In the Middle Without Being In the Middle
Most listing agents, myself included, take pains to avoid negotiating the sale of personal property.
See, “And Repeat: ‘Never Negotiate Furniture.'”
But that doesn’t mean I sidestep the issue altogether.
When asked, I’m happy to provide Sellers with the names of reputable, local estate sale companies (yes, I keep track).
Equally important: waving a client off of a company that I know to have a checkered reputation (also on a list).
Impulse Purchase(s)
Once my client has decided whom to hire, I’m also more than happy to put the Buyer in touch with them (via their agent — it’s inappropriate for the listing agent to directly contact the Buyer).
That way, the Buyer can get first crack, after everything has been priced, but before the general public is let in.
The estate sales companies love such motivated buyers, too: apparently, it’s common for the about-to-be new owner to show up with a short list of items they’re interested in buying, then get swept up in the moment and add — considerably — to their shopping list.
