Auctioneer Charles Fudge comments that Auctions and Estate Companies have long been helping seniors move, especially when they had no one else to turn to. Now Senior Moving Consultants are all the rage, but be prepared to pay for their services.
Crystal River, Citrus county, FL Senior moving companies are on the rise. Almost overnight, they've popped up all over the map. One can pay just under $1500 for a 3-day course to become certified as a Senior Transition Specialist. Senior Transition Specialists help the elderly sort and pack their personal items, liquidate their estate, hire a mover, organize and more. But, is this really something new, or have they re-branded an age old concept of helping our elders? These companies are charging for services that Auction Businesses and Estate Sale Companies alike have been providing to their older clients for years, but they were doing it out of the goodness of their heart. They didn't know that helping seniors make the transition to assisted living or a relatives home could mean dollar signs. Instead they helped because it was the neighborly thing to do.
Do a Google search and the names are endless. Senior Transitions, Caring Transitions, Gentle Transitions, and Mature Movers are just a few. They even have an association: The National Association of Senior Move Managers, a 501-C-3 Not-for-Profit organization.
Why have these companies become necessary? Isn't there anyone who cares enough about the elderly to help them with their move to assisted living or to be near their children without compensation? Are family and neighbors too busy to help them? What happened to "Love your neighbor as yourself". There two types of businesses that do have been around for ever and a day helping seniors prepare for moving day and many of them don't charge extra. Those businesses are Estate Sale and Auction Companies. Although they may not specifically advertise this service, for years Auction Houses and Estate Sale Companies have worked with seniors and their family members to help this transition go smoothly. They sort, organize, make necessary arrangements, and take it upon themselves to see that their clients are ready for moving day. Most leave the home free of debris, "broom clean" and ready for a Realtor, and if the home really needs a deep cleaning, they'll call in a professional cleaning crew and even bring unsold items to a charity of choice.
The liquidators of the "good ol' days" didn't charge for the little extras and either do most of the present day businesses. . The auctioneer or estate sale companies make their profit on the liquidation of the items in the home that are not beingmoved, and not for helping the senior with the other details. These "details" can become overwhelming to a client, but are matter-of-fact for liquidators, who move seniors day in and day out. A huge smile or a warm hug from the client is compensation enough for going the extra mile. Years later these companies continued to reap rewards in the form of word-of-mouth referrals from family, friends, and neighbors who were impressed at the kindness displayed by the liquidators.
Auctions and Estate Sale companies evidently haven't been doing a good job of advertising the extras they offer. They may not be aware that there are people charging for the services they take for granted.. If they were properly advertising the many ways in which they help the elderly, there would have been no room in the market for the new industry based on helping seniors move. These senior transition companies are NOT moving companies. They simply help the seniors prepare for the move, just as most auctioneers and estate sale companies do. One charges, the other most often does not.
Most Florida Auctioneers, where the elderly make up a majority of their clients, will tell you that at least 50 percent of their business involves assisting the elderly move "back up north" or into Assisted Living, or liquidating estates after someone has passed. The senior, a relative, executor, attorney or realtor begins with a call to the estate sale company or auction business.. The liquidators present several options: The items can either be sold outright to the auction or estate company, they can be consigned to an upcoming Antique or Estate Auction, or they can be sold in an estate sale -- either at the client's home or in the business' own facility. The auctioneers and estate sale representatives don't alway reveal all the little "extras" they do. But, whichever method of liquidation is chosen, once they are hired, they instinctively act as an extension of the client's family and do everything they can to put everyone's mind at ease regarding the move -- and they usually do this without charge. They tend to go above and beyond the liquidation itself.and most, if not all of this, is still done for FREE.
