When talking about selling items, I'm assuming that the executor has already given away any specific items that were left to specific beneficiaries. Obviously if a Will or Memorandum of Personal Effects requests that an item be given to someone, that item isn't going to be sold unless the beneficiary has already passed away. Before you start selling anything, make sure that you have read the Will carefully, or your lawyer has done so on your behalf, so that you do not accidentally sell someone's inheritance.
The first step is to determine what you're dealing with. Is the deceased's home full of valuable artwork, antiques, jewelry or collections? Is it a rural property, with equipment, vehicles and tools? Is it your average home with regular furniture and possessions, but nothing of outstanding monetary value?
The majority of estates don't need a formal estate sale, and I'll get to more suitable options in a moment. For a home that is full of valuables, or a rural home with a lot of equipment, it just might be a good idea to hold an estate sale. The best way to do this is to contact an auction house in your province (look up "auction" on google or in the Yellow Pages). Try to give them an idea over the phone of what you're dealing with. For example, did the deceased leave a box full of antique jewelry? A set of eight original oil paintings? A rebuilt 1947 car?
If the auction house thinks that an estate sale is the way to go, they'll send someone out to take a look at the items. They will probably give you an estimate on what price could be expected, and set a general timeline for a sale. The sale might be conducted right from the deceased's home, or the items might be taken to the auction house for inclusion in a larger sale there. Make sure you get a detailed list and signed receipt for any items taken.
When using an auction house, be prepared for the fact that they will probably advertise the sale in the local paper (they don't use the deceased's name). Also, remember that they will take their pay out of the sale proceeds before handing the net amount to you.
As mentioned earlier, the majority of estates don't need to go through an estate sale. The executor will be responsible for finding other ways of selling the household and personal goods. Some common ways of doing this are:
- hold a garage sale
- sell goods privately to beneficiaries, family members, friends etc - remember to sell at fair market value
- advertise goods on eBay, in newspapers, etc.
- take unusual items (e.g. a hockey card collection) to a dealer
- sell to second-hand shops
There are always items that are not worth much money. These might be small appliances, used clothing, used books, used DVDs, etc. If family members don't want these items and the executor can't sell them, they can be donated to a charity such as Goodwill. If they are of little value, don't expect a charitable receipt.
The executor should keep careful records of items going out and money coming in. Remember that personal items are more likely to be the cause of a family fight than money or property. The executor should keep any bills of sale, receipts, inventories or charitable receipts.
All money generated from any of these sources should be deposited into the estate account. Rather than the executor taking out his expenses (such as shipping) and depositing the rest, it is safer and more transparent to deposit all of the money and then make a separate payment to the executor for expenses.
Are the beneficiaries entitled to a copy of the bill of sale of the estate house?
ReplyDeleteYes. The residuary beneficiaries are entitled to a full accounting. While an accounting normally means a summary of all income and all expenses, a residuary beneficiary is entitled to ask for, and receive, supporting documentation.
DeleteLynne