What is the average percentage a liquidator charges?
Between 25% and 40% depending on where you are located in the country. For those in the Northeast or the Pacific coast it will be the high end of that scale. The average liquidator charges between 25%-35%.
What would taking the ASEL online course provide that I couldn't achieve on my own?
ASEL online courses will save you time, money and hassle by giving you the insight and experience of experts with more than 25 years of experience in estate liquidation. Plus, the course provides sample forms, marketing tools, a contract, and an exceptionally extensive FAQ section accessible only by those who have taken the course that will give you valuable information that would take you years to uncover on your own. The learning curve will be minimized because of all the tools you will be given.
Are there any ethical standards that an estate liquidator should follow?
ASEL considers professional ethics one of the most important factors in establishing credibility and trust as an estate liquidator. While there are no officially posted ethical standards in the industry, ASEL teaches you should set high standards in your business around conduct, confidentiality, record keeping, and accountability. Not only is this a good way to do business, it is also a way to distinguish your estate liquidation business as a professional business of integrity.
Why should I be interested in estate liquidation?
Roughly 78 million Boomers and 40 million of their parents over 65 years old need these services. The need is overwhelming and our older populations are growing at an alarming rate. It's only a matter or time before the boomers need services as well.
Is estate liquidation really recession-proof?
In our opinion, it is a good industry to be in – both in good times as well as bad. First, you are your own boss working from home, so you won't have the worry of corporate layoffs. Secondly, many people will sell in good times because loved ones pass away and the need to dissolve their estate is often overwhelming, leaving heirs to search for professionals who can do this for them. In challenging economic times, some people will need to sell in order to have money for more critical needs.
What is the difference between an appraiser and a liquidator?
A personal property appraiser is one who possesses specific knowledge and experience in the valuation process for the purposes of estate tax, insurance and insurance claims, donation, equitable distribution for divorce purposes and equitable distribution among heirs. This requires study and experience.
Personal property is defined as: tangible property that is movable and is not land. It can be anything found in the home which is decorative, antique, collectible or everyday usable items.
A liquidator is one who dissolves the personal property of an estate for many different reasons. Some of those reasons might be death, illness, moving to another area or downsizing, divorce, financial reasons, etc.
How could adding estate liquidation as a service in my existing business enhance what I am already offering?
If you are already in a business that serves the estate market, then you are in a unique position to leverage already existing contacts as well as add a valued service for a more turnkey operation.
For example, if you are in the antique business, it seems a likely fit that you already possess the base knowledge for this type of work. If you are in finance, insurance, accounting, work for a law office, etc., this would only enhance what you already offer your clients.
Isn't estate liquidation difficult because of the emotions that are involved by those who own the estate?
Yes, the emotions can be high because of the reasons why an estate is being liquidated, but compassion, common sense, and professionalism go a long way in making it quite rewarding.
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American Society of Estate Liquidators® © 2009 American Society of Estate Liquidators® |
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The American Society of Estate Liquidators® is a training, educational and resource organization specializing in estate liquidation and is not affiliated or sanctioned by any governmental body. ASEL is not a policing organization and therefore liquidators are responsible for their own conduct and actions. While ASEL offers comprehensive guidelines for conduct and ethics in its training courses and materials, it does not guarantee the success of any business launched as a result of its courses. ASEL is not responsible for the conduct of an estate liquidator nor is it liable for the conduct of an estate liquidator who has taken classes, accessed resources or is listed as an associate of ASEL. The ultimate success of an estate liquidator rests solely with the owner and business practices. All associates are certified based on information provided by the associate to ASEL.
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