estate sale company?
Hiring a professional estate sale company can make the process much easier, especially if you’re not experienced in pricing items, organizing sales, or dealing with the public. They can help maximize the value of the items, promote the sale, and handle logistics. If the estate is large or contains valuable items, this could be a good option.
How do I price items for an estate sale?
Pricing items depends on factors such as the item’s condition, age, rarity, and market demand. Professional estate sale companies can help with this. For smaller or less valuable items, you might set prices based on what seems reasonable to you. Larger items, antiques, or collectibles may require more research or professional input.
How do I advertise an estate or downsizing sale?
Advertising is key to getting a good turnout. You can use online platforms such as EstateSales.net, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local listing sites. You may also want to place ads in local newspapers or use signs and flyers around the neighborhood to attract local buyers.
What should I do with unsold items?
After the sale, if there are items left over, you can donate them to charity, sell them online, or use another sale method like a garage sale or consignment. Some estate sale companies also help with post-sale cleanups or removal of unsold items.
How do I handle large or bulky items (e.g., furniture)?
Be sure to note in the sale listings if there are large items available, as some buyers may need to bring a truck or make special arrangements for pickup. Consider scheduling a time for buyers to pick up large items, especially if the sale is in a home or apartment where moving can be difficult.
Do I need to be present for the sale?
It’s usually a good idea to be present, especially if you are personally familiar with the items and their value. However, if you hire a professional estate sale company, they can manage the event, including handling sales, negotiating prices, and overseeing the process.
How do I keep things secure during the sale?
To prevent theft, consider having a few helpers or staff members present during the sale. Professional estate sale companies typically provide this service. You may also want to ensure that valuable or small items are displayed in a way that makes them harder to steal, such as in locked displays or rooms.
For Attending an Estate or Downsizing Sale:
How do I find estate or downsizing sales?
Estate sales are often advertised on websites like EstateSales.net, EstateSales.org, and Craigslist, or through social media and local classifieds. You can also sign up for email alerts from estate sale companies to stay updated on sales in your area.
What can I expect at an estate sale?
Estate sales offer a wide range of items, from antiques and collectibles to everyday household goods. You may find furniture, jewelry, artwork, electronics, kitchenware, clothing, and more. The sales can vary widely depending on the size of the estate and what is being sold.
When should I arrive to get the best deals?
Arriving early is a good strategy if you’re looking for the best selection. Many sales will have a “first come, first served” policy, and some may even issue numbers or create a line before the sale begins. If you’re hoping to get discounted items, arriving later in the sale can often result in markdowns, especially on the last day.
How do I know if items are priced fairly?
Prices at estate sales can vary based on the item’s age, condition, and market demand. If you’re not sure about an item’s value, it can help to do some research beforehand (e.g., using online marketplaces or auction sites) or ask the estate sale staff for more information. Some estate sales may allow negotiation, particularly on the final day.
Can I negotiate prices at an estate sale?
Some estate sales may allow price negotiations, especially if you’re buying multiple items or if you’re shopping on the last day of the sale. However, other sales may have fixed prices. It’s always worth asking if you think the price is too high, but be respectful of the seller’s decisions.
What should I bring to an estate sale?
- Cash and cards: Many estate sales accept both cash and credit/debit cards, but it’s a good idea to bring cash as a backup.
- A list: If you’re looking for specific items, bringing a list can help you stay focused.
- Comfortable shoes: Estate sales may involve a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is important.
Can I bring my children to an estate sale?
Policies on children vary by sale. Some estate sales allow children, while others may not due to safety concerns or the delicate nature of some items. It’s best to check the sale’s details beforehand.
What is the best way to make sure I get the items I want?
If you’re after specific items, try to arrive early and have a plan. If possible, make a list of items you’re most interested in, so you can prioritize them when you get there. For larger items, make sure you have a way to transport them.
Are estate sales open to the public?
Yes, estate sales are usually open to the public. However, some may require appointments or restrict entry during the first few hours to give early access to specific buyers or VIPs. It’s always a good idea to check the sale details before attending.
Can I buy items online from an estate sale?
Some estate sales have an online component where you can view and purchase items. In-person sales may also have online versions where you can browse the items before or after the physical sale. This varies depending on the event.
What should I expect in terms of payment?
Most estate sales accept cash and credit/debit cards. Make sure to ask about payment options before attending. If you’re planning to buy a large item, make sure to confirm whether there are additional fees for delivery or pickup.
Are there any tips for a successful estate sale experience?
- Arrive early for the best selection.
- Bring enough cash or have a payment card with you.
- Be prepared to act quickly if you see something you want, as estate sales can be
competitive. - Be polite and respectful to staff and other buyers.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the items for sale.
Our Services
Treasure Trove Estate Sales offers the following services:
Contact Us Today
Whether you’re finalizing an estate, downsizing, needing assistance with a move, starting fresh after a move, or reclaiming your home, Treasure Trove Estate Sales is here to help. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on the next stage of your life with peace of mind. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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