Benefits of Auctions – Handle Your Property and Estate Wisely

Some families will choose auctions as a way to handle the property and estates of their loved ones. These events can be used to sell valuables and art collections of all sorts. There are auctioneers and estate sale companies around the country that organize these auctions. They help sellers advertise their events, as well as, showcase items to be sold.

You may choose to sell valuables, property and machinery at auctions. Your items will be reviewed for value and priced to sell for a profit. Those who own shops or stores often like to participate in auctions. This is a way to secure items that can be resold. Sellers ultimately benefit from these auctions because they can sell wisely. These events are professionally done and can result in very successful sales. Here are some of the additional benefits of property auctions:

More Bidders

According to Home Guides, property auctions are useful vehicles for selling estate items and residences. There are more bidders in one location taking interest in what is being sold. Estates tend to include a variety of different things. Some will have vehicles and machinery items. Bidders will be able to place their best offer based upon the state of the items being sold. Buyers of residential properties must have financing guidelines in order before bidding. This may also be necessary for car and vehicle purchases.

Less Advertising

When you sell your property in a traditional way, advertising is essential. You will need a list of materials to announce the sale of items. Posters, flyers and even brochures can fit into this category. The internet is another tool that is used for estate sales and yard sales. Auctions offer you another way to sell valuables without the cost of extra advertising. Auctioneers generally do the advertising required for these events.

Firm Selling Date

Auctions have a firm date and time. Interested bidders understand that they must be present in order to bid on items. When you sell personal property in another way, there is no guarantee when things will be sold. Auctions offer sellers confidence when it comes to making profits on valuables. Buyers benefit from these events, as well. They will know right away if their bids have won and been accepted.  Companies that offer both auctions and estate sale services to their clients maximize the value for the homeowner.

Sellers plan auctions when they are relocating to different areas. This may require selling residences, commercial properties and other things. Auctions give you an alternative when it comes to wisely handling important items. They also benefit you by providing funds immediately after the event takes place. In order to get the best value, discuss your goals with a local estate industry professional to guide you with your plans.

3 tips on turning an antique estate find into a modern one

Estate sales are wonderful events to find antique furnishings. You can discover a variety of pieces to decorate your home or office. These are sometimes items that have been stored for many decades. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for artwork, furniture or accessories. These events offer you a chance to find a rare and unique item. With a little love and care, you can take any antique find and modernize it a bit.

There are ways to update the appearance of antique items without taking the charm out of the piece. Many of these techniques can be done on your own without much cost. Once you learn how to modernize a piece, you will want to do it again. This is a really green way to recycle something that is already made. At the same time you can decorate virtually any living space and make it special.

1 – Upholster Furnishings

The upholstery of most antique furnishings is not only dated. They are typically not in good shape or functional. You can take a chair, sofa or ottoman and make it modern with new upholstery. This is a more complex way to change the appearance of the piece. Replacing cushions and fabric is the most of this project. You may also want to add metal details that are shiner and display a designer appearance.

2 – Paint Antique Pieces

Antique tables, dressers, bookcases and other pieces are still quite functional in many cases. They simply need a bit of a face lift. Adding a new coat of paint can completely change the look of the piece. You may want to find a brighter color or shade for certain items. The staining process for wooden pieces is another consideration for making an appearance change.

3 – Add New Hardware

Sometimes all an antique piece needs is new hardware. The knobs, handles and details of the piece could be rusted depending on its age. Removing the existing hardware and adding modern details is a good way to bring the piece forward. Wardrobes and desks are two other pieces that can be transformed with these decorative tips.

The tips that you use to make an antique piece contemporary are often simple. Paint, varnish, fabric and other items can be purchased from craft stores. Once your piece is finished it will still hold the charm of an antique but with new accents.

Re-purposing Antique Finds – Unique Home Décor Ideas

Estate Sales are some of the best events to attend for finding antiques. It is possible to find a host of décor pieces at these events. In many instances, even family members are surprise by what’s found in estate possessions. There are sometimes valuable finds like jewelry, furs and works of art. For those with keen eyes, a simple piece can be turned into a great accent.

