A Useful Guide for Deciding to Work with a Professional Estate Sale Company
by Chatsworth Estate Sale Company Heritage Estate Sales
This is a follow-up to our article “How Do I Prepare for an Estate Sale?” that deals with the main things you should be aware of if you find yourself in the position of needing to downsize or liquidate assets. Once you’ve prepared yourself for the sale it is time to decide which professional estate sale company to choose.
- Ask friends, family members, attorneys, and realtors for estate sale company referrals
Everyone prefers to work with a company that comes recommended. Chances are friends and family members haven’t had to have an estate sale but they are always a great place to start when looking for honest feedback. Trusted attorneys and realtors will most likely have more experience working with professional estate sale companies so be sure to ask them for referrals. - Learn About Estate Sales
Most of us aren’t knowledgeable about the estate sale process. A good resource that will educate you on what to do and what not to do at an estate sale. It is a good place to start to develop questions for the estate sale companies you interview. http://www.estatesales.net/learn/ - Find at least three estate sale companies in your area or in the area where the home is located
It is important to meet with or interview more than one company in order to make sure you receive competitive pricing and to make sure you make the best decision for yourself. Meeting with multiple professional estate sale companies will also help you get as much information about the process before it starts. An informed buyer will have a less stressful experience and will be more likely to come away satisfied. - Give your potential estate sale companies specifics about the contents of the home
The more information you can give the estate sale company the better. The estate sale process will be smoother and less stressful if everyone is on the same page. - Let your potential estate sale companies know what is important to you and what your timelines are
The estate sale business is more than just selling or delivering potential buyers to the sale. Think of the estate sale company representative as your personal guide through this process. Be clear with them about what is important to you and what deadlines you’d like to meet so they can make sure you are taken care of. - Ask for and Check references
It is always a good thing in any business transaction to know what kind of company you are dealing with. Asking for and checking references isn’t a guarantee but it can give you a better sense of the experience previous customers have had. - Make sure the company is insured and bonded
We’ve all heard the nightmare stories of items being broken or employees being injured. Make sure the company you choose has the proper items in place should any accidents happen. - Set a Sale Date
When setting a date for your estate sale, make sure all involved parties have an opportunity to give input. Depending on the situation, these parties might include your Realtor, attorney, professional estate sale company, and family members.
Heritage Estate Sales offers a free consultation and we would love to speak to you about your upcoming estate sale. These tips should help you get off to a smooth start no matter what company you choose but if you are considering an estate sale in the greater Los Angeles area, we are more than happy to provide you with plenty of professional advice in person. Contact us today so we can schedule a meeting.