Citrus County Auctioneer, Charles Fudge, says, "Seniors make up the majority of our clientèle. We treat everyone like family. Anyone who hires us receives enough help and that they wouldn't need a moving specialist. We can have a senior packed, unpacked, and settled in assisted living or a smaller home in about 24 hours. The sooner we can get them settled,, the better. We want them to feel "at home" in their new residence right away, and this happens more quickly when the things they love surround them. We make sure their medicine and pet food is easy for them to find. They want a photo of their deceased spouse on their nightstand, and their grandchildren's photo hanging on the wall. We make sure they have food in their refrigerator and hang their clothes in the closet. We do everything we can to make them feel at home and comfortable". He goes on to say, "We treat each move as if we were moving our grandmother and we keep in touch with concerned family members.. Our cleaning crew may have to clean their new residence and we always prepare the former residence for the Realtor or next resident. We receive many thank you notes.. A great deal of our business comes from referrals from people we've helped move, their realtors, relatives, or even their neighbors, who've observed the whole process.."
Employee Amy Stalker says of Fudge, "He does this all for FREE because he is a very kind man, with a special place in his heart for the elderly" He has moved more people into assisted living and set up than she can count, and his only compensation is commission on items he sells for them or profit on items he purchases for resale." She goes on, "He wouldn't think of charging extra to help seniors make the transition. Once, he not only helped a man sort and pack and hire a mover when he moved into assisted living in New England, but Fudge actually flew Up North to help the man settle in and unpack." Charles. Fudge may take helping clients to the extreme, but he is not the only liquidator helping seniors transition.
Senior moving consultanting may sound like an innovative idea, but the services they provide are not really new. They've taken something that loved ones, neighbors, auction houses and estate companies have been doing for many years. They helped their clients out of kindness, especially when t the seniors had no support system. And now, senior moving consultants have taken the principal of giving seniors the help they need during a transition, and turned it into a business.
Before hiring a specialized company to help your loved one with a move, consider your options. Find out what "extras" your local auction house or estate sale company will provide when you hire them to liquidate all or part of the contents of your home. Find out which services they will provide for free and which services may cost extra. Compare prices with those charged by senior moving specialists, and you may find out that an auction or estate sale company is all you will need.
For additional information, contact Antique Auctions by Professional Appraisers & Liquidators at 811 US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL. Their website is http://www.charliefudge.com or call them toll free at 800-542-3877
antique
Saturday, October 10, 2009
ANTIQUE & ESTATE AUCTIONS, CITRUS COUNTY AUCTIONEER CHARLES FUDGE SAYS ITS A BUYER'S MARKET
Crystal River Auctioneer, Charles Fudge of Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique and Estate Auctions has seen prices fluctuate for 40 years. He says these days prices couldn't be better for buyers and more and more people are attending auctions to get a bargain. Particularly low are prices for name brand furniture -- which often sells for less than the auction house has paid for it.
Crystal River, FL October 5, 2009 - Charles Fudge is an auction veteran. He began dabbling in the antique market at the age of 10, following in his mother's footsteps. Right after he turned 21 he attended auction school, got his license, and used his savings and severance pay to go into the auction business. 4 decades later, you'll still find him working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week buying, selling and auctioning antiques and estate items. His first hand observations regarding the market as it pertains to auctions show that Internet auctions were the first venue to deflate auction prices realized, and the current economy has caused prices to decline yet again.
According to Fudge, "The first time we saw a big drop in auction prices, was at the turn of the 20th and 21st century when buyers started turning to eBay. Because the entire world was invited to participate in Internet auctions, items that were once "rare" in a buyer's local market, were now found in abundance at the on-line auction." Internet auctions drastically affected the law of supply and demand for antiques and collectibles. Any antique dealer will tell you that these values have never recovered from the big drop that took place with the inception of on-line auctions.
More recently, auctioneers have seen another significant drop in prices, which they are attributing to an uncertain economy. Many people, particularly retirees have lost most of their savings due to drops in the stock market. Others have lost their jobs or are worried about what the future holds. All of these factors affect their spending habits. Market trends for retail sales are shaky at best, and auction prices are no exception.
