Question 1

Who needs an estate sale?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who needs to get a home empty.  An estate sale is the easiest way to empty a home and receive a check at the end.  There are many reasons why people need to have an estate sale. Life transitions often necessitate the need to empty a home. Loved ones passing away, moving into a new home, combining households, downsizing as well as moving and changing décor are among a few reasons.  We all have items to sell. Just because you don’t need the money from these items doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like the money.

Question 2

How long does a sale usually take?

Accepted Answer

We usually allow 2 weeks from start to finish for most sales. Those that require more time will be assessed by Tracy during the consultation and pricing will be determined at that time.

Question 3

Do you charge for a consultation?

Accepted Answer

A thirty-minute consultation can be arranged with Tracy at no charge. Consultations that extend past this time can be conducted at a charge to the estate. All estate sales must have a consultation with Tracy before they are scheduled.

Question 4

How do I know what will sell?

Accepted Answer

We will sell everything from your Waterford to your water bottles, your Clinque to your cleaners, your tools to your trinkets. An estate sale is really part garage sale and part estate type items. People will buy it all. Generally speaking, we advise that clients not throw anything away. We will determine what will be included in the sale. We do recommend the family remove all things financial, letters, photos and other mementos, and any jewelry you do not wish to include in the sale.

Question 5

Do we need to remove the furniture that the family is keeping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All items being kept by the family need to be removed prior to us starting your sale preparation.

Question 6

How far in advance do I need to schedule?

Accepted Answer

We generally stay booked up 2-3 months in advance. The best time to call is before you list your house, not after you have a real estate contract to purchase the home. Most reputable companies stay very busy. There are more real estate agents than there are estate sale companies, so prepare early.

Question 7

What if I want to place a minimum on an item? That is, what if I don’t want to get rid of an item unless it sells for a designated price?

Accepted Answer

If you want to place a reserve on an item, Tracy usually recommends that you keep it. You can always sell it at a later date.

Question 8

Do I need to be present at the sale?

Accepted Answer

We prefer that the client is absent from the home throughout the sale preparation process. This makes it easier for staff to get things done. We have also found that it can be very emotional for family members to attend the sale. We suggest planning another activity on sale days.

Question 9

What if I need to stay in the home until the sale has concluded?

Accepted Answer

On very rare occasions this will be allowed, but not often. We do not want to be liable for items you are wanting to keep. It is advised that client families get everything moved out that they wish to keep prior to the start of your sale preparation.

Question 10

What is your commission rate?

Accepted Answer

Commission rates will vary depending on the sale and the amount of labor required. This will be determined at your sale consultation.

Question 11

What happens to the items that don’t sell?

Accepted Answer

Every sale has items that go unsold. At the time we contract with our clients, it is recommended that the client family make their next call to the charity of their choice that does at home donation pick-ups. We recommend that clients schedule a pick-up for the Monday following the weekend of your sale. At the end of your sale, our staff will move what does not sell into a nice tidy pile in the garage. While we don’t babysit the items for charity pick up, it is our hope that all clients have to do is open the garage door. Any large furniture items that are unsold are left where they are sitting. Tracy can make recommendations as to how to dispose of these items.

Question 12

What is the process for having an estate sale?

Accepted Answer

To have an estate sale, it is important that the family remove all that they wish to keep. This means the removal of not only all furniture and other large items, but also all photos, financial records, mementos, keepsakes and jewelry. Aside from that, you can leave all else to us as to determine what is deemed salable or not. We may request that the estate purchase contractor garbage bags if there is a large amount of visible trash. At the end of the sale, all items that have gone unsold will be moved to the garage or any other designated area in your home for charity pick up. Charity pick up is to be arranged by the owner and is recommended to be scheduled at the time the contract is signed. Large furniture pieces that did not sell will be left in the home. They can be picked up by your charity or left to be removed at the owner’s expense. The time allowed for all sales is on average usually two weeks from start to finish.

Question 13

What will Urban Potluck sell?

Accepted Answer

Anything and everything a family or person does not want to keep! Do not worry about will sell or not sell.  Generally speaking, we advise not to throw anything away until you have had a consultation.

Question 14

How much does having an estate sale cost?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the sale cost is a flat percentage of the total sale gross.  Some homes, depending on the labor involved, may warrant additional charges. This is to be determined at your in-home consult.

Urban Potluck Sales in the News

Estate sale upcoming for historic home with vast antique collection

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Urban Potluck Sales