How do I decide whether to have an Estate Sale or send my items to an auction?
An Estate Sale agent can examine your items to determine what is the best method of liquidation for your needs. With an Estate Sale you don't need to do any packing, just leave everything where it is!  Buyers will take it away for you. We assist in sorting the valuable items from items of lesser value.  We have an extensive list of buyers looking for many items. Also buyers attending Estate Sales tend to pay more for an item when they see it in its original setting.  Be aware that an auction house
charges a cartage fee to pick up your items.  In general, an Estate Sale agent not only conducts the sale but  provides  moral support and guidance, acknowledging the anxiety that coincides
with Estate liquidation.  This personal touch is invaluable.

Do you conduct Estate Sales outside of Vancouver?
At the moment we only do sales throughout the lower mainland (North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, White Rock, South Surrey, Coquitlam).   Please email with specific requests.   A well planned sale that is not rushed will go smoother and get good results.

How much time is needed to organize a sale?
At least 4-6 weeks notice is needed prior to sale date.  More complicated sales require more time. There has to be enough "contents" and variety of items to warrant a On-site Sale. A consultation will determine if you have enough items for a sale. There is a Consultation Fee which will be credited if we do the Sale. The key to a profitable sale is organization and preparedness.

Does the owner need to be present during the sale?
The presence to the owner rarely helps in increasing the profits of the sale
and  actually impedes sales.  Buyers are often intimidated which interferes
with negotiating prices.   It can be a heartbreaking experience to see one's
lifelong possessions sold.   We provide excellent references as well as an
itemized list of sales. We are committed to ethical practices.

What exactly is an Estate Sale?
We start working in the home as soon as possible to sort through items, clean and polish items preparing them for display.  We remove items of minimal value and separate them from sale items.  We unload cupboards, boxes, cabinets, bringing in portable tables and table cloths.   We have a lockable display case for smaller items of value.  All items are then priced according to market value to encourage a quick sale.  Items of higher value are further researched to arrive at reasonable market value.  We place an Ad in the newspaper and then the show begins.  We normally sell aprox. 85% of items.  Only lesser value garage sale items are left.

Do you Buy Estate Items?
Yes, we do buy small estate items, such as China, crystal, silver, Estate jewelry, paintings etc, if this is what you require. Enquire here

Do you do Estate Appraisals? Accredited CPPA
Yes, we do an Inventoried appraisal for Executors and Probate purposes if that is what you require.  I am an Accredited Canadian Personal Property
Appraiser.

       What if I don't have enough items for an Estate sale?
        It is helpful to go through the home with you to determine  what type of
       liquidation service is best for you.  If you only have a  few pieces of
       furniture it may be better to sell it yourself through a classified ad or
       send it to the auction.

       My parents Estate is very valuable can you guarantee good results?
       Unfortunately from my experience, owners tend to be unrealistic in their
       expectations and overvalue many items.  An Estate Sale Service is just a
       step above an auction in terms of personal service.  If your aim is to make   
       money  rather than liquidating you will be disappointed.  The resale market
        is very competitive and does not compare to the retail market or actual cost
       of an item.   More valuable items will hold some of their value and
       will be sold at a reasonable price taking into consideration current value.