Where there is rain, there is a rainbow. The up-side to this downward trend in prices realized at auction is that as prices drop to all time lows, it becomes a Buyer's Market. Says Fudge, "Solid wood and name brand furniture is going for less than ten percent of retail. I've seen $1000 dining room sets sell at local auctions for as little as $60." He also notes, "Its very hard to find solid wood furniture these days. Not many manufacturers are making it anymore. Whether you're shopping at box retailers such as Rooms to Go or high-end stores such as Ethan Allen, all you will find is furniture made of flakeboard, or as they call it, "composite". However, can still find good quality, solid wood furniture in abundance at any auction, and the good news is that you'll pay pennies on the dollar for it". He's talked to other auctioneers around the country, and they are all experiencing the same phenomenon. Many people used to be afraid to buy at auction, because the process was unfamiliar to them. But, with the economy the way it is, he expects to see more first-timers buying at auction whether to furnish their new home or redecorate their current residence. He doesn't think it will be very long before this well kept "secret" gets out. Whether you need a new dining room set or you want to add a piece to your collection of pottery, why not try shopping at your local auction?
For additional information, contact Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique Auction Gallery at 352-795-2061 or view their website at http://www.charliefudge.com. Charles Fudge, owner is a 40 year veteran of the auction business and specializes in Antiques, Collectibles and Estate Liquidation due to downsizing, moving or probate. To find the auction nearest you, Auction Zip is an excellent service that lists auction dates and times all over the U.S. Their website is http://www.auctionzip.com.
Crystal River, FL October 5, 2009 - Charles Fudge is an auction veteran. He began dabbling in the antique market at the age of 10, following in his mother's footsteps. Right after he turned 21 he attended auction school, got his license, and used his savings and severance pay to go into the auction business. 4 decades later, you'll still find him working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week buying, selling and auctioning antiques and estate items. His first hand observations regarding the market as it pertains to auctions show that Internet auctions were the first venue to deflate auction prices realized, and the current economy has caused prices to decline yet again.
According to Fudge, "The first time we saw a big drop in auction prices, was at the turn of the 20th and 21st century when buyers started turning to eBay. Because the entire world was invited to participate in Internet auctions, items that were once "rare" in a buyer's local market, were now found in abundance at the on-line auction." Internet auctions drastically affected the law of supply and demand for antiques and collectibles. Any antique dealer will tell you that these values have never recovered from the big drop that took place with the inception of on-line auctions.
More recently, auctioneers have seen another significant drop in prices, which they are attributing to an uncertain economy. Many people, particularly retirees have lost most of their savings due to drops in the stock market. Others have lost their jobs or are worried about what the future holds. All of these factors affect their spending habits. Market trends for retail sales are shaky at best, and auction prices are no exception.
Where there is rain, there is a rainbow. The up-side to this downward trend in prices realized at auction is that as prices drop to all time lows, it becomes a Buyer's Market. Says Fudge, "Solid wood and name brand furniture is going for less than ten percent of retail. I've seen $1000 dining room sets sell at local auctions for as little as $60." He also notes, "Its very hard to find solid wood furniture these days. Not many manufacturers are making it anymore. Whether you're shopping at box retailers such as Rooms to Go or high-end stores such as Ethan Allen, all you will find is furniture made of flakeboard, or as they call it, "composite". However, can still find good quality, solid wood furniture in abundance at any auction, and the good news is that you'll pay pennies on the dollar for it". He's talked to other auctioneers around the country, and they are all experiencing the same phenomenon. Many people used to be afraid to buy at auction, because the process was unfamiliar to them. But, with the economy the way it is, he expects to see more first-timers buying at auction whether to furnish their new home or redecorate their current residence. He doesn't think it will be very long before this well kept "secret" gets out. Whether you need a new dining room set or you want to add a piece to your collection of pottery, why not try shopping at your local auction?
