Frequently Asked Questions

• How much do your services cost?  Typically a percentage of the total proceeds ranging from 30% to 35%

• How much time do you need to get a sale ready?   Generally it takes about a week to  prepare for a sale, however; if it is an entire house it would take more time.

• What do I have to do to prepare for the sale? Not much.  The hardest decision you have to make is what to sell and what to keep! I arrange, price, and conduct the sale.  You do not have to be present  during the  sale.  It's my job to handle virtually everything from start to finish.

• Am I better off giving my items away to charity?  In some cases you might be, however; many charities decline to take non cash contributions.  Allowing me to conduct your sale gives you the option of keeping a portion of the sales proceeds and donating the remainder to charity.  It's the best of both worlds.

• What happens to the items that do not sell? Most times after the sale, I can arrange for what is left to be hauled away and you will be paid a small fee.

• Should I try to conduct a sale myself?  Possibly, if you are up to the task of organizing and pricing all the items you wish to sell and if you know the value of what you are selling.  You will also need to know how to advertise effectively and, of course, how to conduct the sale!  It's a pretty big job, and  it's not as easy as one might think!  In addition and on a more personal level, it's often difficult for family members to sort through and sell items that once belonged to love ones.  Being aware and sensitive to this fact; we focus on the task at hand and get the job done in timely, efficient and respectful manner.  

• How do you let the public know about the sale? I advertise in the local newspapers, send Email (current proprietary list contains over 2,000 names) & put up signs in the surrounding area on the days of the sale.

• Why choose Patterson Estate Sales over other estate sale professionals? I am the sole owner of the company, and I am a lifelong Nashvillian who has a good reputation in the community.  I am familiar with the Nashville neighborhoods and the people who live there, and I am knowledgeable concerning the valuation of antiques and collectibles, as well as "junktiques" and knick-knacks.  I pride myself on being dependable, energetic, honest and personable.  Moreover, I conducted over 40 sales in 2008.

• Do you have others who help you?  Yes, a dedicated, friendly staff of four antique dealers who have 50 plus combined years knowledge of antiques & collectibles.

• When should I expect to receive my money after the sale is over?  In most cases I settle within in a couple of days. Only in unusual circumstances would it take any longer.

Nashville Estate Sales

For More Information Contact:
 
Patterson Estate and Moving Sales
Tel: 615-400-5116
Email: lap@pattersonestatesales.com