Re-purposing antiques can be a complex process. This depends on the find itself, its age and condition. Pieces made out of wood may have bits of its original paint or coloring. Removing this could take a bit of time. With the right sanding, staining and painting materials you can create something very special. Re-purposing may involve dealing with dents, rust and re-sizing. In the end, you will be able to utilize a variety of antiques that are unique and original.

Doors into Tables

Wooden doors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This will depend on the type of home that these antiques were built into. Uniquely shaped doors make wonderful tables. You can use these as nook dining areas or full kitchen tables. Shaping and sanding activities will be needed in order to get the best out of the wood. You can add a bit of color through paint or staining materials.

Chicken Nest into Wall Hanging

Chicken nest boxes were staples in many homes a hundred years ago. These were items generally found in barns or areas where chicken nested. These pieces were wooden and had a number of sections. Re-purposing these nests will require working with the wood. You may even have to nail or secure the piece. It can then be used as a wall hanging for collectibles or treasures.

Wagon Wheel into Garden Sectional

Wagon wheels are great finds in many seasoned estates. Some of these are used to add to collections and can be quite valuable. You can re-purpose a wagon wheel, however, for many things. A garden sectional is one example of these things. These wheels are perfect for planting a variety of different plants and flowers.

You can use a little creativity to make unique pieces from antique finds. Local Estate sales are often filled with dated items. Many of these can be transformed into accents and furnishings. This gives any collector the opportunity to appreciate their finds. Re-purposing respects the old and embraces the new.  Visit for more repurposed furniture ideas.

Valuable Jewelry Purchases – Surprise Estate Treasures

There are any numbers of estate sales going on every week throughout America. These estates can be various sizes and include diverse items. Small estates, as well as, larger ones are great events for collectors to attend. This is especially true if you have an eye for valuable jewelry. Some people attend these sales because they are looking for a specific item to complete a set. Others go to estate sales to find hidden treasures.

It is possible to find sales that are hosted and publicized extensively. These don’t always occur on the estate property itself. Valuable items and collections are moved to a specific location for the sale. The internet has become an important tool in this area. Showcased items for sale can be viewed beforehand. You could possible find an exceptions work of art, sculpture or piece of jewelry. Here are some great jewelry valuables that were located at estate sales:

Vintage Floral Pin

Pins are some of the greatest classic pieces of jewelry. They are versatile and can be worn with many ensembles. A vintage floral pin with diamond set in platinum was purchased at an estate sale. This great piece went for over $3,000. It was made in 1970 and still displayed a fantastic appearance.

David Yurman Pendant

“Finding jewelry associated with a great name is a nice find at any estate sale” says Simone Kelly of Grasons Co. the #1 rated Orange County estate sale company. A David Yurman Pendant was purchased at one of these events. This 18 karat gold piece included a central rose quartz. It sold for $1,796, which was 25% less than the original asking price.

Diamond Cluster Ring

Any piece that includes diamonds is a valuable piece. A diamond cluster ring with a unique floral design was among the jewelry at one estate sale. This 14 karat ring had a two-tone gold display. It was a 1980 vintage ring that sold for $221.

Mathey-Tissot Watch

An antique Mathey-Tissot Watch was discovered at a recent estate sale. This watch dated back to 1950 and displayed an elegant design. It was made from white gold and had brilliant diamond settings. The watch sold for over $1,700.

Estate sales are very beneficial to the family. They help them in many cases to get closure at the loss of a loved one. At the same time, they have the opportunity to share treasured possessions with the world. Those attending these events can purchase jewelry and other items. Some collectors even go on to resale the jewelry that they purchase at these events.  Either way, if you see a local estate sale, you might want to stop in and check it out, it’s well worth the time.

Orange County’s Grasons Co shares interesting Estate finds that actually sold

There are many people who enjoy embarking on a tour of yard sales. These individuals have been able to find great items that may have been missed otherwise. Estate Sales are a whole new world to people who are interested in peculiar finds. It doesn’t matter whether you are a current collector or hope to become one. These sales are wonderful events for finding diverse pieces.