For additional information, contact Professional Appraisers and Liquidators Antique Auction Gallery at 352-795-2061 or view their website at http://www.charliefudge.com. Charles Fudge, owner is a 40 year veteran of the auction business and specializes in Antiques, Collectibles and Estate Liquidation due to downsizing, moving or probate. To find the auction nearest you, Auction Zip is an excellent service that lists auction dates and times all over the U.S. Their website is http://www.auctionzip.com.
FLORIDA ANTIQUE AUCTIONEER, CHARLES FUDGE, KEEPS UP WITH ECONOMY, BY ADDING WEEKLY ESTATE AUCTIONS TO HIS SCHEDULE.
Charles Fudge's Antique Auction Gallery in Crystal River, Professional Appraisers & Liquidators, LLC knows that when the economy declines, people look for great deals. As a result, he's added Monday night estate auctions featuring name brand furniture, appliances, and housewares to the Fine Art and Antique Gallery's repertoire.
Crystal River, FL October 9, 2009 - Professional Appraisers & Liquidators Auction Gallery in Crystal River is making adjustments due to our declining economy. Charles Fudge, owner, and auctioneer for nearly 4 decades, knows the antiques and estate auction industry very well. He's been observing market changes over the last 40 years, and has ridden the waves of the economy as it fluctuates. His business has primarily been known for buying and auctioning the creme de la creme of antiques and art. Items typically found at his antique auctions range from Tiffany Lamps and Sterling Silver, 18th & 19th Century Paintings by listed artists, Gold & Diamond Jewelry, Gold Coins, Art Glass & Crystal by famous makers -- to collectible figurines by Lladro, Royal Doulton & Hummel. He knows its time to add estate auctions to his schedule.
In the past, when he purchased the complete contents of an estate, he kept the antiques and old paintings for his high-end antique auctions, and sent everything else off to other auctions. But times are changing. People are more budget concious. So, although there is still a very good market for antiques, art and collectibles, he also knows that in a declining economy there is also increased demand for for gently used, name brand furniture, appliances, housewares, and the like.
He has begun to hold weekly estate auctions to accomodate that market. Fudge will continue to hold his high-end antique auctions, which are attended by locals as well as buyers from all over the U.S. Auction-goers are loyal folks, and word travels quickly. People are already travelling 100 miles to attend his weekly auctions. The audience is mixed -- used furnitre dealers, flea market vendors and individuals wanting to furnish a new home, or redecorate their existing residence. Last week a beautiful knotty pine set of bunk beds withcowboy design like-new mattresses sold for just $75.
Fudge knows that with unemployment on the rise, and a questionable economy, diversity is key. Expanding his business by adding estate auctions will increase profit margins while enabling him to offer a wider selection of merchandise to a broader audience. He predicts that in this economy more and more people will head to the nearest estate auction, to affordably replace a broken appliance, or redecorate their home. His auctions will be held every Monday night beginning at 6:30pm, and Williston auctioneer Joel Kulcsar will be there to help.
For those not familiar with an estate auction, Fudge explained, "Imagine everything in your mother's or grandmother's house -- everything from their Antique Furniture and Sterling Silver to their blender. Now add your aunt's home and your neighbor's. Picture the contents of all of them being sold in 3 or 4 hours. That paints a pretty good picture of an estate auction." The suprises in an estate auction are endless. Automobiles, boats, and even airplanes may be found at an estate auction. There are no limits as to what you might find. On July 27, 2009 at the estate auction of legendary psychic, Jeanne Dixon, her crystal ball sold for $11,950.
In these tough economic times, more and more "newbies" are attending estate auctions, rather than heading to the nearest big box retailer -- in an effort to get more bang for their buck. Auction newcomers quickly become hooked when they see quality merchandise sell for pennies on the dollar. Even better, estate auctions usually have a lot solid wood furniture, instead of the composite and flakeboard being sold these days.
Auctions are exciting because prices are driven by demand. Retail value has little to do with the actual prices realized. The final price is determined by how many people bid on an item, and how badly they want it. What are the other differences between High-End Antique Auctions and Estate Auctions? Typically, Estate Auctions are not catalogued. Without a catalog, an Auctioneer can determine the order of items sold, according to audience interest. This speeds up the auction, the less time an auctioneer takes to describe the items, the more quickly the auction goes.
