Many baby boomers are reaching retirement age. They are ready to move on to another phase in their life and perhaps move to another home. Years of accumulation of childrens toys, furniture, outdated furniture, old electronics, china, crystal and more, won't be needed in their next move.
For many years, families passed down furniture,crystal and china to their children and grandchildren. Children today, for the most part just do not want that style furniture, and other family heirlooms. Maybe because we now have dishwashers and microwaves and other high tech appliances. Perhaps we as "baby boomers" would not want the china and crystal either, if we had the choice. After all, who really enjoys the hand washing of china and polishing of silver.
Furniture of choice for the vast majority of baby boomers have been traditional and some modern furniture. Those individuals reaching adult age in the 1970's enjoyed the traditional and modern style. The "danish modern" and mid century furniture is becoming more and more popular and is selling well. However, there is still a lot of furniture left with no demand from adult children.
As baby boomers make the decision to move, they now have the opportunity to make money on what they do not want to keep. Of course they can always have a garage sale or donate to charity. But, many people have accumulated items of value over the years, a typical garage sale, does not bring out the "higher purchase" buyers. The business of liquidation of personal property has grown tremendously the last few years.
When you hear the word "estate sale" you probably think someone has died and has hired a company to dispose of their belongings. This is still true but now there is such a thing as a "living estate sale". These sales are also handled by estate sale companies. In fact, nearly half of all estate sales today, are of people who are very much alive. Baby boomers downsizing, families forced to downsize due to foreclosure, and also business liquidations are now being handled by liquidation companies.
Why not sell it yourself? Pricing is critical to a successful and a money making sale. The average person does not know how to price a piece of used furniture or an antique figurine. Overpricing by only a few dollars can make the difference between obtaining a "fair price" or selling below market value at the end of the sale.
Estate sale companies charge a percentage of the total proceeds of the sale. This percentage varies from state to state and company. But, we have seen 25% to 35% here in Georgia. You can find a local estate or liquidation company by conducting an internet search using the search term "estate sale". There are many new companies getting into this profitable business. Be search you check references and interview more than one company.
Thinking of "downsizing" or need to move? Consider contacting a local estate sale company.
We welcome any comments about our article. My name is Ann Roberts and I am the marketing director of Georgia Estate Sale Network. Our website is http://www.gaestatesalenetwork.com/. We are here to promote the ever growing liquidation and estate sale business. Our goal is to make the public aware of this valuable resource, the use of a liquidation company. We will also be writing about current resale market value in Georgia and the greater Atlanta area.
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