Is there a service that...

I live in phoenix And i know that estate sales may help i see them all the time . It was a lady who went in and sold the stuff but they may do what you want. Maybe google it in your state,

michelle

Yes there are. Might also check in the Yellow Pages under "Appraisers" or maybe "Estate". You should interview more than one and ask for any certifications to price expertise, if they will be appraising any jewelry, fine art, etc.

There are several types of companies and services available to assist you with your parents personal property. The key points you need to consider are: (1) what is their experience and knowledge base to provide these services, (2) what is the net cost to you, including the question of obtaining honest, expert estimate as to the value of items, (3) how involved do you wish to be in the process, and(4)which are you priorities - quick liquidation and/or maximizing value to the estate. As with all services providers, make sure they are able to use all options for the sale of the items and that they are truly looking out for YOUR interest not theirs. Many of these companies or service providers are small or individuals, some are great with a lot of experience, others not.

Additionally, if you are looking for assistance with the handling of the estate financial, please make sure the provider has extensive experience and hold legal fiduciary responsibility to the estate.

You may want to check out the National Association of Senior Move Managers. They help people go through everything carefully so that what is important is saved. They understand the value that objects may have even if they appear valueless. www.nassm.org -- there are 500 of these people across the US. --Beth Sanders, www.lifebio.com

YES THERE ARE SUCH COMPANIES THAT OFFER THAT SERVICE DEPENDING ON YOUR CITY AND STATE. I'M IN OHIO AND HAVE AN ARTICLE ABOUT SUCH A SERVICE.

I would suggest that you be somewhat careful with just wholesale turning over the keys to your parents' home and having someone go in to categorize everything. You really need to know what is there so there won't be any questions about "where did xyz go?", particularly if the item or items are of some value (as in jewelry, silver flatware, etc.)

If you know that certain things you want from the home are in fact still there as of your parents' passing then I'd say that's good. But if you don't know that something you're expecting to be there is gone as of when the people you choose to do inventory give you a list that could be disconcerting and at that point you'll be unable to really know if what you're looking for was there or if perhaps your parents disposed of it prior to their passing.

I would also look for someone who is bonded and insured just in case there are any issues.

I realize this topic was started several months ago - have you decided how to handle this and if so what has been the result? I know I'll be in the same boat some day and would like to be prepared too. Thanks.