You can find items to decorate your home or to resale. Today’s estate sales are modern ways to not only get rid of unwanted furnishings. They offer those with a good eye to find diamonds in the rough. In fact, jewelry isn’t a farfetched wish at some of these estate sales. Companies hosting these sales showcase many exclusive items. It is possible to find a host of peculiar items at the average estate sale. These are often valuable finds or those that are extremely sentimental. Let’s take a look at some of the peculiar finds that actually sold at estate sales.

A Maison Coffee Table with Paint Couture

This unique coffee table design sold for $225. It was a colorful piece that had a paint couture detail. There are a number of ways to go use this type of piece. It can be repurposed as an end table or night stand. Those who enjoy wood work this type of table can be refinished and painted a new color. It can take on any color scheme that you want. This fun find is a collector’s dream.

An 1800’s Wardrobe with Italian Ivory

Dated pieces are extremely exciting finds at estate sales. This wardrobe piece sold for $475. It is a true antique that could possible bring a higher value from a collector. This is a great wardrobe that can be used in any bedroom setting. The Italian Ivory was joined by metallic accents that added charm to the piece.

A Nippon Grape Design Antique Vase

This vase sold for $150 but held a lot of character in its colorfulness. This antique style vase was decorated with a traditional grape detail. Such details usually represented an idea of bounty. They were used in kitchen spaces or placed on dining tables. This could also be a nice piece for a collector or floral enthusiast.

Estate sales offer you the opportunity to see rare items that could be decades old. Antique finds along with interior décor pieces are fine items for remodeling living spaces. Some of the finds at these sales are unique and surprising. Attending an estate sale is definitely a good way to find the peculiar charming piece.

One of the leading Orange County Estate Sale companies, Grasons Co. has revolutionized the estate sale industry by combining expertise, appraisers, marketing and various other methods that ultimately help buyers find amazing rare pieces and sellers to get the most for their valuable items.

How to properly prepare for an estate sale

Estate sales can be difficult and emotional occasions to prepare for. Depending on the size of an estate this process can be even more challenging. There are things to consider when it comes to preparing for such an event. This is why having assistance is very important. The details of this type of sale will factor in the items being sold. At the same time, it is necessary to find an appropriate location for selling estate items.

Some estates include large pieces of furniture and artwork. This may mean that you hire a moving company to assist you in preparations. Fortunately for many families there are professional estate sale companies that provide help for estate sales. They help you with organizing items and belongings. They are also available to host these events. This is a good way to get the most for valuable pieces. It can take the hassle out of planning and preparing for such an event.

Organize Estate Items

You estate items are not going to fit into just one category. This is why organizing them is essential when it comes to a sale. The organization process simply mean finding out what you have. Clothing, jewelry and flatware are items found inside a home. Some estates will have large items outside like machinery. Putting these things in one general location is helpful.

Separate in Categories

Once you know what is actually in your estate, you can start to separate them. Coats, shoes, rings, appliances are just a few categories to consider. This process is important for small and large estate sales. If your sale is being hosted at a consignment warehouse, separate categories will make things more efficient for selling items.

Value the Estate

There are a number of different ways that you can value the items in your estate. Extremely valuable items will need to be evaluated. Works of art, for instance, must be verified if they are classic pieces. Jewelry is another category where valuing is critical to making a sale. Buyers will want to know that they are getting real items.

Find a Location

A consignment warehouse or facility is a good place to host your estate sale. These locations often have a lot of room for large items to be sold. They are also places that people generally shop for valuables and antiques. The location of your sale can work to make the event a success.

Use the Internet

The internet has become one of the best tools for selling anything. This medium works the same way for estate sales. You can advertise special pieces or items that are being sold. Machinery, cars, furs and other high ticket items fit well in this category. You can also use the internet to advertise the sale to local residents.

It is not easy to manage and hold an estate sale yourself; companies such as Grasons Co. in Orange County, CA excel in bringing the buyers and sellers together.   Rated as the #1 Estate Sale company in Orange County for diversifying and handling each estate sale professionally and to the benefit of both buyers and sellers.  Relying on an experienced estate sale coordinator is the best way to prepare for an estate sale both physically and emotionally.

Consign shopping and how to shop consignment for the best bargains

While consignment shops are always offering fantastic items at amazing prices, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind if you want to get the bargain which is truly best. With time and practice you will become a master at receiving these bargains, which in turn will help to save you money better spent elsewhere. In fact, many people are able to purchase slightly used items at less than half the cost in a normal store would be! Please continue reading for more information on how to get the best bargains when consignment shopping.

