EstateMAX & Other People's Stuff

09/14/2018 – Melissa Williams
Laurie and Steve were extremely knowledgeable and professional about their work. The two of
them are a great complement to one another in regards to the estate and moving sale industry. Laurie
really knows the market (what works, what doesn't) and the value of goods and Steve is very organized and business focused. They really came through for us. They did all they could to meet every need we had, including a short time frame. We were more than pleased with the services of each and every member of Estate Max.
Category: Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
7819 Cadbury Ave
Potomac, MD 20854
Service Provider Response:
Hi [Member Name Removed], thank you for your praise. We are always up for a new challenge and your project certainly was that. Your house was FULL of beautiful, expensive furniture and decor a lot of oversized upholstered goods. The only drawback was that we could have used another weekend to sell- and we produced some very good results in a short period Of time and you were really under the gun to move I have the house cleaned out. We provided an extra 6 hours on Thursday as a preview sale afternoon/evening to promote the sale which brought in buyers after work. One service we were able to help you with was last minute packing then after the sale, locating carpet cleaners and house cleaners at the last minute. I was happy to help you with that since I was there watching the truck being loaded for charity. By the way Habitat for Humanity ReStore was overjoyed with your donations. Thank you very much and best of luck to you and your family.
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11/13/2018 – Dale Wallace
We don't know how this could have gone better. EstateMax was very punctual in the initial meeting
and review. Everything was spelled out for us beforehand. The best part was we did not have to lift a
finger...EstateMax handled every aspect of the estate sale. Throughout this whole process EstateMax was extremely professional and did all they said they would. We highly recommend them for this type of service.
Category: Appraisals - Antiques/Jewelry/Items, Furniture - Sales, Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $4000
19817 Belmont Ridge Rd
Ashburn, VA 20147
Service Provider Response:
Thank you, [Member Name Removed]. We sold approximately 85% of salable goods overall. In the 5000 square foot garage we sold volumes of tools, thousands of books and LP's. What did not sell were fixtures ( bookshelves and cabinets in the garage that were en masse that held 14000 books and albums) Classical albums, and sundry random items that the right buyer just did not show up for. In the house old furniture and nice but plentiful small china items and such did not find buyers. The property posed the challenge to buyers of driving down a 200 yard gravel road to access the sale. It went well overall with a few issues, mostly from people who's driving skills are lacking. We had a full time parking attendant in the lot at the bottom. We remain available to hold another sale for you and your brother to clear out these things as well as a salvage sale of architectural elements, fixtures from the house.
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11/14/2018 – Julianne Mcnulty
The sale was performed according to our contract
Category: Appraisals - Antiques/Jewelry/Items, Furniture - Sales
Services Performed: Yes
13 Ludwell Ct
Sterling, VA 20165
Service Provider Response:
Hi [Member Name Removed]; We handled the liquidation of both sought after and normal day to day goods. Your sale was advertised to over 40,000 people on the internet and over 5500 persons clicked on the sale links. We had approximately 350 people come through the door to shop. The average sale was $96. Being that the property sits high up above the Potomac River on a private road and was advertised as such, following your request that we minimize traffic, and take people in by appointment, that is a very good turn out. Taking all people in by appointment was unnecessary and parking was not ever a problem. Furniture WAS sold by appointment, pre-Sale. The classic Mid Century modern furniture was sought after. I sold a chair for you before the sale even started, a month ago, for $6000 on line. I promised you $3500 on the day I met with you, which shocked you and I got $6000! The rest of the goods do not hold equal value as that chair but still had a market or were badly soiled. I shampooed the sofa myself to see how bad the soiling was. I suspected it was urine and it would not all come out. I sold the sofa set regardless to a dealer who will invest $4000 in them to reupholster. 90% of the furniture was sold to collectors or dealers before the weekend, to alleviate the pressure and dickering with uneducated derelicts who frequent estate sales, over the weekend, and so that I could negotiate the best prices for you and your sisters. Your mother's Chickering antique piano needed $5000 plus work done to it, to get any kind of a price, or any interested party. It was a white elephant. I spread the word among the piano restoration community in DC area and they are aware of it. I told you you might get a call about it at some point in the future. We took your sterling and gold before the sale started, to the right gold dealers and sold them, comparing values to what I could sell it for wholesale on the market. No one shows up at an estate sale ready to pay retail for gold and silver. Again unless it's collectible, or antique it's worth the weight of the precious metal. Your jewelry, some valuable, did not sell during the sale, because I would not give it away and I left it there in the house when we left. I communicated with you often, sometimes numerous times a day. Clients are not permitted on the estate sale site during prep or during the sale because it poses more complications that it solves problems, typically and is a conflict of interest with buyers, and not in your, the client's best interest. You wanted to be on site and I told you no- up front. All details of my process are in your contract, all of them. I couldn't have been more responsive. You are not the only client I work with at a time and running an estate sale demands focus, time, energy and knowledge. Your questions during the sale were ambiguous " How's it going?" which i answered with "Fine" no problems", but that was not good enough. You hired me as a professional service and project manager. I did not need you to manage my work for you and touching base at every movement was unnecessary. You gave me the OK to come to the property as I needed to , to sell and set up. I am an insured company and have top ratings, and am fully vetted .I even told you I would refer you to the auction house to sell your painting that Sotheby's sent me to. We feel that we exceeded our normal efforts to make your sale a success. $19,000 of sales proceeds, most of it by pre-sale. My job was to sell and manage your project which is what we did very successfully, with the exception of this review. I take this seriously, [Member Name Removed] and asked you to discuss any concerns. Your lack of gratitude and appreciation for what we did for you leaves me incredulous...some clients are just more demanding and have more time on their hands, and a different definition of "professional" based on their real life experience, than others.
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11/15/2018 – Diana M
It was great.
Category: Appraisals - Real Estate
Services Performed: Yes
6385 Overbrook Cir
Frederick, MD 21702
Service Provider Response:
Thank you [Member Name Removed]!
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These testimonials are REAL Client reviews from Angie's List. Looking for an estate sale company? Estate MAX has the credentials and 20 years under our belts. Research first before you send out a shotgun approach to a dozen estate sale companies. Interview a few, and interview the best.

