Estate Sale Tips: Dos and Don'ts for a Successful Estate Sale

Planning Your Estate Sale

Thinking about having an estate sale?  Here are some things to consider.

• Timing is essential.  It is crucial to set a realistic timeline.  It is often too late to start contacting companies if you have already sold your home.  Most estate sale companies book out several months in advance and it is not always possible to find someone that is available to handle a sale immediately. Planning ahead can give you the time to investigate different companies and determine which company you feel is the best fit for your circumstances.
• Set up a consultation appointment to meet with them to learn more about the company, and how they operate.  Ask questions about their procedure. Are things well organized and priced? What type of advertising do they do?  Do they have a website? Ask how they manage their sales, about staff, and do they take credit cards? It's always a good idea to ask if they have references, are they licensed and insured?  For you to have a successful sale you will want to work with someone that is experienced and professional with a stellar reputation. 
• Determine what items you intend to sell and what you may be keeping prior to the  consultation.  This clarity will help streamline the process and prevent any confusion during the sale.
• Do NOT throw out or donate anything.  Often clients think they are helping by cleaning out closets, or donating clothes. Most companies will do this for you which saves you time and stress and just makes your life so much easier.
• Be realistic about values.  What an item cost initially and what it may sell for in an estate sale are definitely two different values.  Remember the goal of an estate sale company is to sell all your items. It is important to strike a balance between fair pricing and profitability.  An experienced company will know how to price appropriately so your items will both sell and bring a profit. 
• Ask what happens to any unsold items when the sale is complete? Are you responsible for removing anything that did not sell?  Do they handle this for you?  If so, do they charge for this service?

Final Thoughts

An estate sale is more than just selling items; it’s about transitioning belongings into new homes where they’ll be appreciated.  At Estate Sales of Virginia we like to think we are "re-homing" your belongings to someone that will love them as much as you do.