Tips for Hiring an Estate Sale Company

Dealing with an estate is not something you do every day. It can be very overwhelming to have to deal with a loved ones possessions and home, especially if you are still dealing with grief. One solution is to hire an estate sale company to help with the personal property. Here are a few tips if you are considering using a company to help sell items.

Don’t throw anything away. And don’t spend time cleaning.  Estate companies have seen it all and can easily look past clutter and dust. Don’t assume you know the value of things.…let the estate sale company determine value.  However, remove items that family and friends want to keep.

Ask for referrals.  Ask friends or neighbors if they have worked with any companies they liked and trusted.  

Do you homework. Interview prospective companies. Scan online reviews. Find out how long the company has been in business. Once you have narrowed it down you may even want to attend a few sales held by potential companies. Ask each company about their insurance, how they handle staffing, and get a copy of their contract. Other important questions are finding out if they accept credit cards. Cash only increases the risk of theft or poor management.

Review and sign a contract. Once you have chose which company you would like to work with make sure to use a contract. It is best to understand and know commission and fees ahead of time as well as all the details. Both you and the company will be on the same page as far as expectations. The contract may be long but please make sure you read and understand the whole thing. Ask questions if you don’t understand something. Make sure you have a copy as well.

Don’t attend the sale. Estate sales can be a very emotional time. It can also negatively affect shoppers if you are there watching them or worse yet, talking to them.  

Final Cleanout.  What happens after the sale with remaining items and cleaning will be spelled out in the contract. Make sure you understand and agree with the process. Will there be a dumpster? Will they donated unsold items? Will there be an extra fee for cleanout?

Accept Payment. Every company has a different timeline as far as how and when they deliver payment.  Find out ahead of time how long it will take to receive your payment.

Handling personal property of an estate can be a daunting task. With the help of an estate sale company hopefully you will find the process efficient and faster.