Thinking of liquidating or down-sizing?
Q. How far in advance should I contact you regarding a potential sale?
A. The sooner the better. We book sales several weeks or months in advance. We are currently booking a month in advance.
Q. How much do you charge to look at an estate?
A. Our initial consultation is always free of charge. Should we determine an estate sale is not the best option, we’ll gladly provide you with alternatives.
Q. How does an estate sale work?
A. An estate sale is intended to liquidate the contents of a home. Approximately 2 weeks prior to your sale we will begin to sort, organize, and price your items. Our sales are beautifully staged, professionally organized and extensively advertised. The public is invited into your home and allowed to shop at leisure. Each sale is staffed and secure to ensure your house is safe and your home’s contents sell for the best possible prices. After a sale the house will be broom cleaned and cleared of all contents.
Q. What should I do to prepare for an estate sale?
A. First, if there has been a death in the family, ensure that you have the legal authority to sell the contents of the home. If you are the representative of the estate, we will ask you provide documentation to that effect. We also require that the homeowner’s insurance be current and in place throughout the sales process.
Q. May I be present for the sale?
A. Sorry, but the answer is an unequivocal no. We ask the family not be on site during public sale hours, as the sale can be an unexpectedly emotional time for family members. Furthermore, having family present can be distracting for the public who are there to shop. Please take this opportunity to treat yourself to a relaxing day and leave the estate in our hands.
Q. How is your company paid for its services?
A. We operate on a percentage-based commission. Because we operate on a percentage-based commission, we are very motivated to get you the most money possible for your possessions.
Q. What do you do with items that don’t sell?
A. We strive to sell every item in the house for the highest price we can achieve, but there are always items left over. Depending on your wishes, we arrange for items to be cleared out completely or retained by the family to keep or dispose of as they see fit.
Q. Do you clean the home after the sale?
A. We strive to pick up large debris and leave the house “broom clean.” Please bear in mind that we are an estate liquidation company, though, and not a housekeeping service.
Q. What does “broom clean” mean?
A. The home is empty, free of debris and has been swept or vacuumed.
Q. How soon will I be paid after the sale is over?
A. A final accounting and payment will be mailed within 21 days of the sale, payable to the signature on the Estate Sale Agreement.
Thinking of attending a sale?
The Spare Room Sales has a commitment to our clients, as well as to our faithful shoppers. It is of the utmost importance that our sales run professionally, honestly and efficiently, therefore the following rules and policies are implemented to ensure a pleasant and safe experience.
- No pets or animals of any kind will be allowed onto the premises.
- No strollers allowed inside the home. If you bring a child, please keep them with you at all times and be responsible for their behavior, any damage they may cause, or injuries they may sustain.
- No food or drink inside the home. We have an obligation to our client to return their home to them in the manner in which we received it. In some cases, shoe covers will be provided upon entering.
- No smoking in the home, outbuildings or on the grounds.
We take theft seriously. Security and loss prevention are priorities for us, and we have multiple measures in place to address this. Price switching and the hiding of items will not be tolerated. In case of theft, law enforcement will be involved.
Enter the sale at your own risk. Be aware of your surrounding & other shoppers. Note signs and warning tape, as we have made every effort to identify and remove physical hazards.
Purchasing. All items are sold as-is, where-is, no warranties made or implied. All items will only be sold once. We will not offer refunds or exchanges for any reason. It is the responsibility of the shopper to thoroughly inspect each item before purchase. It is the responsibility of the shopper to make arrangements for the removal of large items. Payment must be made in full prior to removal of any item from the premises. Any items left after the conclusion of the sale will be forfeited.
Payment. We accept cash, credit and debit cards. Credit transactions are subject to a 3% transaction fee. We do not accept personal checks, no exceptions.
Pricing Policy. We do not negotiate prices the first day of a sale. On the second and/or third day, most items will be reduced 25-50%. If you love something and do not feel comfortable with the posted price, leave a bid for that item in the designated box. We will contact you at the conclusion of the sale if the item remains unsold and we are able to accept your bid.
Admittance to Spare Room Sales. Entering a Spare Room Sale implies consent and an agreement to comply with all stated policies and procedures.
Early birds. Start times and dates for each sale are well advertised and vary. If you are an early morning shopper, you may want to come by the property early and sign-in, as admittance at the opening of a sale is based on this sign-up sheet first. We will line up shortly before the sale opens and admit as many people as we determine is reasonable, safe and enjoyable for all. We don’t want to keep anyone waiting, but patience is necessary in case of a large crowd.