If you are you an estate representative, one of the heaviest things you will be tasked with in liquidating an estate is sorting through all of the belongings of the deceased, and deciding what to keep, sell, and throw away.
Deciding What to Keep
Deciding What to Keep
- Sentimental Items: Keep items that hold emotional value, such as family heirlooms, photos, and mementos that remind you of your loved one.
- Important Documents: Retain legal documents, such as wills, titles, deeds, insurance papers, and financial records that may be needed for legal or administrative purposes.
- Furniture or Decor with Meaning: Hold onto furniture or decor that has special significance, like pieces that were cherished or passed down through generations.
- Personal Items: Keep items that represent your loved one’s personality, interests, or hobbies, such as books, jewelry, or artwork.
- Collectibles or Valuable Assets: Consider keeping valuable items, like collections or antiques, that could hold financial or sentimental value in the future.
Sorting through a loved one’s belongings is a delicate task, but preserving meaningful items can help keep their memory alive and provide comfort during the grieving process.
Deciding What to Sell
After you have decided what to keep, you should try to sell everything else in the home that might have value. This is where you can hire an a local estate sale company in Portland, or do it yourself.
The items most likely to sell and make you the most amount of money are:
- Unnecessary Furniture: Sell furniture or decor that no longer fits your home, lifestyle, or space needs, but that may still hold value for others.
- Collectibles or Antiques: If you don’t have an interest in preserving collectibles, art, or antiques, consider selling them to those who will appreciate their value.
- Items in Good Condition: Sell items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose, such as electronics, kitchen appliances, or gently used clothing.
Deciding What to Throw Away
Everything that doesn’t sell during your estate sale can be thrown away or donated. To decide what to throw away, look for all of the following:
- Broken or Damaged Items: Dispose of items that are beyond repair, such as broken furniture, appliances, or items that can’t be recycled.
- Expired or Stale Food: Throw away food that is past its expiration date, opened, or stale, especially if it’s perishable or non-reusable.
- Unnecessary Paperwork: Shred any old paperwork, junk mail, or documents that are no longer relevant or necessary, such as outdated bills or correspondence.
Anything that is leftover can be donated.
Professional Estate Sale Companies
Hiring a professional estate sale company is going to bring in the most amount of money. They know how to price and present items for maximum value.
When it comes to managing the emotional process of clearing out a property, one of the best options is to enlist the services of licensed estate liquidators. If you find yourself hesitant or unable to take on this task yourself, consider reaching out to at least two reputable estate sale companies.
How Much do Estate Sale Companies Charge?
Estate sale companies typically charge a commission fee that ranges between 30% and 50% of the total sales revenue, depending on factors like the size of the estate, the quality of the items, and the location. Some companies may also charge additional fees for setup, advertising, and unsold item disposal, which should be clarified in the contract.
Don’t Guess
Estate sales attract buyers interested in unique and unusual items, and these may include collectibles and even costume jewelry. Experts in estate sales will know what has value and advise you. Don’t guess that an object is worthless because it appears to be junk to your untrained eye. Otherwise, you must carefully research the worth of the things you find, pay special attention if a collection of like items exists. It isn’t unheard of for family members to learn too late that they’ve tossed out something of great importance, which a critical estate sale tip for property owners in Portland
How Much Time Do I Need for an Estate Sale in Portland?
Preparing for and carrying out an estate sale typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the size of the estate and the amount of organizing required. Estate sale companies spend this time sorting, pricing, staging items, and advertising the sale to attract buyers. The sale itself usually lasts two to three days, with additional time needed afterward for cleanup or the removal of unsold items.
Understand your Objective
When preparing for an estate sale in Portland, remember to keep your eye on the ball. The purpose is to help you close out an estate. This not only helps you emotionally but also ensures a smoother process. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, this is a very difficult process for anyone to go through.
The pros at Better Off Home Buyers will help make your estate sale easy. We can help you find and coordinate a professional estate sale company, and then work with Better Off Home Buyers on the sale of your home. Anything that doesn’t sell in the estate sale can be left behind, and we will handle the disposal or donation. Call Better Off Home Buyers at 1-888-827-0889 or send us a message today to learn more.