How to Get The Most Out of Your Estate Liquidation

Sanford & Son Estate Specialists are one of central Maryland's most trusted names in clean outs and estate iquidations.

As Maryland estate specialists, we understand how organizing, disseminating, selling, and hauling away items can turn into an overwhelming process. Selling estate property isn't the same as a regular garage sale--think of an estate sale as a garage sale on steroids. Here, Sanford & Son Estate Specialists are going to let homeowners in on some tips to successfully hold a Maryland estate sale:

Take Inventory

Take a trip around your entire home and make a list of every item that will go on sale, and every item that won't be. Split your inventory into categories and take note of each item's condition--this will help with researching prices and determine where things will be placed in the sale.

Clean and Fix

Sometimes, a quick dusting-off or a tightening-up can make all the difference when it comes to transforming a useless item into something "worth a few dollars".

Price Items

Conduct your research through online searches, catalog markups, and it wouldn't hurt to look for a second opinion, by bringing your items to an antique dealer. But remember; shoppers are out looking for a deal at your estate sale, just like how shoppers are out looking for a deal at any ordinary garage sale. If you’re having trouble deciding on a reasonable price, go with a higher markup--most shoppers will try to talk down the price, anyway.

Mark or Remove Off-Limit Items

When an item is sold, sometimes a "Sold" sign on the item might not be enough to keep all the bargain sharks from trying to negotiate a deal. Sometimes, its better to hide the item after its been sold, to avoid wasting time with shoppers trying to haggle with you.

Security

For estate sales, every entrance and exit should be secure at all times to monitor all shoppers coming and going. With helpers watching the door's, item tables, and sold items, there is less risk of items being stolen, or price tags switched. Also, keep all your cash in a secure lockbox, under constant supervision.

Photograph Items

Good photos of your best items will attract people. Large pieces of furniture, appliances, antiques, and sports memorabilia are likely to always spark the interest of shoppers. Make sure your photos are well-lit and visually appealing.

Advertise

Placing flyers and local ads around town and in newspapers, at least a week before your estate sale is a great way to advertise. Any other mentions on social media or Craigslist ads work great, too.  Be sure to include plenty of pictures in your ads to show everyone what they’ll find when they come to your estate sale.

Plan for Leftovers

There is a good chance that every single item in your estate sale might not be sold. If you expect you'll have leftover items and plan to donate them, contact local donation centers in advance to find out their policies on large item donations. Never leave large piles of garbage or recycling on your curb without requesting permission from your local waste management provider.

When it comes to clean out services, Sanford & Son Estate Specialists are proud to be there for all of central Maryland, for the last 25 years. When you need exceptional service, we are the professionals to call. You can reach us at 410-746-5090, or click here. we are open 7 days a week from 7am – 7pm.