An 09′ Company That Really Knows How to “Clean House”
By ERNIE ALTGELT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH WARBURTON
After years of treasured familial acquisition, situations change. Whether through death or simply a desire to downsize, involved individuals can find themselves faced with the accumulation of decades that now needs to be appropriately dispensed with in a financially satisfactory manner. Hence, the “estate sale.”
For the past 10 years, committed sisters Joy Curnutt and Peggy Calhoun, through their respected, sensitive and highly specialized company, Professional Estate Sales, have shouldered the burden of this logistically and at times emotionally difficult undertaking, freeing countless clients from what can be an incredibly draining process. But that’s just what they so ably do. Why, you might just say these women really do know how to “clean house!”
Established in 2007, Professional Estate Sales, oddly enough, grew out of a thriving Web-based business the sisters developed. As Joy remembers, “We sold more than 6,500 items via the Internet and were doing quite well.” Both obviously savvy in retail, they came to the attention of a local banker who had a client that was moving and needed help liquidating his many possessions. When asked if they would be interested in taking on the project, the undaunted duo, though surprised, quickly accepted. And after that acceptance, boy, did they liquidate. Once the dust settled (and was swept from the now empty house), not only was the banker impressed with the tactical wonderment of getting rid of “everything” so painlessly, but his client got a nice check too. It truly was a win-win-win for all.
After the success of that first effort, more requests inevitably started rolling in. So encouraged by the continued interest in their services, Joy and Peggy decided to go full time, aptly named their new business Professional Estate Sales and — 450-plus events later — have never regretted the decision.
Today, the fully insured, licensed and bonded company has a core staff of 25 individually gifted and talented team members, each bringing special areas of expertise to the assignments. And although every sale is unique, Peggy and Joy have developed a system that can be adapted to accommodate any situation. Basically, after an initial meeting with the client, which can be a private individual, trust department, CPA or even a law firm, a contract is produced, followed by the identification of items slated for sale. With research, appropriate values are then assigned to those items. In that regard, Peggy, who is a member of the International Society of Appraisers, relates, “We’ve had instances where a particular possession was included, that after a little detective work on our part, proved to be quite valuable – and the client never knew it!”
One such instance involved an old painting that was held from the sale after Professional Estate Sales ascertained that it was by a noted American artist. Peggy and Joy ultimately contacted Christie’s in New York, where, to the client’s delight, the picture went at auction for an impressive $161,000! The sisters are also adept in direct marketing other special goods, including fine jewelry, guns, other works of art and even cars.
After determining what’s to be offered at the estate sale and fair-market pricing has been assigned, the event is promoted. While word-of-mouth and the company’s reputation are instrumental, Peggy also produces a weekly comprehensive and photographically illustrated newsletter with a subscription list comprising 5,500 eager buyers. As the sale doors open – usually on a Thursday – a crowd will undoubtedly be waiting. And once underway, sales are conducted professionally with numerous knowledgeable staffers assisting with everything from merchandise information to arranging for delivery. By Saturday, if there’s anything left, the remaining items are generally, and generously, given to a charity.
Afterwards, when all is done, both sisters acknowledge, “We promise our clients three things – a check, an empty, swept house and a tax receipt for donated items.”
Over the years, Joy and Peggy have become noted for their sensitive handling of estate property distribution. For many, needing an estate sale is a happy time heralding new adventures and lifestyles, but for others, the circumstances can be sad. Old age, death, financial setbacks and other less pleasant situations may dictate the need. Whatever, Professional Estate Sales offers not only a competent, affordable, turnkey service, but often of equal importance, a compassionate understanding that minimizes any distress generated. And based on the countless “thank you” letters received, this is greatly appreciated.
So, when you need to profitably empty the old homestead, or even liquidate an entire business, in 78209 or across Texas, Peggy and Joy’s Professional Estate Sales is the go-to company because they really do know how to, from start to finish, top to bottom and A to Z, “clean house!”
