Question: You make it sound complicated to establish value of my heirlooms. Why can’t I just look at the internet and find the value myself? Surely there’s plenty of stuff for sale on Ebay that I can find a similar item and see what they are asking for that item.
You know you are in trouble when an expert shakes his head and says, “With the way the economy is going ….” I share this because I sat with an expert just yesterday and he offered me sound advice which I want to share with you.
Value is a very personal thing. People want to believe what they have (or what grandma has) is valuable. Price is determined by supply and demand, as well as the collector market. As I have often said, there must be a demand for what you have.
As we were cleaning out the estate, we discovered something that at first made no sense. Where was her purse? It’s hard to believe people like this exist out there.
To all of you who “get it”, I thank YOU! Not just because you make my job easier, but because you will go forward, share what you have learned from my blog and thoughts, my books and random opinions, and you will teach others how to finally “get it.” Eventually, the truth always sinks in.
Here are several suggestions for how to behave as an heir in the estate of your parent or close loved one. Dividing heirlooms can be one of the most contentious experiences of our adult lives. There is no way to completely eliminate family squabbles.
Here are the final 4 options for turning the clutter stored in your home and garage into cash. Please pay special attention to Option #7 before you get rid of anything that might have value.
We’re continuing our conversation from the last blog about turning clutter into cash. Here are several more options for finding a buyer for your clutter.
Did you know that 80% of what we own we never use? We use the same 20% of things every day because we are creatures of habit — our favorite clothes, shoes, purses, kitchen ware, etc. So that leaves a healthy percentage of things we don’t really need and as I say, “put some cash in your pocket instead of clutter in your closets!”
Anytime there is a significant change in your life or a parent’s life, consider discussing ith an elder law or estate planning attorney. Being proactive isn’t always easy or pleasant, but it can head off gut-wrenching issues that will occur at some point, especially if you have elderly loved ones. Making sound decisions in the midst of crisis is not the optimal time to think clearly.
Q: I have two grown daughters who get along well, and treat me with great care and respect. Now that my husband has passed away, I need to update my will. I am considering both my daughters to be co-executors. Is this a good idea or not, Julie? What do you suggest?
Even if you don’t end up with your beloved “rose,” we must remember that while we would like to have the majority of the cake, it is good and appropriate to share equally.
In my world of personal property, one little chip on a porcelain piece can mean the difference between going into the trash and selling it for far less than it should have sold, had it been perfect. As an appraiser of fine items, I know that original condition is just one very important characteristic when assigning value.
How to Find a Liquidator:
Questions to ask a prospective Liquidator:
“Daunting” is a good word to describe the downsizing process, and many questions and problems will arise during the process. Selling household contents and clearing out a home after a loved one becomes infirm or passes away brings about great emotions which further complicate the process.
Consider it a labyrinth of issues — whichever way you go, there are even more questions and things to worry about.
Watching each of them focus on the task at hand and seeing the power of their “take-offs,” the sound of their pounding feet on the track, and the grunts from overexertion, I see sensory proof of their efforts, victories, and momentary defeats. Life is very much like a track meet.
If you expect to deal with your parents’ home soon, or you know someone who is anticipating this difficult challenge, please read my book! Cleaning Out your parents’s home can be done in 30 days or less with the right plan and preparation, and I want to help you accomplish this. It’s best to be prepared before the crisis hits and grief and stress overcome the family.
I hope you’ll listen to this podcast and then pass along a link to another family member or friend who may benefit from this advice. Remember, it’s not too early to simplify your possessions and create equitable plans for your children and grandchildren to follow.
As we make our way through our parents’ belongings, we also have to contend with ours at the same time. Learn to let go, and keep the next generation in mind as you are doing so.
It’s all about the desire to “possess.” Possess money, things, people, etc. It is natural for humans to want more. But, when is enough, enough? For some people, there can never be enough.
One of the most beautiful and important attributes a person can have is compassion. Sadly, we don’t see as much of it these days as we did back in our parents’ or grandparents’ lifetime.
If I had a dollar for every time I said this to a client, I would be a wealthy woman. It is a difficult occupation being an estate expert who specializes in personal property. They call it personal for a very good reason. When people go to sell their items, everyone gets very personal about them and feels they might be worth a fortune.
Never in a million years would I have thought I would turn out to be “The Estate Lady.” I would have been perfectly content with a career dealing with animals, being a marine biologist, or something more carefree than dealing with heirs and heirlooms each and every day. The more I think about it, the more clearly I see that it was no accident!
It is better to clear out the clutter now so you can feel better about it and not worry. Believe me, your loved ones will really appreciate it one day. JUST DO IT!