Cleaning out Our Parents' House

Our parents moved to an assisted living facility Jan 1st of this year and they love it. But now their old farm house needs to be cleaned out. It use to be my grandparents home. They bought it in 1926 and there are items there that they bought such as a dining room set back in the 1930's. Just today I found a mirror in the one attic that goes with that dining room set buffet.

My question is how many of you have gone thru cleaning out your parents' homes and what did you do? Have an auction or take it to an auction or sell it online?

I have 2 brothers and 1 sister and we were all allowed to take whatever we wanted mom and dad said plus the 7 grandchildren could take what they wanted. Now that we all have taken what we want we need to get rid of the rest. Lots on nick-nack items that aren't worth much and everyday dishes. Not much furniture to speak of that's worth anything except that dining room set.

Here is a picture of the buffet that matches the table. I don't have a picture of the mirror or the table yet.

I went through this 12 years ago when my Mother died. She was living in the 4 bedroom house my parents bought in 1954. They had also taken over some of my Grandparents furniture & possessions when they died in the 1960's. So the house was full.

as an only child I was left with the "task" of clearing and disposing of a LOT of nice stuff. I knew it all having grown up surrounded by it - some very hard decissions on what to keep myself and what to sell.

A local auctioneer was recomended who came and took away van load, gave me a receipt and said he would send me a cheque for the amount sold less commission. When the cheque arrived 2 months later, I was mortified at the low prices the stuff sold for and the huge price he charged for the haulage to his auction room!!!

A few months later in an antiques centre I saw some of my Mothers things on sale at very high prices. Asked the person in charge if the seller would take an offer - he phoned the seller who came a few minutes later. He was the auctioneer who'd sold it. The SWINE had knocked the items down to himself at rock bottom prices to sell privately!!!

Chose your auctioneer with care!

Its a very hard decission for you to decide what to sell and what to keep. Don't rush into decissions you will regret later on. I kept some nice valuable pieces and some low value pieces which had happy memories for me when I was growing up.

Good luck

Recently a local household auctioneer set his wife up selling antiques in the store next to his office.

I think I would not hire that auctioneer to do my sale.

People really are that gullible so as to to hire him still! Can't believe it.

My aunt sold out her house with a good auctioneer. We did a lot of the work. It ended up the auctioneer and my aunt each got about 50-50.
That seemed fair for what it was, it takes a lot of advertising, and the auctioneer is exposed to bad checks etc, they do work for their
commission I'm not picking on just auctioneers here.

paul

We had an auction for our parents household a week ago today. Everything went dirt cheap. The auctioneer took half of the proceeds for hauling, commission, and building rental. If you have family members to give the stuff to you'd be better off.

We just went through with Mom. Rather my sisters went through it because I learned long ago the only way I am going to get along with them is to keep out of things and keep my mouth shut.

What they did was advertise and have a big yard sale, over several weekends. Most of the good stuff got sold that way, and they made a decent amount of money on it so I was told.

What was left got taken to an auction house. I don't know what kind of deal they had worked there, but I do know they went to the auction to insure things got done properly.

Beyond that, try calling various antique shops and places like that. I'd guess most would want to have some nice items for their shops. Knowing they were selling the items as antiques rather than simply auctioning them off to get rid of them, they can ask a better price on their end, and should give a better price on your end to get the items.

Good luck.

When my dad died my brother was executor and chose the 1 auctioneer I asked him not to use. (Out of Saline, MI) and the auction was set for a weekday, and I asked "Why not on a weekend?". I was told by my brother "They do not do weekend auctions". Needless to say it poured rain the day of the auction and they had to rush off to get ready for a couple of weekend auctions.

I have handled several estates over the years. Some things I learned.

1) If you do not have a lot of valuable stuff then DO NOT HAVE an auction. Normal everyday household stuff does not sell well at an auction. Guns and equipment will draw a large enough crowd to have an auction.

2) IF you just have a few good pieces and a whole bunch of "common" everyday stuff then just yard sale the common stuff and advertise the good pieces. This way you can control what you get for stuff. When you get down to the stuff that does not sell just call Good will and give them what is left or rent a dumpster.

3) If you do not have much at all them have the entire lot bid on by estate clearing people. Then just get them to bid on the whole lot. There are several guys around here who do that. When they are done you just have to clean up and sell/rent the home. You have a contract with them that requires them to clean everything out.