If you've never been to an auction, why not give it a try? Professional Appraisers and Liquidators offers free copies of an paper they wrote just for first-time auction go-ers. It is very informative and will prove most helpful in making your first auction experience a pleasant one. If you'd like a copy, send an email to webuyit@tampabay.rr.com.
For additional information, contact Professional Appraisers and Liquidators, LLC at (352-795-2061) or visit their website at www.charliefudge.com. Their newly added Estate Auctions will take place each Monday beginning at 6:30 pm and preview will begin at noon on auction day.
Crystal River, FL October 9, 2009 - Professional Appraisers & Liquidators Auction Gallery in Crystal River is making adjustments due to our declining economy. Charles Fudge, owner, and auctioneer for nearly 4 decades, knows the antiques and estate auction industry very well. He's been observing market changes over the last 40 years, and has ridden the waves of the economy as it fluctuates. His business has primarily been known for buying and auctioning the creme de la creme of antiques and art. Items typically found at his antique auctions range from Tiffany Lamps and Sterling Silver, 18th & 19th Century Paintings by listed artists, Gold & Diamond Jewelry, Gold Coins, Art Glass & Crystal by famous makers -- to collectible figurines by Lladro, Royal Doulton & Hummel. He knows its time to add estate auctions to his schedule.
In the past, when he purchased the complete contents of an estate, he kept the antiques and old paintings for his high-end antique auctions, and sent everything else off to other auctions. But times are changing. People are more budget concious. So, although there is still a very good market for antiques, art and collectibles, he also knows that in a declining economy there is also increased demand for for gently used, name brand furniture, appliances, housewares, and the like.
He has begun to hold weekly estate auctions to accomodate that market. Fudge will continue to hold his high-end antique auctions, which are attended by locals as well as buyers from all over the U.S. Auction-goers are loyal folks, and word travels quickly. People are already travelling 100 miles to attend his weekly auctions. The audience is mixed -- used furnitre dealers, flea market vendors and individuals wanting to furnish a new home, or redecorate their existing residence. Last week a beautiful knotty pine set of bunk beds withcowboy design like-new mattresses sold for just $75.
Fudge knows that with unemployment on the rise, and a questionable economy, diversity is key. Expanding his business by adding estate auctions will increase profit margins while enabling him to offer a wider selection of merchandise to a broader audience. He predicts that in this economy more and more people will head to the nearest estate auction, to affordably replace a broken appliance, or redecorate their home. His auctions will be held every Monday night beginning at 6:30pm, and Williston auctioneer Joel Kulcsar will be there to help.
For those not familiar with an estate auction, Fudge explained, "Imagine everything in your mother's or grandmother's house -- everything from their Antique Furniture and Sterling Silver to their blender. Now add your aunt's home and your neighbor's. Picture the contents of all of them being sold in 3 or 4 hours. That paints a pretty good picture of an estate auction." The suprises in an estate auction are endless. Automobiles, boats, and even airplanes may be found at an estate auction. There are no limits as to what you might find. On July 27, 2009 at the estate auction of legendary psychic, Jeanne Dixon, her crystal ball sold for $11,950.
In these tough economic times, more and more "newbies" are attending estate auctions, rather than heading to the nearest big box retailer -- in an effort to get more bang for their buck. Auction newcomers quickly become hooked when they see quality merchandise sell for pennies on the dollar. Even better, estate auctions usually have a lot solid wood furniture, instead of the composite and flakeboard being sold these days.
Auctions are exciting because prices are driven by demand. Retail value has little to do with the actual prices realized. The final price is determined by how many people bid on an item, and how badly they want it. What are the other differences between High-End Antique Auctions and Estate Auctions? Typically, Estate Auctions are not catalogued. Without a catalog, an Auctioneer can determine the order of items sold, according to audience interest. This speeds up the auction, the less time an auctioneer takes to describe the items, the more quickly the auction goes.
