Linda Hawthorne

What
we learned:
·       
Resign
yourself to the fact that the time preparing, interviewing, and comparing one
agency to another is necessary to find ?the right fit? because it becomes
personal.
·       
Relinquish
the thought that this project will be swift and tidy ?because someone else is
in charge.?
·       
Allow
enough time for family and friends to claim any mementos because once you sign
the contract, the agency has claim to everything.
·       
Believe
nothing that is said/promised by the agency, only what is written and signed by
both parties and then sleep on it.
·       
Decide
on the least amount of money you will
accept in payment        for any items
otherwise they will be undersold just for the sake of a sale and since you are
not allowed to be present during the estate sale, there is no recourse. What?s
sold is sold.
·       
Ask
lots of questions and document the agency?s answers.
·       
Agree
to disagree with proposed suggestions from the agency.
·       
Develop
an itemized list, with photos, of
property to be sold so there is no confusion. Provide a duplicate to said
agency.
·       
Require
the agency to note prices as items sell otherwise items will be sold to whoever
comes a-calling, as in presales to private parties and after sales to
scavengers and the like.
·       
Postpone
payment of the agency?s services until you have had time to review the results
and do the math and until you are fully satisfied else you will receive the
agency?s version of the total sales minus
one-third of the profit for the agency?s fee.
 
This event is not for the weak
of heart so if you are still on that sentimental journey, steer clear of Hawthorne Lane.