As some others have said, an auction can be a good or bad experience but a lot of variables. Years ago we had an auction at a local reputable auction house. Seemed to be perfect, however auctioneer was getting 20 percent of proceeds (vs. 10 for one held at site). Scheduled it for early December, which should have been fine, except for the fact it snowed the day before, then temps went below zero, which had a huge impact on turnout. Many items that should have sold well went very cheap. It turned out to be a disaster, literally giving many away. Those that came came out with bargains, and I took several items home that did not sell. If you have an auction just realize that many factors come into play, and it is a gamble. I agree with selling items and have a garage or yard sale if you can, then you are in control. With an auction, you are not in control, the weather, and auctioneer is.

I wouldn't brush off the nick-nacks so quick.My wife did home health care.One lady died and they sold off her nick-nacks to some collectors.Most not worth much. But one 8 piece dinner ware set. Sold for twenty thousand dollars.

JDS- I had an antiques business for years, been to countless 'Estate' sales, auctions, etc.

You are describing EXACTLY what to do!

I can't count the number of "heirs" I have met that think "because it belonged to my parents/grandparents it must be an antique and must be valuable".

The best one I came across was a "Antique digital clock/radio with flip type numbers". The list goes on...

You are correct. I don't come across many Estate sales where the house is full of Quality antiques. I've seen some, but not often. It's usually a piece or two that has been handed down for generations and in 'really' great shape. Nothing like coming across a original Hoosier cabinet w/complete flour sifter and spice bottles. But the finish isn't right or it has been painted and stripped and refinished, rendering it worth a whole lot less.

Sorry, got off on a tangent... Anyway, a lot of people think they have this great inheritance that should bring a lot of money. Usually, that is not the case and most of the proceeds go to the auctioneer. I have seen many owners walk away, very disappointed after the auction.

For instance( and I am not trying to down the posters picture of the buffet) but, I can buy Walnut or mahogany Dining Room sets with China cabinet w/ beveled glass doors, table w/2 captains chairs and 6 side chairs and two to four leafs and buffet w/beveled glass mirror for $300 to $600 from that era.

For example: The church pew posted in Jerry S response to you in another thread, that's another story. From what I see, it's all original and has not been refinished. That is a nice piece.

Also, the Double wedding ring quilt. Was it hand sewn or machine sewn? If hand sewn, it could bring quite a few dollars. If it is in great shape. But these two very collectible pieces hold a sentimental value, as do all items in each persons possession that was handed down to them from their family.

Just like tractors...someone has an old Ford N that is not running, rusted out and worn out rubber does not make it a $4,000 tractor because you Granddad bought it new.

Sorry to go on so long, I get to talking about antiques and I find it hard to just shut up.

Thanks for listening.

When my mother passed away, we had an auction. But-we knew the auctioneer from having had other auctions with him so we knew he'd treat us fair. And I took the opportunity to get rid of a bunch of my own stuff that had piled up.

We, (my wife, my sister, and I), had many a laugh cleaning out Mom's house. She was a packrat. Among other things, we found six year old church bulletins on the coffee table in the living room.

When my Dad died about 3 years ago, The family took a few things. I boxed all of the papers to go through later and had a buyer come in and take the rest. He paid a fair price and when he took everything left and even swept the floors on his way out.

I don't have that problem. My brother never married, and never left home. When Dad and Mom died he got the house side I got the barn side. I still think I got the better deal. Stan

An auctioneer friend of my dad's told dad he didn't make much if any money on household sales. This was back in the day before auction houses.

You have to drag me kicking and screaming to a household auction, but a year ago Marilyn and I went to one to hopefully buy a lift chair for my dad. It was in an old gymnasium turned into an auction house and the possessions of two estates was sold off with each estate in a separate half of the gymnasium. Anyway, we got the chair for real cheap but right after the chair was a yellow flowered couch in new shape, just a little wild color wise. He couldn't get a bid so he threw an end table in with it, still no bid so I offered him five bucks and it was mine. Next was a nice over stuffed orange colored chair. No bids so he threw in a small chest with it and I got that for five bucks. The auctioneer and I have known each other for quite a few years so a couple of items down the line when he couldn't get a bit he yelled out 'WHERE'S JIM' but I was done. Marilyn and I stayed around to watch the china and glassware sell and it brought very little. All the time I was thinking this auction house is losing money on this sale. There were two auctioneers, two helpers and a clerk to support and they don't make much money when a good couch goes for two and a half bucks.

