A. While we do not believe that anyone intends when they name someone to be their executor, administrator or conservator, that it be a burdensome responsibility, few people realize how complex and time consuming these responsibilities can be.

Just as the legal aspects of probating an estate are best handled by attorneys and trust officers, tangible personal property should be appraised and liquidated by an experienced professional. Our skills in preparation, promotion, and selling more than pay for our services by achieving the highest possible prices for the property which is sold. Since we sell on a commission basis we have a built-in incentive to maximize the financial return. Time, another important factor, is saved because we handle all details. We have seen situations where an individual and their families have spent weeks trying to sort and organize the contents of a residence only to give up in frustration. Our experience and systematic approach enable us to complete this task much more efficiently. Packing and sorting is included as part of our service and is an expense which we absorb.

Q. Since most individuals are faced with the responsibility of liquidating an estate only once or twice in their lifetime, what criteria should be used to hire an estate auctioneer?

A. Reputation for competence and integrity. Other than personal experience, the best means to assess competence is to depend on the judgment of persons who have used the services of the professional being considered. Included in this brochure are the impressions of a number of persons who have utilized our services. We also encourage potential clients to attend our estate auctions in person in order to formulate their own impressions of our services.

If hired, we fully expect our clients to become strong supporters of our services and that they will recommend us to their attorney, friends and relatives. We are totally committed to earning that support.

A. It depends on the quality and quantity of the property to be sold. Every situation is unique thus making a simple answer difficult. We prefer to make our recommendations after analyzing each situation. As stated previously, our commitment is always to maximize the return for the property we sell.

A. As we pack up the contents of a residence, all family pictures, personal papers, correspondence, etc. are boxed, marked personal and either left in the residence or delivered to the executor's/administrator's/ conservator's home or office. We do not sort or discard any of these items.

A. Our commission includes all of our expenses including packing, transportation, advertising, labor and bookkeeping. This is clearly stated in our written agreement. If requested, we will remove all trash and leave the residence in broom swept condition. This service is provided at our cost.

Q. Why should a written agreement be used?

A. A written agreement stipulates in detail the obligations and commitments of the auctioneer. The form we use specifies:

1. Where and when the sale will be held.
2. How and where the sale will be advertised.
3. The commission which will be charged. (It also states that with the exception of trash removal all expenses are included.)

A. Traditionally, the sales commission charged by auctioneers has been shouldered entirely by the owners of the property being sold. More recently, the auctioneers commission has been divided between the seller and the buyer. That part of the commission charged to the buyer is called a "buyer's premium." By adopting this practice, we have been able to significantly reduce the commission rates charged to sellers without reducing our expenditures for advertising or any of our labor intensive services.