How to Navigate Selling Items in Auction When Clearing a Loved One’s Home : Helpful Tips From the Famous Yorkshire Auction House Tennants.

precious jewellery are just some of the things you might find when clearing a home after bereavement

Clearing a loved one’s home after a bereavement is never easy and deciding what to do with their possessions often adds to the emotional and practical challenges.

When sorting through their things it's more than likely that you'll be uncertain about the value of items or unsure about what to do with them. If something has always been around, they've probably never had to think about what it might be worth. This is where consulting a reputable auctioneer can be invaluable. Their expertise not only helps uncover the potential value of items but also provides the clarity needed to make informed and confident decisions about how to clear the property or even how to distribute items fairly between beneficiaries.

To help guide those considering selling at auction for the first time I spoke with Tennants Auctioneers, one of the UK’s leading fine art & antique auction houses. Here’s their advice on how to approach the process with confidence.

What advice would you give someone who is sorting through a loved one’s possessions and finds items they think might be of value?

"Most importantly, get in touch with a reputable auctioneer before removing or disposing of any items,” Tennants advises. “Auctioneers can provide initial guidance on the items of value. Without expert input, you could risk discarding something that might hold significant worth.”

Why is the auctioneer’s reputation important?

“Selling fine art and antiques often requires assuring potential buyers of the item’s authenticity and value. Auction houses lend their reputation to the items they sell, providing certificates of authenticity, condition reports, and detailed descriptions. Buyers trust the vetting process carried out by established auction houses, making them more willing to bid confidently."

“This credibility often leads to higher bids and seamless transactions. Therefore, it’s essential to choose an auction house with a proven track record of success in the relevant field.”

Parting with a loved one’s items can be an emotional experience. How can auctioneers help?

“We recognise the emotional challenges and difficulties of selling a loved one’s items and aim to provide a supportive and understanding service. A valuation is often the first step, as it provides clarity and can help guide your next decisions.

The most important aspect of working with an auctioneer is that you feel you can trust their service and advice and don’t feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.”

Why do people choose to sell items at auction?

“Using a fine art auctioneer to value or sell items can significantly enhance the process and the outcome of dealing with your loved one’s antiques and collectibles. Auctioneers have the specialized knowledge, market access, and professional credibility to ensure an item is accurately valued and sold to its full potential."

“Whether it’s a single item or an entire estate, auctioneers can potentially handle it all.

People often choose to sell with an auctioneer at significant times in life, for example, following a bereavement, during a divorce, or when downsizing from a property. An auctioneer’s role is to make the process as simple, cost-effective and hassle-free as possible at what can often be a very emotional time. It's important to research various auction houses to ensure you're entrusting your items to the right hands.”

How will my items be valued?

“Fine art auctioneers employ professional specialists with specific knowledge of their discipline, whether that be paintings, furniture, silver or ceramics,” Tennants explained. “They have extensive knowledge of artists, art movements, historical contexts and market trends.

This expertise enables them to assess an item’s authenticity, provenance and condition, all of which are critical factors in determining its value. Without this level of expertise, sellers risk undervaluing their pieces or overlooking their unique significance."

“Auctioneers often utilise advanced appraisal tools and resources, such as auction records, market databases to ensure accurate valuations. When selecting an auctioneer, review the credentials of the specialists to assess their experience and examine their results on similar things that have sold in the past.”

How will my items be promoted for sale?

“One of the greatest advantages of using a fine art auctioneer is their ability to connect sellers with a global network of serious buyers. Auction houses maintain databases of collectors, investors and institutions actively seeking to acquire unique items and often willing to pay premium prices.

We use a variety of marketing channels to showcase items, for example, through catalogues, print magazines and online platforms, ensuring maximum exposure to the right audience. This targeted approach significantly enhances the chances of achieving a strong sale price for the seller.”

For someone who has never sold at auction, is the sales process complicated?

“Auctioneers must offer a transparent and structured sales process and recognise that selling at auction can be daunting for first-time sellers. From setting reserve prices to conducting live or online auctions, every step should be professionally managed with regular communication and updates. Sellers should receive clear documentation regarding the terms of sale, commission fees and expected timelines, providing them with confidence and clarity throughout the process.

The competitive nature of auctions is what can drive prices higher, as buyers bid against one another in real time. Additionally, auction houses provide post-sale services, such as handling payments and ensuring secure delivery, which simplifies the process for sellers too.”

Is there a good time to sell certain items?

“There are no real ‘seasonal trends’ in selling. However, the auctioneer may recommend that certain items are curated together in a specific specialist themed sales such as Militaria or vintage toy sales. This will help with attracting a more targeted audience and, in turn, potentially lead to a higher price.”

What are the costs involved in using an auctioneer’s services ?

“Auctioneers invariably offer free, no-obligation valuations for auction, whether for single items or full house contents and can also provide professional valuations for probate and insurance purposes, if required. These are usually paid-for services, which the auctioneer will quote for in advance.

When consigning items for sale there will be commission to pay and often fees to cover insurance and catalogue listings. Any auctioneer will outline any fees before you decide to sell through them. ”

Tennants has a long history of handling outstanding private collections and estate sales of all sizes. Each estate or private collection is treated individually from initial consultation to the sale itself, whether it be a small group of important items in a specialist collectors’ sale or an entire house contents sold in a stand-alone sale.

Tennants has twenty-nine specialist departments offering an outstanding range and depth of knowledge, with each department headed by a specialist in their field.

The Auction Centre, Harmby Road, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 5SG

Tel: 01969 623780

Website: www.tennants.co.uk

Email: enquiry@tennants-ltd.co.uk