07/21/2018 – Susan Bhore
Very well. I was unable to empty the entIre home due to time but was allowed to place final personal
items behind locked room before sale began. I had expected better "broom sweep" which was in
contract at end of sale however any unsold items were removed and donated. Final clean up cost a bit more due to my husbands shop which included heavy equipment but it too was picked up. Payment was quick and donation forms were sent to me.
Category: Furniture - Sales, Antiques, Auction Services, Dumpster Service
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $4500
12907 Travilah Rd
Potomac, MD 20854
Service Provider Response:
Hi [Member Name Removed], thank you for your review. Because you were removing Furniture after we were complete with our cleanup we did not prioritize broom sweeping and the fact that. you were having the house cleaned as well immediately after....typically that's not even an issue as we remove all Goods that are left over to charity and make sure the place is broom swept otherwise. The total cost for the sale our participation was $3500 I assume you noted $4500 is including trash collection clean out of the trash left in the basement and your husband's three outbuildings. Not anything to do with our commission just so that's understood for anyone reading this review. Anyhow how we hope that you were pleased with our hard work which was a little more complicated working around your last minute move out and consideration that we did not get to see what was in the wood shop until the day the sale started. Thank you and we hope you're getting settled in your new home.
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A06/28/2018 – george shoenberger
They were outstanding! They got me much more money than i expected, they were very
professional and there is no stress, my house was left perfectly empty and clean. I highly recommend
them!
Category: Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $0
10221 little brick house court
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Service Provider Response:
Hi [Member Name Removed], Thank you for your persistence in leaving this review on A.L. And thank you for your trust and business. Best of luck to you in your new domicile.
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A06/19/2018 – Kelley Welty
My parents' house was full to the brim with items they couldn't take to their new home. 5500 Square
feet of 50 years of living! Just thinking about clearing it out was daunting. EstateMax came in and sold
so much of it without us having to be involved. They price the items, advertise, and run the sale. Turning over the house to them was a relief. They also offer services to clear away what's left and/or donate it. EstateMax is the way to go. They are professional and experienced and work to get the most people through the door to sell the most product.
Category: Moving, Furniture - Sales
Services Performed: Yes
242 Braeburn Cir
Walkersville, MD 21793
Service Provider Response:
Thank you [Member Name Removed] for your review. Yeah your parents house is beautiful and large and spread out people had a great time I'm going through it and especially the storage room over the garage that was like a treasure hunt was a lot of fun. Good luck with selling the home with Stacy Reno and call us anytime thank you.
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A06/16/2018 – Sharon Chearney
Great people. Will work with again.
Category: Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
6233 White Oak Dr
Frederick, MD 21701
Service Provider Response:
Thank you [Member Name Removed]
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B06/15/2018 – Bob Nicol
I would highly recommend EstateMax to anyone needing to downsize, move, or sell off items from
an Estate. My parents lived in their home for over 40 years and, as the Executor of their estate, I was
very concerned on how to liquidate the tangible assets in the house and dispose of what was left. Steve and Laurie were outstanding in the assistance they provided. They knew exactly what had to be done and had the Estate Sale conducted in three days and then emptied the house of all items not sold. They came in a week prior to the sale and took professional photos of the items for sale so perspective customers could review them on line before coming to the sale. They capably handled everything and did not need us involved in any part of the sale. They came in and staged the home to maximize the sale and then disposed of the unwanted items for a minimal cost to the estate. They provided receipts for every item sold so there was no doubt what items sold and what didn't. After the sale their team emptied the house so all we had to do was prepare it to put on the market. The whole process was very easy for us because they did everything. The loss of family members is always a difficult time and the services provided by EstateMax minimized the impact of this part of dealing with an Estate. My sincere appreciation to Laurie, Steve and the rest of their team in conducting this service with minimal to no impact on our family.
Category: Appraisals - Antiques/Jewelry/Items, Furniture - Sales, Dumpster Service
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $3500
PO Box 398
Churchton, MD 20733
Service Provider Response:
Hi [Member Name Removed] and [Member Name Removed], Thank you for this detailed review. Your parents home was full of goodies and was fun to work with. We do our best to sell it all but what didnt sell went to use through donation. Thanks again for your trust. P.s.How did all A's add up to a final "B"? Lol

