Estate Sales
Why should I hire a professional to conduct my estate sale?
An estate sale involves much more than opening the doors. Sorting, researching, pricing, staging, advertising, and managing the sale all require time and expertise.
We handle those details with care, helping you move through an often overwhelming process while presenting the contents of your home attractively and reaching interested buyers.
Do I need antiques or valuable collections to have an estate sale?
Not at all. Quality furniture, household goods, tools, clothing, and everyday useful items can all attract buyers. We consider the contents as a whole when assessing whether an estate sale is the right fit.
What does an estate sale cost?
Our estate sales are commission based and conducted under a written contract. During your initial estate-sale consultation, we discuss the property, scope of work, commission, and any anticipated additional costs.
This consultation is for assessing a potential sale. It does not include individual item appraisals or a written valuation.
How do you determine prices?
We draw on our appraisal knowledge, resale experience, research, and current market conditions. Our goal is to establish realistic prices that attract buyers and serve your interests.
Estate-sale pricing is part of preparing the sale. A formal appraisal for insurance, probate, or another specific purpose is a separate service.
How will you promote my sale?
We showcase the sale through photographs, our website, Sale Mail, social media, and estate-sale listing platforms. Our established audience helps connect your property with shoppers and collectors.
What should I do before you visit?
Identify belongings your family wishes to keep and gather any information you have about important pieces. Please avoid discarding, donating, or selling other items before we have assessed the contents. Something easily overlooked may be worth keeping in the sale.
You must also have the authority to sell the property.
Can you conduct a sale while someone is still living in the home?
The home must be vacant before we prepare and conduct the sale. This gives us the space and access needed to organize the contents and manage the event.
If a move or home sale is also involved, Lottie and Tim can help you plan the sequence.
What if my property does not allow estate sales?
Contact us to discuss the contents and your circumstances. Depending on suitability and availability, consignment or a sale through our warehouse may offer an alternative.
Can another family member include items in the sale?
Possibly. Additional items must be approved in advance so we can assess suitability, available space, and how ownership and proceeds will be recorded.
Can I set a minimum price on particular items?
Please discuss any minimum-price expectations with us before signing the contract. We will review them with you and explain how they may affect the sale.
How long will the sale last?
The schedule depends on the volume of contents and the needs of the property. We agree on the sale dates and duration during planning.
What happens to items that do not sell?
We discuss the options for remaining contents with you in advance. Any arrangements for collection, consignment, donation, or removal are addressed in your agreement.
When will I receive my proceeds?
Your contract sets out the settlement process and payment timeframe. We review these details with you before the sale so you know what to expect.
Appraisals & Valuations
Can you tell me what my item is worth?
Yes. We offer paid consultations and appraisal services for individual items, collections, and estate contents. Whether you are curious about something you own or need a written appraisal for a specific purpose, we can help determine the appropriate service.
Do you offer free appraisals by phone, email, or photograph?
We do not provide complimentary appraisals, item identification, or value estimates by phone, email, social media, or photograph.
An informed opinion draws on years of experience, continuing education, research, and knowledge of the market. Even a seemingly simple question may require careful investigation. These consultations are part of our professional services and are billed accordingly.
You are welcome to contact us to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment.
Who will appraise my items?
Lottie and Tim bring complementary experience and knowledge to our personal property appraisal services. Together, we draw on backgrounds in antiques, collections, estate contents, and the resale market to provide thoughtful, well-researched guidance. Each assignment is matched to the appropriate expertise and your specific needs.
How are appraisal fees charged?
Our appraisal services are billed hourly, with a two-hour minimum, and performed under a written contract. Rates reflect the expertise and scope required for your assignment and are discussed before work begins.
For appointments outside the Tulsa area, drive time is billed separately and does not count toward the two-hour minimum.
Our fees compensate us for professional time, research, and expertise.
What is the difference between a verbal consultation and a written appraisal?
A verbal consultation can help you understand an item, its background, and its potential value for your own information. It does not include a formal written appraisal report.
A written appraisal is prepared for a defined purpose, such as insurance, probate, or estate planning. Tell us how the appraisal will be used so we can discuss the appropriate scope and report.
Can you help with an appraisal for a legal matter?
Contact us to discuss the purpose of the appraisal, any requirements provided by your attorney, and your deadline. We will review the assignment with you to determine whether our services are appropriate.
How do I arrange an appraisal?
Contact us with a brief description of the items, their location, and the reason you need an appraisal. Photographs can help us assess the scope of the assignment and plan the next step.
Shopping Our Sales
Where can I find your upcoming sales?
Visit our Upcoming Sales page for dates, hours, location details, photographs, and highlights. Follow Sales By Lottie on Facebook and Instagram for previews and updates as we uncover more treasures.
How can I receive sale announcements?
Join our Sale Mail through the website to hear about upcoming estate sales, special collections, consignments, and warehouse events.
When will the sale address be available?
We release the full address shortly before the sale. Check the Upcoming Sales page or the sale listing before heading out for the latest details.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and major credit cards. Credit card purchases carry a 3% convenience fee.
Do you collect sales tax?
Applicable sales tax is added to purchases. If you are purchasing under a sales-tax exemption, please bring current documentation so we can review it before checkout.
Can you answer questions about prices or individual items before the sale?
Preparing a sale keeps our small team busy, so we are unable to answer individual pricing or item inquiries before opening. Please browse the photographs and descriptions online, then visit us during sale hours for a closer look.
How do I find out about discounts or changes to sale hours?
Check the current sale listing and our social media updates for any announced discounts or schedule changes. Dates, hours, and discount arrangements can vary by sale.
Can I visit the warehouse outside a scheduled sale?
Warehouse visits are by appointment. Please contact us in advance to arrange a time.