The initial consultation allows us to meet personally (or virtually) to walk through the home together, understand your objectives and determine which one of our service options is the most appropriate for your circumstance. We need to see the scope of the task first hand and answer any and all of your questions and concerns about what will be required to do the job right so we can determine if we are a good fit for you before we agree to take on the job. If we decide to work together, we will prepare a contract for your review and signature, and get you on our calendar. And if we aren’t a good fit, we will try to help you find someone who is.
Our initial on-site consultation is always free..
Yes, we actually have three options. When, for whatever reason, a traditional in-home estate sale isn’t the appropriate way forward, we might suggest what we call a Modified Liquidation. Think of it as an estate sale catered to resellers rather than the public at large. It often allows us to accommodate you more quickly because we don’t have the two weeks of preparatory work preparing and staging the home for a publicly facing sale. Professional resellers don’t need that.
We still endeavor to sell as much of the home’s content as possible, we still repurpose, re-home or donate what we aren’t able to sell, we still clean out whatever trash is left in the home and we still leave the home completely empty and clean, what we call “Realtor Ready” when we are done. It’s just generally a quicker, less expensive option for the client.
When the content or condition of the home just doesn’t warrant a sale of any type we also offer a “clean-out” service. No muss, no fuss. Just get in, get it emptied, and get it on the market or ready for whatever comes next. The bottom line is, whatever your situation or circumstance, we’ve got you covered. And we can accomplish whatever it is you need professionally, in a timely fashion and at a competitive price.
Absolutely! Our clients often live out of state. We can handle everything via email, Zoom, text, and phone. Trust is vital in this business, so we always advise prospective clients to interview two or three companies, ask lots of questions, check Google and Yelp reviews, ask for references, especially Realtor references, and then trust their instincts. Additionally, If you have a local Realtor or estate attorney, we are happy to collaborate and coordinate with them.
Yes, it does matter. Entrusting an estate sales company with your home, possessions, and the liability associated with the event requires certainty that you are dealing with a legitimate, reputable operator who is responsible and accountable.
Of course it’s okay! That said, it is advisable to have a good idea of what family members might want to keep BEFORE you invite us over for an initial consultation. That way we know what we are being asked to be responsible for and it will help us determine how best to help you. If possible, have those items clearly marked with blue painters tape before the consultation to make the appointment more efficient and productive. Once the contract is signed, all the content in the home that has not been previously identified as “for the family” becomes part of the sale and must be purchased at the agreed-upon terms.
The timeline for scheduling and conducting an estate sale can vary depending on the time of year and how sought after the company’s services are. The more reputable estate sales companies are often booked weeks or even months in advance. We advise deciding which company you want to use as soon as possible.
A typical sale is scheduled for three days, usually beginning on a Thursday, and then Monday is the “clean-up” day. White Hat always leaves the home “Realtor Ready” after a sale, meaning completely empty and cleaned. Not all estate sale companies do that, or they charge extra if they do, so ask that very important question when you interview prospective companies.
We are not a Realtor moonlighting as an estate sale company just to get your listing. But be advised, they are out there. That said, we are more than happy to help your Realtor promote your home’s sale before and during the estate sale weekend. We coordinate and collaborate with Realtors all the time and many recommend White Hat Estate Sales exclusively to their clients.
Absolutely! After the sale, we take pride in leaving your home completely empty and clean. We understand the importance of a hassle-free transition, and we make sure the property is “Realtor Ready” when we are done. That’s important. Some estate sale companies simply shut the door at the end of the sale and you are left to clean up the mess afterward. Or they charge a sizable fee to clean up at the end. With White Hat, it’s all included. You don’t have to lift a finger.
Ask away! We are here to help. Whatever you do, don’t feel rushed when choosing an estate sale company. There is a wide spectrum in the quality of service, and results, in the estate sale marketplace and, unfortunately, if you choose the wrong company you won’t know until it’s too late. So, take your time, read Google and Yelp reviews, ask for “recent” client references and Realtor references, and then follow your gut. You got this!