Why Have an Estate Sale and Other FAQ

Q. Aren't estate sales usually for people who have died?
A. Contrary to popular opinion, you don't have to die to have an estate sale! Everyone has an estate. Your estate is simply what you own, your personal possessions and belongings. And when it comes time for us to move or downsize our homes, our possessions and belongings can overwhelm us - especially when you think of every item in every room in the house and garage as well as in every drawer, closet, storage box and the basement.

Q. Why would I have an estate sale rather than a garage sale or send items to auction?
A. First, it is a daunting physical task to haul and move boxes and heavy items. Garage sales take a considerable amount of time and energy, and often the seller doesn't have any idea what their items might be worth in the second hand market. When you're done, you may still have the bulk of your items left. Auction companies generally deal in furniture and antiques - not the hundreds of everyday items in our homes. You have no control over the prices and you usually have to get the items to the auction house yourself. Prairie Estate Sales staff will come into your home and price everything you have for sale at a fair market value. We will merchandise the items and display them to help get the most money possible. There is a greater perceived value in estate sale merchandise than there is a garage sale or auction. Also, if your home is for sale, estate sales can bring as many as 500 people through the home, which has resulted in a home buyer at some of our sales.

Q. How are you paid for your services?
A. We operate on a commission basis and there are no out-of-pocket expenses to you. The only exception is if significant cleaning is required The commission is a percentage of the amount we take in and averages 35% to 45% of the total sales, depending on the amount sold and the how much work is involved in preparing for and putting on the estate sale. Because we operate on a percentage commission basis, we are motivated to get you the most money possible for your possessions.

Q. How to you advertise the sale?
A. We pay for advertising in the newspapers and put up large, professional signs at key intersections. We also have an e-mail list of over 1,000 repeat customers who follow our estate sales.

Q. What will you do with unsold items?
A. We run our sales over three days, with the last day promoted as "half-price day." We are known for selling almost all of the items in a sale. We have a clean-out company who will pack up and remove any remaining items, donate the items to the charity of your choice, and provide a receipt for a tax deduction. There may be a small charge for this service ($100-$200) depending on what’s left.

Q. How can we do to get ready for a sale?
A. First, don't throw anything away! At one sale, the family threw a bag of vintage blue jeans in the trash, which we retrieved and sold for over $2,000! Also, please try to remove or designate any items you do not want us to sell before we sign a contract.

“David not only walked into our situation conveying confidence and expertise, but he departed leaving a clean and empty house ready to sell.  David is personable, capable and reliable.  I can’t thank him enough.”  ~ Lynne Cundy