If you've never been to an auction, why not give it a try? Professional Appraisers and Liquidators offers free copies of an paper they wrote just for first-time auction go-ers. It is very informative and will prove most helpful in making your first auction experience a pleasant one. If you'd like a copy, send an email to webuyit@tampabay.rr.com.
For additional information, contact Professional Appraisers and Liquidators, LLC at (352-795-2061) or visit their website at www.charliefudge.com. Their newly added Estate Auctions will take place each Monday beginning at 6:30 pm and preview will begin at noon on auction day.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
WHO'S HELPING GRANDMA MOVE? AUCTION & ESTATE SALE COMPANIES AREN'T THE ONLY ONES HELPING SENIORS MOVE THESE DAYS, THERE'S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
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Crystal River, FL October 8, 2009. Senior moving companies are on the rise. Almost overnight, they've popped up all over the map. One can pay just under $1500 for a 3-day course to become certified as a Senior Transition Specialist. But, is this really something new, or have they re-branded an age old concept of helping our elders? These companies are charging for services that Auction Businesses and Estate Sale Companies alike have been providing to their older clients for years, but they were doing it out of the goodness of their heart. They didn't know that helping seniors make the transition to assisted living or a relatives home could mean dollar signs. Instead they helped because it was the neighborly thing to do.
Do a Google search and the names are endless. Senior Transitions, Caring Transitions, Gentle Transitions, and Mature Movers are just a few. They even have an association: The National Association of Senior Move Managers, a 501-C-3 Not-for-Profit organization.
Why have these companies become necessary? Isn't there anyone who cares enough about the elderly to help them with their move to assisted living or back home to be near their children without being paid for it? Are family members too busy to help them? Don't neighbors help each other anymore? What happened to "Love your neighbor as yourself". Well, there are actually two types of businesses that do care. They have been around for ever and a day helping seniors prepare for moving day and most likely they didn't charge them extra. Those businesses are Estate Sale and Auction Companies. Although they may not have specifically advertised this service, for years Auction Houses and Estate Sale Companies alike have been the liaison between clients and their out of town family members to help this transition go smoothly. These businesses have helped sort items, made necessary arrangements, and taken it upon themselves to see that their clients were ready for moving day. Most have left the home void of debris, "broom clean" and ready for a Realtor, and if the home really needs a deep cleaning, these companies will call in a professional cleaning crew, as long as the owner is willing to pay. They are also happy to help by transporting unsold items to a charity of the owner's choice.
The liquidators of the "good ol' days" didn't charge for the little extras. The auctioneer or estate sale companies made their profit on the liquidation of the items in the home that were not going to be moved, and not for helping the senior with all the other details. These "details" can become overwhelming to a client, but are matter-of-fact for liquidators, who move seniors day in and day out. A huge smile or a warm hug from the client were compensation enough for going the extra mile. Years later the companies continued to reap rewards in the form of word-of-mouth referrals from family, friends, and neighbors who were impressed at the kindness displayed by the liquidators.
The good news is that estate sale companies and auction houses still offer these services, but evidently they haven't been doing a good job of advertising the extras they offer. They may not be aware that there are people charging for the same services liquidators will do out of kindness. If they were properly advertising the many ways in which they help the elderly, there would have been no room in the market for a new industry based solely on helping seniors move. The senior transition companies are NOT moving companies. Their job is to help seniors with the details surrounding a move, just as most auctioneers and estate sale companies do. One charges, the other most often does not.
