What's the Difference?

Have you ever been out running errands on a Saturday morning and see a small sign sprouting in a neighbor's front yard with the words "Estate Sale"?  Or the mysterious "Tag Sale"?  Or another announcing a "Moving Sale"?  Or the common variety "Garage Sale"?  Some folks think they are all the same.  They would be mistaken.  This week, we'll explore Estate Sales. 

Estate Sale: "A sale that occurs when a homeowner dies or moves to an assisted-living facility. Those who inherit the home get the proceeds from the sale. If the owner dies without naming someone in the will to sell the house, an estate sale is called a probate sale." In many cases, the family or the court will contract with estate sale company to manage the sale.  After a family member dies, the job of sorting and selling their belongings can be overwhelming, time consuming and heartbreaking.  Settling a relative into a nursing home or assisted living can be a difficult transition. 

An estate sale company will, for a fee or a percentage of the sale, sort, price and manage the details of the sale.  In our area, these sales are usually held on Thursday, Friday or Saturday-with an occasional Sunday.  Ads are placed in local newspapers or online at Estatesales.net.  Depending on what is for sale and where the sale is held will determine its' popularity.  An ad listing antiques, collectibles or with the words "too much to list" or "50 years accumulation" will draw a big crowd.  Reputable dealers, who have a loyal following, will be busy as well.  Get there early, there will most likely be a line!  Many regulars show up hours before the sale to "get a number".  To avoid misunderstandings, most sellers will give out numbered cards as buyers arrive so the first to arrive are the first to enter.  Be sure and ask if numbers are being distributed. 

Tips:

Dress for the weather-there is no mercy here-you may wait quite awhile for you turn to treasure hunt. 

Remember, this is business-prices are usually firm the first day of the sale.  Talk to someone connected with the sale to find out  if there will be discounts on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th day of the sale.  If you want to negotiate, please be fair-don't expect to get a Tiffany lamp for $1.  Be an informed buyer-try to have a equitable ball park figure in mind.  

CASH!!!!!!!!!  It is the exception rather than the rule that credit cards or checks are accepted. 

If you have your eye on a large piece of furniture, remember you are responsible for moving and transporting it. 

If an ad says "Pickers Welcome" dress in old clothes and sturdy shoes.  Be ready to dig.  Bring a flashlight.

Estate sales are fun for adults but not so much for kids, especially young children.  It gets pretty crowded in these homes-no place to negotiate a stroller.  There are often many breakables-too tempting for little fingers!

Not everyone contracts with a company to hold an estate sale.  Many families would much rather be hands on when parting with a loved ones treasures.  Be respectful and courteous when asking if they will negotiate a price.  In most cases, they will lower the price if it is a reasonable offer.

Lastly, don't lose your common sense.  There are loads of interesting items at these sales and it is easy to get caught up in the excitement.  Inspect your treasure carefully before buying.  Once you have bought it-it is yours!  Try not to overspend-there will be more sales the following week.