Estate Sales 101

Our guide to some of our frequently asked questions.

What is an Estate Sale?

An Estate Sale, also called a Tag Sale in some parts of the country, is a way of liquidating the belongings of a family or estate. These are usually much more than garage or yard sales. They are used when someone is in need of a way to sell items due to downsizing, moving, divorce, bankruptcy, or death.

DURATION

A Christopher Estate Sale is usually two to three days long, depending on the size of the estate.

BEFORE

We work with you to sort and organize your household goods, including garage items. Then prices are set and photos are taken to market your sale on area Facebook pages, national estate sale pages, and other media outlets.

DURING

You leave the work to Christopher Estate Sales and enjoy your long weekend away. We sell as many belongings as possible to help liquidate your estate.

AFTER

An agreed-upon charity comes in to remove unsold merchandise and trash is removed from the property.

What should I look for in an estate sale company?

Our Estate Sale Company Tips

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look for experience, not price

remember the “you get what you pay for” addage

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ask questions about procedures

do you have items in your estate that require extra care?

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ask for referrals

talk to your friends or neighbors with estate sale experience

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determine your motivation

are you having this sale to make money or just to liquidate an estate (to help the estate sale company determine how to best manage your sale)

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ask how your estate sale will be marketed

before a sale, we use estatesales.net, social media, our newsletter, and neighborhood door hang tags to bring awareness – during a sale we use yard signs and banners to draw attention and gain “drive-by” shoppers

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“secret shop”

anonymously visit an estate sale being held by the company you’re considering (check for sales on estatesales.net)

How do I shop an estate sale?

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Be mindful you're in someone's home

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Be Kind To Neighbors

Don’t Block Driveways

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Don't Bring Large Purses or Backpacks

… you are welcome to bring packing boxes/bags

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Items are Sold As-Is

refunds are usually not possible

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Homeowner First

remember the company is obligated to get the best price for the client

Defining a Christopher Estate Sale

We have two goals with each sale: for the client to experience a turn-key process of estate liquidation and for shoppers to experience an organized and fun to shop three-day sale.

Organizing & Staging

Research & Pricing

Marketing & Promotion

Custom Signage & Branding

Knowledgeable & Professional Staff

Credit Card Promotion

Packing & Wrapping Supplies

Charitable Donation Coordination

Leaving Home Empty & Clean

Lou B says:

Lynne was a God sent Angel. Her great understanding of people’s feelings having to part with some or most of the items that have been a part of your life.

It takes a very special person to handle [prepping an estate sale]. [Lynne] is a detailed organizer [and gets] the best info on special items. I could not have done without her help and knowledge, most important for me, her patience and understanding of people’s feelings, when are facing the great change in life having to say goodby to the items representing memories of their past.

Lynne is just one of a kind. She puts her heart on what she is doing, and with her ability to organize, [Lynne and her team] carried it to the end. I recommend her and her Christopher Estate Sales to anyone that is planning to downsize a home or liquidate an estate. She is very thorough and fair.