Learn about your antiques and collectibles with Georgia Caraway

site as well as long as the sellers are willing to allow the items to be transported elsewhere.

During The Process

I have been asked several times about when it is better to have an auction for liquidation purposes or an estate (tag) sale Of course, I have attended lots of auctions (some well run and some not) and even participated in preparing for one auction to sell off the residual from an estate sale But my perspective is mostly from the estate sale side of the business and therefore is probably biased in that direction I will give this question a shot and hope that perhaps, one of my auctioneer friends might respond on the other side

A study of most parts of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex revealed that estate sales produce higher sales revenues than an auction I tend to agree with that statement since we don’t have a Sothebys, Christies, or Butterfields here in the metroplex. There are also several variables that can affect a sale including the merchandise being sold, advertising, who is in attendance, and a dozen other factors.

So here are my observations:

• An estate sale can create the same type of “fever” as occurs with an auction Witness the long lines of anxious buyers at a well-publicized sale It can be a bit more frustrating for buyers to stand in line as opposed to sitting for a sale, but you are assured of motivated (can I say “rabid”) buyers if they are willing to show up at 5 a m, or in several cases we observed, sleep all night parked in front of the house

• If the home is too small to accommodate large numbers of buyers, an auction held off site

• Setting a price that is close to the actual value of the items rather than taking a chance on the crowd and their impulses seems to generate higher revenues. You can always reduce prices on the second or third day of the sale But once that hammer is down, the sale is final Auctions tend to mean “bargains” in some buyer’s minds where “estate sale” prepares them to expect higher prices it is a mindset thing

• There are no buyer’s premiums at estate sales For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is the additional percentage that some auctioneer’s tack onto the hammered price to cover their expenses These are not generally passed onto the seller (family) but are used to pay advertising and increase the auctioneer’s yield

• If the quality/quantity of the estate is not high, then an auction might be the best bet Estate sales imply higher quality items. The worst thing is for buyers to expect an estate sale where in truth the merchandise is garage sale quality. This happens when family members take most of the better items and leave things no one else wants. (Don’t get me wrong, I think families should keep heirlooms in their families, so I actually encourage them to take items that have a family heritage) Unfortunately, more and more people are advertising garage sales as estate sales, thinking they can ask for higher prices This only frustrates potential buyers

Each estate liquidation situation is unique If you are trying to decide estate sale vs auction, consult professionals from both types of sale Ask lots of questions, the answer of which is best for your situation will become apparent

The partners at Howe Mercantile offer estate liquidation and appraisal services. If you find yourself in the position of having to liquidate a family member’s possessions or to downsize your own estate, come see if this is a good option for you

Dr Georgia Caraway, former director of the Denton County Museums for 14 years, and her friends opened the Howe Mercantile on April 25 In addition to Tips, Tools, & Techniques: Caring for Your Antiques and Collectibles, she has written four Denton history books and is working on a 5th history about the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo

Personal Assistant needed by Hilton Investment

We are looking to hire an energetic, good communicator, dedicated, organized, and driven personal assistant to help reduce our work load, We need someone that can work Monday through Friday, also be reliable, responsible and organized. Computer skills needed with good organization. Salary/Weekly Rate: $530.

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Cheerleaders signups

Cheer signups will be the next two Wednesdays, May 13 and 20 from 3:30-5:30, at Athletic Cheer Force, 210 S. Collins Frwy in Howe. Anyone that is either new to cheer or is is moving to a new age group, or just needs a new uniform will need to be measured at signups. Please bring your child for measurements. Flyers will be left at the elementary for the kids to grab but will not be sent home in their folder.