Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an estate sale different from a yard or garage sale?
A yard or garage sale is typically conducted by the owners of a house, ‘guessing’ at a good price for each item. If you are dealing with an entire lifetime of possessions, an estate sale is a better way to go. Typically there is a larger amount of items to be sold and an estate sale draws a larger crowd.
How would an Estate Liquidation Consultant be HELPful to you?
An organized, professional consultant will get the best possible price for items, with the greatest amount of profit for you. All personal belongings remain in the home, and all your needs and requests are honored. This HELPS takes the pressure of the client and/or family during what may be a difficult time.
How much time is needed to ready an estate sale?
Approximately 10-14 days. This gives us adequate time to thoroughly research the current value of items, clean, price, inventory, organize and display the home’s contents, and advertise the sale for you.
What can be sold?
From basement to attic, garage and garden shed. We will sort through the contents and determine what is saleable. Large and small appliances, electronics, antiques, china and glass, books and magazines, linens, jewellery, toys and games, even the contents of the pantry, to name a few.
Who determines the prices?
The consultant researches the current value of the items, considers the client’s suggestions and determines a sale price using personal knowledge, a library of reference books, internet sources and an extended group of experts lending their advice.
When is the sale held?
The sale is held over the course of a weekend, usually Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m., throughout all months of the year.
What do you do to ensure the contents are safe?
Each item is tagged and inventoried in our computer
database with a description. During the sale, we maintain orderly fashion by limiting the number of customers in the home (there may be a time spent waiting outside), with staff monitoring every room, and only one entrance to the sale. Valuable small items are secured in a monitored case and no items leave the home without payment.
What are the conditions of the sale?
1. Anna Holmes Estate Liquidation Professional Consultant Services and the vendor shall not be held responsible for any accidents occurring in, on or near the premises.
2. All merchandise is sold in “as in” condition without recourse to the vendor or Holmes Estate Liquidation Professional Consultant Services.
3. No warranty is included, inferred or implied, unless specifically noted.
4. Guarantee is not made by the Vendor or Holmes Estate Liquidation Professional Consultant Services or any employees to the authenticity, perfection or correctness of any description of any item offered.
5. Every statement spoken is an opinion and is not to be relied upon as a representation of fact.
6. ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.
7. All merchandise must be paid for in cash on the date of the sale.
8. A receipt must be presented before removal of any merchandise from the premises.
9. All merchandise is subject to the Retail Sales Tax Act (unless exempt-
Certificate must be presented).
10. The decision of the Holmes Estate Liquidation Professional Consultant Services, relating to all matters is final.
What do you do to ensure the contents are safe?
Each item is tagged and inventoried in our computer database with a description. During the sale, we maintain orderly fashion by limiting the number of customers in the home, with staff monitoring every room, and only one entrance to the sale. Valuable small items are secured in a monitored case and no items leave the home without payment.
Is there a legal contract?
Definitely! This clarifies expectations of the client and services to be provided by the consultant.
What other services do you offer?
We offer a variety of services for an additional cost. Sorting and shredding personal paperwork, boxing and bagging leftover items for a charity of your choice, light housekeeping, real estate showings and readying the home for sale or rent, just to name a few. Please feel free to make suggestions and requests.
What is the fee to hire Anna HELPS?
The fee is based on a percentage of the total sales and the amount of extra attention needed, as well as any extra services provided. Within 7 days of the completion of the sale, you will receive a final accounting of the inventory, a certified cheque with proceeds of the sale, and all receipts. There is never a fee to ask questions or initially meet with a consultant.
What are your qualifications?
We are competent, organized, trustworthy, and bondable with a current criminal reference check, and come prepared with a library of reference books and internet sources.
Where are you located and how can I contact you?
We are located in Woodstock, Ontario and can be reached by telephone at (519)532-9613 or by email at Inquiries@AnnaHELPS.com