First and foremost, you should always be persistent. If you are searching for a particular item or set of items, you must continue searching for them when given an opportunity. You may have just one local consignment shop, or you may have more. If you have more then one, ensure that you are looking in each of them for the item you are searching for. If there is not a particular item you are seeking but you wish to find bargains on a few broad items, you may be slightly less persistent. Either way, keeping an eye on your local consignment shops will help to ensure you get the item or items you are seeing at a good price.

Know what  you are looking at. Many times people come across rare or expensive items, such as mid-century furniture, nick knacks, or collectibles- at superb prices, yet they have no idea what they are looking at. If you plan to become a serious consignment shopper, you must broaden your knowledge of antiques, what items are worth, and what is consider good or bad condition. It would be beneficial for you to do a bit of research, whether online or through reading books. Many items can be bought and sold at a higher price so that you make a pretty profit. All it takes is for you to know what an item is truly worth.

Finally, you should know that many consignment shops will allow you to make a bid on items. Bids may be limited to specific items, or you may be able to bid on all items. If you are unsure, simply ask one of the owners. Please remember to make reasonable bids. Try starting out a little lower then you would like to pay. For example, if an item is priced at $100, you could make an offer of $60 or $65 if you wish to pay $75. Even consignment shops which do  not usually accept bids will sometimes take a slightly lower price on a group of items. For example, if you wish to purchase a large group of items that would normally cost you $500, the consignment shop may be willing to accept $400 or $450 instead. Remember: when in doubt, just ask.

Estate Sales : The hunt in finding things you cannot buy in retail stores

There is nothing more cherished in our modern world than a true antique or a truly unique item. They become ever more difficult to find as people are now throwing away items they think no longer valuable. Unbeknownst to them, however, there are many people who desire those very items they are throwing out! This is why estate sales are so fantastic. You are often able to find those cherished items, truly antique or only moderately so, that you are unable to find in the stores. Unique items, perhaps even one-of-a-kind handcrafted, are also often found at these  tag sales.

Some people may be searching for a specific item, such as a washboard resembling the one their great-grandmother had, or a nick knack like the one their mother had. Others may simply be looking for something that catches their eye. Both types of shoppers can greatly benefit from estate sales, where unique items can be found at competitive prices.

The best thing about going to a local estate sale is not even the fact that you can find those difficult to find items, but that everything you find is cheaper than it would be elsewhere. After all, why should you spend a hundred dollars on something you can find for fifty dollars? Or a thousand dollars on something that, at an estate sale,  you may pay five hundred dollars or less on? All types of items are found at these sales, and all at fantastically low prices.

Perhaps you may even find yourself a true treasure at your next estate sale. One of those items which are not only hard to find, but are also worth a good deal of money. This does not necessarily mean you must purchase something only to sell it, but having items of value is a luxury usually denied those of average, middle-class families…or at least it was. For those who are thrifty enough, willing to bargain, and able to search for great deals, nothing is ever out of reach.

A last note should be given to the fact that vintage items, in general, are much more valuable then contemporary items because they are more durable, meaning that they last longer. The chances are slim that you will find many of the items we have today, say, 200 years in the future. The materials used in modern mass marketing are flimsy, and the mass amount of products produce render them almost invaluable. Those items made 200 years ago were forged from heavier materials, allowing you to hold a piece of history in your hands today. The ability to do this is quite a thrill, and one of the main reasons a majority of antique lovers cherish the items they dig out in estate sales. If you would like to experience the thrill for yourself, the only way to do it is to find an antique of your own, which can be done at an estate sale near you.

Stay connected and find out about upcoming estate sales:

  

What’s an Estate Sale? the practical definition of estate sales

An estate sale may also be known as an estate liquidation. This is a type of sale that might be carried out as a liquidation sale, in order to dispose of a large amount of items. These items were either owned by a person who has recently passed away, or by a person who must get rid of a large amount of personal property in order to move.

