It is often one of the more unfortunate tasks in life, but estate sales are becoming more common. While it is a good way to liquidate belongings, it can be a challenge to carry out.
The American population is quickly aging with almost 10,000 Americans turning 65 each day. Consequently, there are greater numbers of folks experiencing a downsizing in lifestyle or – unfortunately – are simply passing away.
The property, or estate, liquidation business is usually supported by one of four unfortunate events in life. They are downsizing due to major lifestyle changes, death of a parent or other family member, divorce, and crippling debt.
As a result, there are many people who need help cleaning out their property. These are often couples who find themselves liquidating assets as part of a divorce settlement, or simply moving to take on a new job. These events also often require estate cleanout services.
Regardless of the reasons, the task of cleaning out furniture, appliances, household goods and other items can be especially challenging. In the United States, for example, the average home is about 2,500 square feet. And most of that space is typically full of belongings of one type or another.
An Estate Sale, also called a Tag Sale in some parts of the country, is simply a method of liquidating the belongings of a family or estate. These are more extensive and structure than a typical garage or yard sale, however.
The public is normally invited into the home and given the opportunity to purchase any item that is priced for sale. At times there are items that are not for sale because the family has decided to keep them or new owners of the house have made them part of a contract to buy the house.
An estate auction, on the other hand, is where everything is auctioned instead of being marked with a selling price.
Estate sales can be managed in several ways. Typically, items are marked with a selling price, and buyers usually pick up items and carry them until they are ready to check out. If an item is too large to carry, it can usually be marked as “Sold.” In addition, some companies accept bids for items.
As far as actually entering the sale, most companies use a “First Come, First Served” approach policy. Typically, a line will form at the door of the home where the sale is taking place. Depending on the location, the line may start several hours before the sale opens. This is the most common system used.
There are other approaches used for holding estate sales, as well. According to estatesales.net,
Some companies use a Number System, and they usually have some sort of policy concerning this, so be sure to check with the individual companies for their rules. There are also companies that use the Self Start Number System. This type of system is vulnerable to many abuses, and companies that use this system usually do have a strict policy on how they are handled.
Sign-up Sheets are also used and are similar to self-start numbering. Again, there is a chance of abuse here too. Some companies allow everyone in line to enter the sale, and others have limited access.
The process can be stressful and complicated. Because of this, many people choose to hire a service. However, there is no reason you cannot manage your own estate sale.
Author Teresa Mears, writing for money.usnews.com, offers five tips for selling off an estate:
You want a company that will be punctual, patient, and respectful while treating you with care. Whenever possible, we will donate as many items as we help families transport items that belong to departed family members. With years of experience in helping our customers with estate cleanouts, we understand that when a loved one passes away you don’t need to worry about cleaning up their apartment or house.
Whether you are handling an estate sale, are downsizing, or dealing with the daunting and formidable task of clearing a deceased relatives home, place of business or any other property left behind, we can help you through. Our estate cleanout services are used by landlords, attorneys, banks and homeowners who need to dispose of unneeded and unwanted items, junk and clutter that might prevent or slow down the process of handing over an estate.
Our team specializes in large debris removal and furniture hauling. We can be on location in mere minutes, so call us today! Our crew is fully insured and well-trained, so you can trust them to get rid of your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion. One of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle a much of the material we pick-up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service. If you have questions about what we do or what we believe, give us a call at (707) 744-4254.