Use care in setting up an estate sale

I received an e-mail that brings up an important question about how to have an estate sale.

Jeanette, from Hutchinson, Minn., wrote to say that her father passed away recently and the family was considering an estate sale.

“A person dropped by and offered to do (an estate sale.) She did not say that she does this professionally, only that she likes to help people out,” Jeanette wrote. “Sorry to say I am somewhat suspicious of that arrangement. I would like to see that she is bonded and to ask for references.”

Unfortunately, Jeanette has reason to be suspicious. There are people who prey on the grieving. If you are considering an estate sale, the first thing you should do is contact a professional. Check the yellow pages and talk to respected dealers in the area. Get references and check them.

An estate sale professional can help you take care of a task that can seem overwhelming. But you owe it to yourself, and to the person whose estate is being liquidated, to hire someone who is trustworthy.

It is always possible that the woman who knocked on the door offering to handle Jeanette’s father’s estate is legitimate, but it pays to be sure. Better safe than sorry!

You can read other letters and tips, and access previous Treasure Hunting columns online at http://www.spokesmanreview.

com/blogs/treasure/