10questions

							          Ten Questions to Ask Your Estate Liquidator
1. Can you provide references from satisfied clients?
   Since there are few instances of return customers in this business, it’s important to find out if the
   estate liquidator is reputable. Ask for 3 references from satisfied clients even if you don’t intend
   to check with them. If the estate liquidator balks at giving references, consider finding another
   liquidator.

2. Are you bonded, insured, or a member of the BBB or other organization?
   Answers to this question will help you decide whether the estate liquidator is a serious business or
   just someone’s hobby. While hobbyists can often conduct effective estate sales, accountable
   professionals should be used if the courts will be involved in cases where you are a Trustee,
   Executor, or Conservator.

3. Will you provide a written Statement of Services?
   A written contract or statement of services describing what the liquidator will do can clarify what
   is expected from both parties.
4. How do you get paid? By commission, fee, or both?
   This can vary by the liquidator and the circumstances.
5. If commission, what percentage of sales do you charge?
   Commissions to estate liquidators can run from 20% to 35%. Generally, estate liquidators who
   specialize in high-end sales charge more than liquidators who handle modest estates because
   families and executors of larger estates are usually more demanding of the liquidator.

6. How long will it take you to conduct the sale?
   Normally, depending on the company, their methodology, and your needs, it can take anywhere
   from 2 days to 2 weeks to conduct a sale.
7. Do you write receipts for sales of all items?
   A legitimate or professional estate liquidator will furnish you copies and originals of receipts for
   all sales made. If they’re not willing to do this, find someone else.

8. Do you offer any other services besides conducting the sale?
   Most estate liquidators are interested only in selling the personal property, not in the follow-up
   activities of boxing and bagging leftover items for donation to a charity, clearing out and
   disposing of all the loose debris, and readying the residence for sale or rent.
9. How soon after the sale will I be paid the money owed me for the sales?
   If money owed is for straight sales without a formal final accounting package, you should be
   paid, if not immediately, then within 2 or 3 days. If a final accounting package is offered,
   complete with a spreadsheet, inventory, and copies of everything, allow a week for them to finish
   all the paperwork.
10. Do you give a written final accounting with receipts and inventory?
    A final accounting with receipts and full inventory of sold items is necessary if the courts are
    involved in any way, whether through probate or guardianship.
    Prepared by Graceful Exits Estate Liquidation & Senior Moving Services, http://www.graceful-exits.com



    In Public Domain by Author 2003