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52 ASK THE EXPERT

to auction houses that specialize in things Craigslist, Etsy, Ebay, Krrb, and Chairish
like fine art or a particular style of furniture. are just a few. When dealing with strangers
These auction houses will only handle coming to your home, be mindful of your
select goods, not entire households. safety.
Antique Stores Garage Sales
If you have time to speak with antique Sounds like the perfect solution, right? If
stores they may offer to buy select items you’re well organized, have lots of help,
from your estate. As so much of our and like haggling, this might be for you!
population is downsizing, antique dealers The reality of a yard sale is that they’re a
get lots of requests so they may ask you to lot of work and time intensive. You also
send them pictures before making an ap- have to deal with what doesn’t sell. We’ve
pointment to come to your home. Make seen several situations where younger
sure you fully understand how the dealer family members assist with or manage the
calculates what you receive from the sale sale for a stake in the proceeds … young
of your item(s). people can be very entrepreneurial.
Consignment Stores Donations/Gifts
As with antique stores, consignment What a wonderful way to accomplish your
stores, too, are filling up. They will also ask goal and benefit many others. Donating
for photos before accepting goods. Con- items in good condition to your favorite
signment stores may be perfect for you charity is tax deductible but will require re-
if you are just beginning your downsize ceipts, etc. for itemizing over $500. Check
and are looking to sell select items. These out this IRS approved list by the Salvation
stores split sales with you, usually 50/50, Army for valuations, https://satruck.org/
but may change the longer they have the Home/DonationValueGuide. You may be a
item. Ask them about their policies and bit surprised how much your donations are
what happens if your items don’t sell. worth versus garage sale prices.
Online Selling Staying informed will help you feel in con-
Computer savvy folks with lots of time may trol and confident in the decisions you’re
decide to sell their own items online. It’s making. Keep seeking out articles and
a great way to do it yourself and there are information like this so you have all the
many websites that are available: tools to decide what’s right for YOU!