Estate Sales: Frequently Asked Questions
It’s quite probable that you have heard of estate sales, but aren’t quite sure how they work. The reality of the situation is, most people don’t until they participate in one. The good news is that it’s not as hard or as expensive as you might think to host an estate sale.
What Can I Sell in an Estate Sale?
If you have it, there is a better-than-even chance you can sell it at an estate sale. Estate sales are a perfect opportunity to put china, jewelry, collectibles, and antiques up for sale. Many people also come in search of furniture, sports memorabilia, precious metals, electronics, and even antique cars.
Do You Clean Up After the Estate Sale?
Absolutely! We pick up any chairs/tables that we bring and help homeowners restore the property to its pre-auction condition. When the day is over, the only thing you will have to remind you of the estate sale is a home that is free of clutter. Well, that and a pocket full of money to show for your efforts.
How Much Does It Cost to Hold an Estate Sale?
This varies based on a number of factors. Your location, the number of items you have to sell, labor costs, and more will all go into determining how much an estate sale truly costs. However, if you live in the Northern Virginia area, the easiest way to find out more about estate sale costs would be to contact iStuffSellers and speak with an estate sale professional.
How Much Can I Make in an Estate Sale?
Unlike flea markets and garage sales, people come to estate sales in search of genuine treasure. Of course, they want to get a great bargain for their effort. How much you can make depends mostly on the items you are selling, their condition, and their perceived value in the eyes of bidders. The more bidders who are interested in a particular item, the more money you stand to make as they will compete for the privilege of taking their prize home with them. Having years of experience hosting estate sales in the greater Washington, DC area, a professional estate liquidator like iStuffSellers will market your estate sale to qualified repeat and new buyers alike.
What Happens if Something Isn't Sold During the Estate Sale?
It is rare when every item sells during an estate sale. Some things are just more difficult to sell than others. However, that doesn’t mean that all is lost. When something doesn’t sell during the sale, it can be placed within an offsite auction. You can take the item and attempt to sell it yourself. Or, you can hold onto the item until it appreciates in value or you decide to donate it and take the tax deduction.
Is an Estate Sale Different Than a Garage Sale?
Most definitely! When you host a garage sale, you attract every Tom, Dick, and Harry looking for a bargain at your expense. Seasoned shoppers will even check obituaries and cross-check addresses to see where they can find the best deals from a grieving family eager to divest themselves of possessions and property. You’ll just be glad when a garage sale is over. An estate sale is much different. For starters, it will be organized by seasoned professionals who can help you appraise your items so that you know exactly how much they are worth. It will also be aided by marketing experts who will use a combination of photographs, descriptions, and targeted campaigns to attract buyers with a strong desire to win that bid. When the day is done, you’ll be richly rewarded.
Do You Want to Learn More About Estate Sales?
Of course, you do! That is why we invite you to contact iStuffSellers at 301-401-6688. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you determine if an estate sale is the right way for you to sell your valued possessions.