Here are some FAQ about Estate Sales that I conduct in the greater Galveston area as well as details on my next scheduled sale!
1. What is an Estate Sale?
An Estate Sale is the sale of one’s personal property or assets. This would include furniture, china, antiques, jewelry, yard, and garage items and basically all your household items.
2. Who uses Estate Sales Services?
Executors of an estate, people moving to a retirement or nursing home, downsizing to a smaller home, or anyone needing to sell most of their home’s contents.
3. What kinds of things do you sale?
We sell virtually anything that is legal and safe to be sold. From fine antiques to used furniture, jewelry, clothes, tools, appliances, garden equipment, vehicles, etc. – you name it. Do NOT throw anything out. Many times people throw away things that are quite sellable. We will determine that for you.
4. What exactly does your Estate Sale Service provide?
Basically we do all the work for you. We sort, organize, clean, set up, display, and price everything in the house, yard, and garage. Then we do a marketing campaign to advertise the sale. Finally, we conduct the sale, and finish up for you. We take care of all the paperwork as well.
5. Who determines Price?
Myself and my team determine the price based on years of experience and the current market value for your area. You do have the opportunity to approve our pricing. We are here for you.
Our fee is based on the total sale. It is to our advantage to sell your items at the highest possible price. We also accept bids throughout the sale, determine the highest bidder at the end, and sell to that person.
6. How much does your service cost?
There is no up front cost to you. We work on a percentage basis of the total sale. Our fee is deducted from the money collected at the sale.
7. How do I know if there is enough to do an Estate Sale?
Sometimes a phone call is all it takes to determine if you have enough to do an estate sale. But frequently we will need to go through the home to determine the best choice of service for you.
8. Is there a charge to see if I have enough?
No. There is no charge for your consultation. It’s free.
9. Do I need to be available during the sale?
No. My professional team and myself are capable of covering all aspects of the sale. We are working on your behalf. Many times it is too emotional to watch your items go up for sale. We understand the sentimental value of your heirlooms. And many times our clients live in another state and its impossible to be there. However, if you would like to drop by to take a look, that’s fine too.
10. How is my property left after the sale?
Of the few items left over, we offer different options. We often sell in bulk to the highest bidder. Or perhaps you would like to keep what is left. Or it can be donated to a charity. All items are removed and the house is left to broom clean.
Our service is often requested by real estate agents because we leave the house in a clean manner and they can then show it right away. Agents also like estate sales because more people will see the house during the sale than at any other time that the house is listed. Often the house is sold during the sale.
11. What are your qualifications and do you have references?
Yes, we do have many references upon request! We have done sales for doctors, lawyers, CPAs, and Judges as well as ordinary people from all walks of life.
My team consists of some very knowledgeable people. Each have been hand selected by me for their integrity, dependability, friendliness, and knowledge of the field.
I am also a member of the Antique Collectors and Dealers Association, Galveston Historical Foundation, Historic Downtown Strand Merchants Association, and ACIF.
I own and operate a well established antiques store on the Strand in Galveston that has been there for over 30 years. I have also been in the antique business my entire life.