06/22/2017 – Virginia Manzione
From beginning to end, this was a professional job! Laurie and Steve answered all of my questions (as I had not done this before, there were many), and were very patient with me! They showed up when they said they would, and took care of the house as if it was their own. We were on a very tight timeline, as a buyer for the house wanted to close more quickly than I was ready to. The sale went well, and the clean out was done right before the buyer's last walk-through. The buyer and his realtor were very impressed with how clean the house was. I would use this company again!
Description of work:
Estate Sale of relative's possessions.
OverallA
PriceA
QualityA
ResponsivenessA
PunctualityA
ProfessionalismA
Category: Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $3700
Work Completed Date: 05/27/2017
Hire Again: Yes
Virginia Manzione
136 Old Forest Circle
Winchester, VA 22602

06/26/2017 – Mark Owens
Sale went smoothly. Funds were transferred per agreement. Items not sold were placed on consignment in their warehouse, donated to charity, or disposed of. I felt that they could have been a bit more organized and provided a bit more unsolicited communication throughout the process. Other than that I think they did a great job.
Description of work:
I was downsizing and needed sell off most of what I had in my house.
OverallB
PriceA
QualityB
ResponsivenessB
PunctualityA
ProfessionalismB
Category: Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $3200
Work Completed Date: 05/13/2017
Hire Again: Yes
Mark Owens
10 Spring Farm Dr
Lovettsville, VA 22314

08/09/2017 – Richard Scissors
Laurie and Steve were very professional and easy to work with. They were able to accommodate our request to move up the Estate Sale a week, when we found out we needed to move a week earlier. They were able to sell everything for more than we expected. I contacted Laurie based on EstateMax's glowing Angie's list reviews. They lived up to their reputation. After exchanging emails, a phone call, and some pictures, she came out to look at what we had to sell. Laurie explained all of the services she provides and what the cost would be. She went over the details of the contract and left us a copy for us to look at in depth. After answering several subsequent questions, we signed the contract and paid the upfront fee. Laurie assured us that we had enough items of value to make a sale worthwhile. It turns out she was right. Because we did not have any experience with Estate Sales, Laurie advised us on what items would be sellable and which wouldn't. At Laurie's request, we provided preliminary pictures, so she could put one of the more valuable items for sale on the Internet. Laurie advertised our Sale on many websites including EstateMax's own website and Facebook page, several Estate Sale sites, and Craig's List. Because we ended up supplying so many good pictures, she didn't come out two weeks before the sale to take pictures for posting online. Starting the Tuesday before the sale, Laurie and Steve came over to price all the items and display them. They are truly experts at pricing. Some items were sold for much more than we would have on our own. To address the concerns of the new home owners, they put down paper runners to protect the hardwood floors and carpet. Areas of the house that had no sale items were blocked off. The sale itself was from Friday to Sunday. As items were sold, Laurie and Steve rearranged the remaining items to improve their chance of sale. They ensured that people who bought heavy items had the means and expertise to remove them before the sale ended. After the sale, Laurie and Steve came back to the house to clean up and remove the few items that didn't sell, so they could donate the items to charity for us. Laurie then wired us the proceeds of the sale minus some administrative costs and mailed us the all of the sales and donation receipts. In addition, She mailed us valuable item that the movers forgot to pack and one item that didn't sell that we decided to keep. All in all, we were very satisfied with EstateMax and highly recommend them. Their services were well worth the fee.
Description of work:
We needed an Estate Sale to sell 40 years of furniture, household goods, tools, artwork, and a car before we moved to Florida.
OverallA
PriceA
QualityA
ResponsivenessA
PunctualityA
ProfessionalismA
Category: Furniture - Sales, Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $3500
Work Completed Date: 07/14/2017
Hire Again: Yes
Richard Scissors
4273 Hermitage Dr
Ellicott City, MD 21042

