J. CARMAN, inc. and Neighborhood Estate Sales offer full service estate liquidation of the contents of your property, including fine and decorative art as well as general household furnishings and personal effects such as jewelry, clothing, appliances, and automobiles. Our knowledgeable and courteous staff will clean, price, and organize your items in preparation for the sale. Your event will be well advertised in both local newspapers and on the internet at this website. During the sale you can rest assured of the security of your belongings and the safety of those who attend the sale. J. Carman, inc. uses a monitored security system to protect your items for the duration of the sale, and we are bonded and insured for any loss or injury during our sales. Our competitive commission rates are paid directly from the sale proceeds, and you receive the profits promptly following the close of sale.

What is the first step in planning an estate sale with J. Carman, Inc?

If you are interested in having J. Carman, inc. help with the dispersal of your belongings, please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will visit you at the proposed site of the sale to examine the property you are interessted in selling, and, most importantly, to discuss your needs and expectations. This consultation does not obligate you in any way to use our services, although we hope that you will. We would be pleased to help!

How long does it take to prepare a property for an estate sale?

In most cases, a property can be prepared for a sale in one to two weeks, depending on the amount of organization and clean-up required. During this time select members of our staff will need access to your property to assess, clean, organize, and price the items being sold.

Do we have to remove the items that the family would like to keep during the sale?

Yes. We ask that every item that will be visible to those attending our sales actually be available for purchase. These items do not have to leave the premises, but we do ask that they be temporarily placed in a room that will remain off-limits during the sale. Nobody likes to shop where the most tempting items are not for sale!

Where will my estate sale be advertised?

J. Carman, inc. believes that a well advertised sale is a well attended sale. For this reason, we advertise your sale in as many publications and locations as possible to best attract an audience that will be interested in your belongings. Furthermore, J. Carman, inc. prepares a preview brochure with color thumbnail images to highlight some of the items in your sale. These preview packets are mailed to a select group of collectors around the state, and to members of our mailing list who have specified particular interest in objects similar to yours. For instance, if your family has a remarkable collection of stamps, we will ensure that every philatelic collector on our mailing list is invited to your sale. Finally, your sale will be advertised on this website, along with a map and driving directions to make it easy for people to locate the sale.

What happens during the sale, and do I need to be there?

During the sale, J. Carman, inc. staff members will be stationed throughout your property, both to monitor your belongings and to assist customers with questions about the items. Your presence is not expected, although, of course, any family member is always welcome to attend the event.

How long does the sale last?

Our sales last a minimum of two days and a maximum of four days. Sales usually take place Thursday through Sunday, with sale hours typically being 9am to 5pm on all days of the sale.

Will my belongings be secure?

We work diligently to protect your belongings as well as your real property. We help to ensure the security of your items by using a monitored security system to protect your belongings during the evenings between sale days, and by having our staff monitor all exits during sales events. Jewelry and other small valuables are displayed in locked cases, and can be physically examined by customers only under the direct supervision of our staff.

Are items discounted on the last day of the sale?

On the final day of a sale, we will generally give a "percentage off" discount on the majoriity of remaining items. However, the star attraction items may receive little or no discount. We want to sell your items for appropriate and fair prices, and for this reason, we always welcome bids on any items in the sale. This process is similar to a silent auction, and ensures that key objects sell for as much as possible.

How soon do we receive the proceeds from our sale?

You will receive the profits within one week of the close of sale.

Will the selling prices of items be disclosed to us?

Yes. We offer full disclosure of selling prices for your records. You will receive a printed itemized inventory listing the selling prices for each object.

What is your commission rate for estate sales?

Commission rates vary with each sale, based upon factors such as sales volume, condition of your items, and the anticipated interest in your estate. Rates are typically between 18% and 30%.

What happens to the items that do not sell?

At the end of an estate sale, it is inevitable that there will be some items that remain unsold. There are several options available, and the course of action is your decision. The first opion is for J. Carman, inc. to continue to offer some of your prime items for sale, either through brokerage on our website or in an upcoming sale or auction. Secondly, you are invited to select a charity to receive remaining goods, and we will ensure that the items get to that organization and that you receive appropriate documentation for tax purposes. The final option is for your family to reclaim any unsold items to dispose of at your own discretion.

Will my real property be cleaned following a sale?

Absolutely! Your property will be left in a clean and organized manner. Where necessary, carpets and floors will be cleaned to ensure that the site of the sale is left gleaming.

Please feel free to contact us with additional questions regarding estate sale services. If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation to find out more about the ways in which we can help you, please call

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