Selling the Contents of Estates with Visbids
Support for executors, downsizers, and professionals managing estate contents
There are many stakeholders involved in settling an estate and managing the distribution and sale of the contents. The list includes executors, lawyers, realtors, accountants, banks and wealth managers, friends, family, beneficiaries, and downsizing agents. Each party might play one or more role in settling an estate.
As a stakeholder you have may have legal, ethical, personal, or financial responsibilities that must be fulfilled. Visbids has extensive experience and expertise dealing with many estates, many different situations, many different actors, and has successfully navigated the intricacies of selling the contents.
Getting Started
Before throwing out anything, except possibly personal papers and clothing, the first thing to do is to call us. That way we can assess and advise on the scope of the estate and its value.
We can help determine what has value in today’s marketplace and what doesn’t. People often have misconceptions about value. Without getting into relatable examples, things that were purchased 20-30 years ago and were expensive at that time may have high sentimental value but low market value. Tastes change. Fashions change. And so do market values. Unless you are constantly selling a broad range of items in today’s market, it is virtually not possible to be current. You need current up-to-date market knowledge, with a dispassionate objective view. With over 100 auctions behind us and well over half a century buying and selling before getting into the auction business, we feel confident that we can help and we have the market knowledge to do so.
Visbids’ Approach
Visbids’ overarching mandate is to sell the antique or collectible contents or other items of value belonging to the estate in as efficient a manner as possible, and at the same time to maximize the financial returns to the beneficiaries. We are very aware that this is more than a simple process. While we use our on-line auction platform Visbids.hibid.com to sell most things, we are aware that it is necessary to be aware of all vested parties’ needs first and foremost. Some parties require confidentiality; others wish to publish the history and importance of the collection. Some parties wish the estate to be disbursed during a stand-alone sale. Sometimes beneficiaries want certain items for themselves but can’t agree amongst themselves as to what a fair settlement should be.
Visbids follows the directions provided by the executors or trustees while being sensitive to the wishes of the beneficiaries, friends, and family. Every estate settlement is different with different dynamics, so each situation, simple or complex is handled with the utmost consideration.
More Than Just Auctions
Not everything has to be sold by auction. Visbids has other market tools at its disposal like brokerage or consignment, especially for high value or niche market items.
The Visbids team is always ready and willing to assist with donations, distribution amongst family, friends, charities, etc. if that is the desire and direction of the executors or trustees. Our aim is to work together to get the best results.
Logistics
The first step is to determine what has value today. We do this through an informal appraisal process.
Once we determine what should be sold, the next step is to discuss our fee structure, set out the terms in the contract, then finalize arrangements as to when and how the items should be sold. Visbids will carry out the whole process — from packing, transport, photography, listing on auction, marketing, and payment to the consignors. We keep you informed throughout the whole process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need an appraisal before selling estate antiques?
An appraisal is not required for every estate, but it is recommended when items may have significant value or when legal documentation is needed. Visbids provides certified appraisals for probate, insurance, tax, and estate settlement through accredited CPPAG appraisers.
How does Visbids determine what should be sold or donated?
During the initial consultation, Visbids assesses which items have current market value based on experience and recent sales. Items without resale value may be recommended for donation or disposal to help avoid storage costs and unnecessary delays.
Can Visbids sell the entire contents of a home?
Yes. Visbids can manage both full household liquidations and smaller collections. Most items are transported to Visbids’ facilities in Brantford or Milton. If the property allows and the scale is appropriate, an online auction may be hosted from the estate location.
How do online estate auctions work?
Items are photographed, catalogued, and listed on HiBid Ontario. The auction runs for a set period, allowing registered bidders to place bids. After the auction closes, Visbids manages payment processing and buyer pickup. The estate receives a record of all items sold and proceeds after settlement.
Who does Visbids work with most often?
Visbids regularly supports estate managers, executors, downsizing professionals, realtors, lawyers, and trust companies. They are experienced in situations involving probate, transitions into long-term care, and estate settlement after a death.
What areas does Visbids serve?
Visbids operates across the Greater Toronto Area, the Golden Horseshoe, and much of Southern Ontario, including Niagara, Kitchener Waterloo, London, Hamilton, Oakville, Barrie, and east toward Cobourg. For significant estates outside this region, arrangements may be considered case by case.
How long does the selling process take?
A consultation can often be scheduled within a few days. Once items are identified and prepared for sale, cataloguing and auction launch typically take two to four weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the estate.
Can Visbids assist with high-value items outside of auction?
Yes. For select pieces, Visbids can offer private brokerage, drawing on long-standing relationships with collectors, institutions, and serious buyers.
Contact us
The three ways to contact us are:
Call John Vanderkop, Brantford at 416-453-0920
Call Barry Ezrin, Milton at 519-803-3945
Email us at info@visbids.com or use the website at Visbids,com at the Contact page.