Most auctioneers in states such as Florida, with a large population of older residents, will tell you that at least 50 percent of their business involves assisting the elderly move "back up north" or into Assisted Living, or liquidating an estate after someone has passed. The senior, a relative, executor, attorney or realtor begins with a call to the estate sale company or auction business because they need to downsize or completely liquidate an estate. The liquidators present several options: The items can either be sold outright to the auction or estate company, they can be consigned to an upcoming Antique or Estate Auction, or they can be sold in an estate sale -- either at the client's home or in the business' own facility. The auctioneers and estate sale representatives don't alway reveal all the little "extras" they do. But, whichever method of liquidation is chosen, once they are hired, they instinctively act as an extension of the client's family and do everything they can to put everyone's mind at ease regarding the move -- and they usually do this without charge. No matter which way the client chooses to sell their personal property, they tend to go above and beyond the liquidation itself. this usually includes helping sort which items will be moved and which will be sold, packing, unpacking, removal of debris, and cleaning the house. Most, if not all of this is still done for FREE.
Citrus County Auctioneer, Charles Fudge, says, "Our staff has over 100 years of combined experience in liquidating estates, and seniors make up the majority of our clientèle. We treat everyone like family. Anyone who calls upon our business will receive help and support from us; enough that they shouldn't need a moving specialist. We can have a senior packed, unpacked, and settled in assisted living in about 24 hours. The sooner we can get them settled in their new home, the better. We want them to feel "at home" in their new residence right away, and this happens more quickly when the things they love surround them. They need to have their medicine in a place they can easily reach. They want the photo of their deceased spouse on their nightstand, and their grandchildren's photo hanging on the wall. We make sure they have some food in their refrigerator and their clothes hanging in their closet. If they have a pet, they need to know where we put the pet food. These little things make a big difference in how quickly they adapt to their new surroundings and we do everything we can to make them comfortable". He goes on to say, "We treat each move as if the client was our own grandmother, and we keep open lines of communication with out of town family members, who tend to worry at a time like this. Once their previous residence is empty, our cleaning crew goes in and gets the house prepared for the Realtor or next resident. We make sure the place they are moving into is clean. If it isn't, we have that cleaned as well. Many people write to me to thank us for making the move go so smoothly. A great deal of our business comes from referrals by people we've helped move, their realtors, friends, relatives, or even their neighbors, who've observed the process.."
Employee Amy Stalker says of Fudge, "He does this all for FREE because he is a very kind man, with a special place in his heart for the elderly" He has moved more people into assisted living and got them all set up than she can count, but the only money he makes is the commission on items he sells for them or profit on items he purchases outright and sells at a later date." She goes on, "He wouldn't think of charging extra when a person needs some extra help in the transition of moving. One time, he not only helped a man sort through what he would or wouldn't need when he moved into a senior citizens' apartment in New England, but he also helped him pack, find a moving company, and basically held his hand through every step of the move. The icing on the cake was when he actually flew Up North to help the man settle in and unpack." Mr. Fudge may take helping his clients to the extreme, but he is not the only liquidator helping seniors make their transitions.
In summary, the services provided by senior moving consultants make for a great business model, but the services they provide are nothing new. They've taken something that loved ones and neighbors as well as auction houses and estate companies have been doing for as long as people have been moving. They are an additional entity providing service to the elderly, but auctioneers and estate liquidators were the first ones besides family and friends offering a helping hand. Auctioneers and estate sale companies helped their clients out of kindness, especially when t the seniors had nowhere else to turn. The senior moving consultants have taken something thats always been done for free, whether by family friends or liquidators, and turned it into a profitable business.
Before hiring a specialized company to move your loved one back "home" or to assisted living, consider your options. Find out what "extras" your local auction house or estate sale company will provide if you hire them to liquidate all or part of the contents of your home. Find out which services they will provide for free and which services may cost extra. Compare those prices with those charged by a senior moving specialist, and you may find out that the auction house or estate sale company is all you will need.
For additional information, contact Antique Auctions by Professional Appraisers & Liquidators at 811 US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL. Their website is http://www.charliefudge.com or call them toll free at 800-542-3877. To find an auctioneer near you, visit: www.auctioneers.org. You can find Estate Sale Companies and Senior Moving Consultants in your yellow pages.
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