FIND THE RESOURCES
To make your sale a success!
10 Essential Steps to Prepare for Your Estate Sale
Expert Guidance from Blue Raven Estate Sales
Preparing for an estate sale doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Blue Raven Estate Sales, we've helped countless families navigate this transition successfully. Here's our expert guide to ensure your estate sale runs smoothly and profitably.
1
Choose the Right Company
Finding the perfect estate sale company makes all the difference. We recommend:
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Meeting with at least three different companies
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Asking about their experience and approach
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Checking their references and reviews
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Attending their current sales to see their methods firsthand​
3
Prepare Your Property
A successful sale requires an empty house:
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Relocate all residents before the sale process begins
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Maintain utilities and basic services
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Keep your homeowner's insurance active
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Ensure the property is accessible and secure​
5
Stop the Sorting
Many clients want to "help" by pre-sorting, but this can actually reduce your sale's value. Don't:
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Throw anything away
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Donate items
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Pre-sort into "valuable" and "junk" piles
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Remove items after the initial walk-through
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Instead, let our experts:
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Evaluate everything professionally
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Identify valuable items you might overlook
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Handle sorting and organization
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Set aside personal documents safely
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7
Gather Important Information
Help us maximize your sale's success by collecting:
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User manuals for valuable items
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Original receipts or certificates of authenticity
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Information about antiques or collectibles
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Details about any valuable collections
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9
Provide Proper Access
Ensure smooth operations by:
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Making keys available for your realtor and our team
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Informing us about security systems
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Noting any surveillance cameras
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Allowing us to use our secure lockbox system
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2
​Get Your Timing Right
Before scheduling your sale:
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Contact estate sale companies early - good ones book months in advance
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Plan around any real estate transactions
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Consider seasonal factors (spring and fall are typically best)
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Allow enough time for thorough preparation
4
Handle Family Items First
Before we begin our work:
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Hold a family meeting to discuss valuable or sentimental items
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Distribute inherited pieces to family members
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Document any items that must stay with the house
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Remove all personal documents and photographs
6
Streamline Communication
Designate one family member to:
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Serve as the primary contact
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Make necessary decisions
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Share information with other family members
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Sign required documents
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Handle any concerns during the process
8
Know Your Restrictions
Make sure to research and inform us about:​
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Homeowner association (HOA) rules
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Local ordinances affecting sales
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Deed restrictions
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Any pending legal actions
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Existing liens on the property
10
Review and Sign
Before finalizing arrangements:
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Read the contract thoroughly
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List items that must remain with the house
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Confirm sale dates
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Return signed paperwork promptly to secure your dates
Expert Tip: Visit Our Sales
One of the best ways to understand our process is to attend one of our current sales . You'll see:
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Professional staging techniques in action
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How we display and price items
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Our security measures
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Our customer service approach
Why Choose Blue Raven Estate Sales?
Our white-glove service includes:
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Expert evaluation of your items
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Professional staging and display
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Secure sales process
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Maximum value for your belongings
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Clear communication throughout
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Thorough clean-up after the sale
Remember, a successful estate sale requires careful planning and professional execution. By following these steps and working with our experienced team, you'll be well-prepared for a profitable and stress-free estate sale experience.
