Despite the fancy title, estate liquidators can do a lot more than auction off expensive heirlooms. Whether your parents are moving to a retirement community or just downsizing to make independent living more manageable, a good estate liquidator can help them find a new home for all kinds of excess belongings -- and make some money to help finance their new life in the process. These questions will help you hire the right one.

Are you bonded and insured?

This should be a given for any legitimate liquidator.

How long have you been in business?

Estate liquidators sell belongings in all kinds of venues, but many rely on a personal client list for the bulk of their sales. Someone who's been in business for at least several years is more likely to have a loyal clientele who will want to see what she's got to offer.

How do you advertise and who comprises your customer base?

A proprietary e-mail list that numbers in the hundreds -- at least -- is what you're looking for, says Kathy Pimpan of Total Estate Liquidation. Other means of advertising to ask about include flyers, newspaper ads, a website, and faxes to repeat customers.

What methods will you use to sell my parents' belongings?

Sunday "open house" estate sales are only the beginning these days, says Pimpan, who also uses auction house placement, eBay listings, and consignments. If your parents don't want strangers tromping through their house and going through their belongings -- or the process of selling their things is too emotionally loaded for them -- try finding a liquidator who will do "outright buys," suggests Pimpan -- offering your parents a lump sum for their belongings and then selling them later, without needing your parents' involvement.