I donated the couch and chair and end table to a thrift store run by a local church in a town. This town is populated with a lot of immigrants that like wild colors. The couch and chair sold before they got them moved out to the show floor. They probably made $35 to $50 apiece on them.

Just got through emptying out my moms house. My childhood home, 60+ years of "our" stuff. My mom was a bit of a hoarder, but still had some nice stuff. Dated, but still quality furnishings. I had to handle the whole thing, mom is staying with us now, she would get too emotional to see her stuff going away, so it was up to my wife and me to get it done.

I started out sorting the trash... Made many a truck full to the dumpster at work. Made a coupe trips a week so not to overwhelm the dumpster.

Then borrowed as many tables from church that I could fit in the house and garage, put everything on display, priced as much as I had time. Priced it all a little high, knowing they would want to come down.

I ran adds on Craigs List, made some large, readable from a distance signs, put them where they would get noticed but not on anyones property without permission.

Had the first sale starting on Thursday morning. Lots of dealers came most wanted to pay little. Caved to some, but told most it would be that price Saturday if it was still there. Ran the sale till Saturday evening. Had a good bit left, but probably sold 75%. Had a lot of family come by, neighbors... They got free stuff or nearly free.

Moved the sale to my house, didn't do too well. The rest went to Goodwill and to the curb.

My goal wasn't to make money, just find a good home for it all. Glad it's over! It was an exhausting ordeal!

Hey John, I would like you to email me, I live in Manchester and would like your opinion of the auctioneers in the area. Thanks MTP...

Mike, gotta open your email up..

Fortunately, Mom and Dad did not have a lot of stuff as they had sold the little farm some years before and bought two acres with a singlewide on it. Prior to moving from the farm, they sold a lot of the furniture in the house without telling me, several pieces of which I dearly wanted. I only have one sister and we have always got along well, so when it came time to divide things, there was no argument, even though I let her have some things that I really wanted.
One word of advice, though,to those who find themselves in this situation. When sorting through furniture, clothing, or whatever, BE SURE AND LOOK EVERYWHERE! Check pockets on clothing, check inside books, old wallets and handbags. People tend to hide valuables in all kinds of places. My wife was at an auction one time, and someone bought one of those "dollar boxes" that had a handbag or two in it. When they opened it, one of the handbags had about two hundred dollars in it! A few years ago, I bid off a box of mixed stuff which had an old case for eyeglasses in it, when I opened it, there were five brand new, with consecutive numbers, twenty dollar bills! After we divided Mom and Dad's stuff, I was going through a box one night and picked up a plastic bag with some papers in it, amongst the papers was a twenty dollar bill. So, be sure and look before you sell or give anything away, or you may "shortchange" yourself.

My mother died last fall and left my brother and I the house and contents. My brother didn't want any of it so he left it to me to deal with. The only thing I could do is rent a big truck and box all of her stuff up and move it to my house. Much of it went to a warehouse I have for my business but we moved as much of it as we could into our house. Fortunately my mother put little notes in most of the heirlooms who the items originally belong to. I hate it we had to sell the house. My mothers parents bought the house in 1905 and my mother was born in that house and she eventually bought the house. My brother had his own house couldn't use it and I live 600 miles from there.

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Here is how we handled my parents estate a month ago.

We talked with a local fellow been in the business his whole life. HE is booked solid for two months ahead all the time and has a huge following of buyers. He also owns a very large antique mall and knows the prices of everything. He told us how he used to do estate auctions but now only does estate sales because they bring in much more money. Everything and I mean everything is priced individually at his sales so there is no box loads of items lumped together that brings a dollar or two like auctions.

First naturally we took out of the house all personal papers and items us family members wanted and brought in household items we wanted sold.

Then this guy and his crew started in a week in advance. He brought in many plastic long tables and those plastic stack able shelves. My parents had a full size basement completely finished. All rooms were layed out as lived in with items displayed. When all items were layed out he went through and priced everything himself.

This is how his sales are run. He advertises in all local newspapers and seller papers. Also on the net at Estate sales dot com with many pictures.


His sales start on Thursday morning at 9:00. Early arrivers are given a number in order of arrival. At first he lets a few in at a time to control the crowd.

