Questers Catalina Timewalkers explored the world of estate sales
Mary (Twink) Gates
The early ages of estate sales were less about clearing out belongings and more about redistributing wealth and treasures within a select community. Back then, the concept of liquidating an estate was often tied to significant life events, like inheritance or the passing of a family patriarch. Modern estate sales are organized sales of someone’s possessions, typically held after someone has passed away or moved, and are often more extensive than garage or yard sales, often involving the selling of all or most of the personal belongings within a home and organized by professional companies. Estate sales can help manage significant life transitions and can also be a lucrative venture for real estate investors.
The Catalina Timewalkers meeting was held on Feb. 21 at the home of Marianne Lyons, owner of Déjà vu Estate Sales-Arizona. Marianne explained the intricate details of organizing an estate sale. This begins with the contract being signed by the owner, then the estate sale permit is acquired from SaddleBrooke One or SaddleBrooke TWO (this must be displayed in the window or on the door of the owner’s premises during the sale). The process is very labor intensive from beginning to end.
Approximately two weeks before the sale, Marianne and faithful crew/helpers spend many hours sifting through items in the entire house. Once things have been organized, priced, and tagged, showcasing room displays becomes a necessity for customers to enjoy their treasure-seeking time browsing from room to room.
Thursday is when friends and neighbors are invited to preview the estate sale. Friday is the big day for the sale. Direction signs must be put out early, making sure all regulations are adhered to for that area.
The cashiers and helpers are ready, with expectant customers lined up outside the front door in anticipation of finding one or more splendid treasure(s) to add to their collections before the doors are closed at the end of the day. Saturday is bargain day, with items priced at 50% off!
On Sunday, Marianne and her crew/helpers pack up items left after the sale, some of which will be donated to charity. Some items are packed to be included in future estate sales. Owners don’t want anything left in the house. Direction signs are taken down. Later, it is time for the administrative work of bookkeeping for tax purposes—recording receipts and calculating income from the sale to distribute to the owner and the remainder to the estate sale company.
Following this fun and informative presentation, co-host Kathy Turner helped serve a delicious buffet while members, who had been encouraged to bring along Valentine’s Day memorabilia, showed their own Valentine’s treasures and shared their stories. Amusingly, Marianne’s pet parrot Harley looked on from his cage, serenading everyone with a few appreciative squawks and even whistling tunes now and again.
Before leaving, Marianne presented each member of the Questers Catalina Timewalkers with a glass, heart-shaped vase holding branches of kumquats from her garden—a very thoughtful memory of a very enjoyable morning.
Interested in joining the Catalina Timewalkers chapter of Questers? Meetings are held on the third Friday of the month October through May, 2024-25. For membership Information, email Leni Bowman at gunky1213@gmail.com.
Arizona Questers’ purpose, mission, and vision can be found at www.azquesters.org.
Upcoming events can be viewed at www.azquesters.org/news-and-events.