When a person passes away, it is very common that the surviving family members do not want or need a vast majority of items. These family members may choose out a few personal items that hold sentimental value to them, but this usually does not include an entire house filled with furniture, antiques, clothing, and basic necessary items. An estate sale is the simple solution to the problem of what to do with all of those items that no one seems to want or need, by allowing it to be bought by those who could make good use of it.

Other examples of why an estate sale may occur includes when the property owner may be making a move where he or she is unable to keep their personal belongings. Examples include moves to assisted living facilities, retirement communities, rest homes, and sometimes even military housing. Occasionally these sales will also occur in the event of a divorce, foreclosure, or relocation where it would be cheaper to buy new items then to carry their old ones with them.

Upcoming Estate Sales

Estate sales also known as tag sales, are carried out by professional estate sale company who usually conduct the sale for a previously agreed upon percentage of the revenues. A professional is more able to carry out the proceedings as it may be difficult for the survivors of a deceased loved one to sell these items, despite deciding upon it. The actual carrying out can be much more emotional than simply deciding to proceed with the sale. If you care to look at it another way, professionals are also better equipped to market a sale as well, and often knows the actual values of items better than an average person. This means that they will be able to charge a correct amount, rather than take a bid far too low or far too high for the desired item.

To prevent a mad dash through the doorway at the beginning of a sale, estate sale patrons are given a number. Only so many people may enter a house at a time, for obvious safety reasons as well as to give others a chance to look, and so people must wait until their number is called. Depending upon the size of both the house and the sale, somewhere between ten and twenty people will be allowed inside at a time. If a persons number is not called on the first day, they will often come back on the second day to be one of the first people entering. This process is both fair and safe, allowing everyone to get their proper turn.

Do’s and Don’t When Shopping at an Estate Sale

Although some people compare estate sales to yard sales, the two are actually fairly different. Estate sales typically take place when a household is moving unexpectedly or when a person has passed away. Some sales are organized by individuals of the household, while others are managed by a professional estate sale company. Estate sales tend be bigger than yard sales, with a wider variety of items. As items tend to be appraised for estate sales, starting prices also tend to be higher at estate sales than at typical yard sales due to the value of the items but much less than retail.

Still, when people look carefully enough, they find great bargains for unique items at estate sales. In order to get the best deals, here are some fundamental tips to get the most out of estate sales:

• Do be an early bird, and get to the estate sales when it starts in order to look through the best and widest selection of merchandise. As in most types of sales, the best items tend to go earlier. However, for more expensive items, customers will have a better chance of negotiating the price of an item down on the last day of the estate sales.
• Don’t bring a big tote back with you, as many estate sales will not allow you to enter into the estate sale with a bigger purse.
• Do expect to wait in a line, even if you get to the sale early. As most estate sales take place in a home, only a limited number of people will be allowed inside at a given time. Be patient, as you’ll eventually get your turn.
• Don’t try to negotiate the price of an item during the first day of the estate sale, especially if the estate sale is being professionally managed. Estate sale companies lock items to a fixed price, but with each successive day, a certain percentage will be taken off of the original tag price. This is why the best bargains from estate sales are during the last day of the sale.
• When purchasing larger items, such as furniture, do ask about pick-up policies, as you can usually pick up larger pieces later on during the day or the next day.  A few companies such as Grasons Co. provides delivery service, it’s one of the reasons they are rated as the #1 estate sale company in Orange County CA
• Don’t expect for the estate sales organizers to help you load up your purchases, such as furniture items, as they will be busy working the sale. If you plant to purchase larger items, do ask someone to come with you in order to help load the item.
• Do ask if there are any other sales items in more “hidden” places of the house, such as the basement, garage, attic or backyard. Many if not most estate sales will include items in these areas, and great finds can be made in old boxes stored in the attic or basement.  Although, a true professional company, would bring all these items out for easy viewing.
• Although it may seem initially uncomfortable, don’t be uneasy about searching through the entire house, if the entire household is being liquidated. This means checking closets, bathrooms and bedrooms is a good idea.

Now that you’ve learned some tips about shopping estate sales, go ahead and check out an upcoming local estate sale in your area, but if you’re in the Orange County area, you wouldn’t want to miss one of Grasons Co. upcoming estate sales.  buyers and followers brag for weeks about their events.