Why should I hire your estate sale company?
Estate Solutions of the Catawba Valley specializes in simplifying life’s transitions. We understand the overwhelming task of liquidating an estate due to death, disability, divorce or any of the curves that life tends to throw at us. We professionally handle all preparation, photographing, researching, marketing and selling of your personal property in a timely manner. We are licensed and insured. We provide more than just an “estate sale”; we provide a complete package of assistance in and during life’s transitions.
How much does this estate sale service cost?
We collect a percentage of total sales as our commission or fee. The percentage varies by individual needs of each sale and can be quoted at the time of consultation. There are no upfront costs to you the client. Our commission covers all the costs of setting up and conducting a successful sale including all advertising and promotion. We do provide other services if needed or desired for additional fees.
Do I need a sale agreement?
Yes. After we assess the home and you agree that an estate sale is the best choice, an agreement is signed.
Do I need to know what I want to sell prior to the assessment?
Before we come to your home, we ask that you be certain of the larger and more valuable items you would like to sell. This enables us to make an accurate evaluation of your sale.
How long does it take to set up for a sale?
For effective advertising, we prefer a 3-week lead-time. However, the actual set up usually lasts 1-7 days. Estate sales take time, are a lot of work and sometimes messy.
How long does the actual sale last?
Sales take place on Friday and Saturday, usually from 9 am to 2pm. Smaller sales may only be one day, usually on Saturday with longer hours.
How can you ensure a large crowd for the sale?
First, the client should offer heirlooms and house wares that motivate buyers. Second, we use a number of advertising methods and various websites to advertise your sale with detailed descriptions and pictures. We have a large following and extensive email list of individuals interested in attending our sales. On the first sale day, signs are posted directing traffic to your home. We normally have large crowds and usually sell at least 90% of offered items.
Do you allow friends or dealers in early?
We do not allow any early entry and no items will be sold before the sale date unless specified (due to larger items such as cars or farm/yard equipment) We allow all buyers an equal chance for the most desirable items. We open our doors at 9am to everyone. If we advertise an item for sale it must be in the sale when the doors open.
Do you set low prices?
We try not to set prices too low or unrealistically “high” prices either because we want as much sold as possible. We work very hard to price even the smallest items in your house without making it seem like a garage sale. This ensures fewer disposals after the sale and more importantly larger gross sales. Buyers tend to pay more for items when they see them in their original setting.
How will I know what sold and for how much?
After the sale, the client receives an itemized list of sales over $10. This is provided within 5-7 days of the sale.
How will I get paid?
The client will receive payment in the form of business check in person or mailed, usually Tuesday after the sale.
Is there a minimum amount of personal property required for an estate sale?
A successful estate sale requires a certain amount of personal property. A “house full” of original furnishings in each room is enough for an estate sale. Anything less than a “house full” can be sold as consignment items or included in our occasional off-site multi-estate sale.
What happens to personal property that does not sell?
Any remaining personal property is disposed of according to your wishes. We can donate it to a charity of your choice, some items may be able to be consigned or leave it for the client. We want it sold at the right price from your location.
There are some things I do not want to dispose of; can these items remain in the house during the sale?
Yes, however, we prefer that any items that you do not want to sell be removed or placed in a secured area out of sight of our team and buyers, as we will not be held responsible for them.
Do you remove hazardous materials?
We will not dispose of rubbish if it contains, or we think it might contain chemical, toxic, medical, radioactive or hazardous materials, i.e., paints, solvents, etc. We also do not dispose of pressurized containers of any kind or anything we suspect to be related to an unlawful activity.
Where are your service areas?
We host estate sales in the entire Catawba Valley area. This includes Catawba, Caldwell, Iredell, Burke, Alexander, Watauga, Ashe, LIncoln, Mecklenburg and surrounding counties, however we will travel longer distances in some situations. Please inquire before assuming you are too far geographically for our service.
Do you have security?
We have someone keeping a watchful eye at all times. We will not hesitate to call the police for theft or disruptive behavior. We provide adequate staff to oversee a house during a sale.
Does the client, estate executor or personal representative need to be present?
Yes, a client, executor or personal representative may be present during the sale and/or preparation. Please keep in mind though, that buyers feel more comfortable negotiating prices when the client is not on-site and/or participating in the sale process. Sale days can be emotionally taxing on loved ones and family members, we understand this and ask that consideration be made as to not make buyers uncomfortable.
We are moving and wish to dispose of some of our belongings, is this considered an estate sale?
The items you wish to dispose of belong to your or your family and are considered to be part of an estate. Estate sales are conducted for various reasons such as relocation, downsizing, change in lifestyle, debt, death, divorce, etc.