08/28/2017 – Lee Simkins
The event was well advertised and prepped. After the sale, the house was cleared promptly for the house closing two days later.
Description of work:
Estate sale, with tight timing constraints.
OverallA
PriceA
QualityA
ResponsivenessA
PunctualityA
ProfessionalismA
Category: Moving, Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Work Completed Date: 08/19/2017
Hire Again: Yes
Lee Simkins
12504 Piedmont Road
Clarksburg, MD 20871

12/14/2017 – James Britton
Great company to work for. Highly recommend them if you are interested in selling your possessions and not worried about the process.
Description of work:
Rstate sale
OverallA
PriceA
QualityA
ResponsivenessA
PunctualityA
ProfessionalismA
Category: Furniture - Sales, Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $3000
Work Completed Date: 11/15/2017
Hire Again: Yes
James Britton
11519 Seneca Forest Circle
Germantown, MD 20876

02/19/2018 – LINDA EDQUIST
Everything went very well, I netted a profit greater than expected though everyone should realize that most owners value their "stuff" much higher than is real so don't expect huge profits. Coming out in the positive and having the house emptied for the renovation to begin was well worth it. EstateMax did a great job advertising and setting up the sale and seeing it through to the end! I would highly recommend them as professional estate sale professionals.
Description of work:
I am moving to the West Coast from the DC area and I wanted to get rid of most of my "stuff" before putting the house on the market. I hired EstateMax after interviewing several other companies because they offered on site service, online advertising and agreed to the terms of emptying the house of everything that did not sell.
OverallA
PriceA
QualityA
ResponsivenessB
PunctualityA
ProfessionalismA
Category: Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Cost: $3500
Work Completed Date: 01/26/2018
Hire Again: Yes
LINDA EDQUIST
6877 WASHINGTON BLVD
Arlington, VA 22213
Service Provider Response:

A04/11/2017 – WELMOED SISSON
We were amazed at the attention to detail everyone put into the sale at our house. They photographed and made videos, marketed the sale widely, and did a lot of research into some of the items we were selling. It turned out that some of the pieces we had were actually worth a lot more than we ever dreamed! While we did not go to the house on the days of the sale, we did stop in the day before and were impressed with the extent of the preparation they put in. There were signs everywhere, and they did everything they could to protect the property. One thing that really impressed me was that they told me they had contacted the local police to arrange for some extra patrols near the property, since it could be a tempting target. They were very honest about how they would conduct the sale, and did not try to overinflate the potential sale proceeds. They were quick with follow-up and prompt with payment. Thanks to them, we were able to get a fresh start in our new home.
Description of work:
We hired Laurie and Steve to conduct an estate sale in our home to dispose of household goods from our downsizing.
OverallA
PriceA
QualityA
ResponsivenessA
PunctualityA
ProfessionalismA
Category: Auction Services
Services Performed: Yes
Work Completed Date: 03/10/2017
Hire Again: Yes
WELMOED SISSON
18505 Crossview Rd.
Boyds, MD 20841
Service Provider Response:Edit
It was our pleasure to help your relocation along, and we will consider this to be a landmark sale for EstateMax for a long time! It was such a wonderful place with your and [Member Name Removed]'s great taste in furnishings it was fun! Stay in touch, you two. And thx for being our partners throughout the process.