NO negotiating prices at his sales.
Thursday 9:00 till 6:00. Full price.
Friday 9:00 till 6:00 25% off.
Saturday 9:00 till 3:00 50% off. After 3:00 on Saturday he has three guys that follow his sales and they give him a sealed bid on what is remaining and winning bid must remove every item. By Saturday 5:00 not a thing in the house nothing and reasonable clean.

Also his crew carefully carries out all large items so no damage to the house. And keeps reshuffling items around in rooms as things are sold. The key to it is do you buy that day or hope it is there the next day 25% off. Most bought first day they saw a item but I did hear a few darn it why didn't I buy yesterday!

All of this was done for 33% plus advertising and 3% if they used a charge card.
At first I thought that was a lot for his share, one third. But after all was done I found this to be a bargain.

I have gone thru auctions 3 times in the past 35 years, one time family took about everything from wifes grandparent. One was my grandparents, next 2 were my and my wifes parents. Always hard. So I cannot tell you what to do on that. What I will tell you is if auction at home, most are, or garage sale keep all appliances working so buyer can tell they are good. Same for TV, keep them hooked up and playing so they can see what they are like. If can see they are working they will sell for what they are worth but if unhooked unless buyers know things from earlier they will be considered non working by most and be bid on according. For my parents I had the TV just repaired (25 year ago) auctioneer would not let it be hooked up as I wanted but put it outside with other odds and ends, did not get repair bill out of it, if he would have just let it have been hooked up in the kitchen where it was used and playing it would have sold decently but set out like that buyers even tho told it had just been in repair shop thought it was junk. Even hand mixers or hair driers have a place they can be plugged in and tried by the lookers before being sold. Some auction houses will have so you can see things in operation and others will not and you will see it on what things bring. Also keep like items together. Just a couple of weeks ago owners set things up and had it so one item may have been a tool, next bedding, then glassware, then a piece of junk and bidders could not even see what was being sold. The way things were set up they lost a lot of money, trying to keep everything inside because of bad weather, if they had rented a large tent for things even with the rental costs and set out properly they would have made a lot more money. If the auctioneers do have to move things off property to sell they rent a fairgrounds building.

John, where are you located?

Sorry for your loss
Jeff

When my folks passed we sold what we could and either kept or gave away to someone that had an eye for the item - Not an easy or pleasant task, for sure.

if family members are happy with all that they have gotten from the home and are in no real financial crisis. Contact some local antique dealers in your neighborhood. You may find a dealer that will walk through and give you a dollar amount for all that is there. They may try to take the cream and leave the sour so beware. I would say it is all or nothing to them for one money then a time limit to get it removed. Make sure if there are things left in the home that are to go somewhere other than the dealer that it is well marked and discussed with them prior or they may try to grab that too. I make it sound bad but I have heard of many that have had great experiences with this. Trouble with auction is you have to pay the auctioneer. Yard sales are great but you have to baby sit. In our area there are estate sales put on by a one man company. He comes in no emotional attachment, prices things and sells what can be sold and then handles any leftovers in a predetermined manner. He does this for a fee or percentage that is token like compared to an auctioneer. Good luck! Don't forget cousins and such that may want a token knick knack from the parents.

When my grandfather passed many years ago, his children and their kids (my cousins) descended like a swarm of locust on the house and contents. My aunt, his only daughter, called us crying that they had snatched a bunch of stuff already and if we wanted something of his we needed to get up there right away (2 hr. drive). She didn't have the nerve to tell them to stop or bring it back. She did grab some stuff and put it aside for us. We were in the antiques biz at the time and appreciated what she saved, most of it we still have. When we got there the cousins were having a yard sale and my aunt being the executor at last stood up to them and told us to take anything else we wanted. Found a few things but the stuff I remember that belonged to my father was gone already. (as kids we stayed in his room in the house and all his old stuff was still there in the big walk in closet). All of Grandpa's tools, tool boxes, jacks, test equipment, etc. was all grabbed up by the greedy cousins and their dad. He had a cool bar room in a separate room attached to the house that had some neat old beer advertising and mounted heads and fish, all gone. Of course any liquor and beer disappeared. They took his cars too, a couple of big Buicks, one fairly new at the time, with almost no miles on it. My family was in Florida living and had no desire for anything in the house so got no backing from them. Very disappointed in that side of the family, the true colors sure came out.