Liquidating an Estate: How to Sell a Lifetime of Stuff, Make Some Cash, and Live to Tell About It Paperback – Bargain Price, October 23, 2013

I've been in the antique business for 20 years and shopped at over 5,000 estate sales, and I can tell you this book about liquidating an estate has it all. The author has written many chapters detailing how to sort through your mountain of stuff and make a preliminary determination about whether your items have resale value (they most likely do unless it's truly trash), and why you will save yourself a ton of grief and lost revenue if you bring in a pro to advise you, before you begin selling or even before throwing away stuff that looks to you like junk but actually can be sold at a nice profit. (Included are true-life tales of unrecognizable or hidden or lost treasures, that had been headed for the dump, bringing in big money instead, thanks to the trained eye of a professional adviser.)The book takes the mystery and overwhelm out of disposing of an estate whether you consign at auction, hire a liquidator, or gird your loins and do it yourself. Unlike a previous reviewer alleged, Mr. Codina includes an entire chapter on the pros and cons of running your own estate sale, and even provides helpful hints and tips and lists of what you'll need to do it well, and what to expect through the process.Also, the book is beautifully organized and put together, with loads of helpful, color pictures, and is printed on quality stock. Highly recommended.

I appreciate they contents of this book. This will help me and my family work well with an estate sales professional. Thanks for the very helpful guidance.

I am ready for the next downsize in my estate, and this book has given me the confidence to move forward with this goal. Over the years I have given away or sold many items from my household - most when I moved from a 3800 sq. foot home to a two bedroom. But I still packed up many things that I still wanted and have never been able to get through those boxes again. I have known for a few years that I wanted my household to be more austere, but did not want to just "give everything away." This book gave me the information that reinforces my instincts, that some of my things have value - I just did now how, or have the stamina to pursue selling them. Liquidating an Estate has answered all my questions, and given me the resolve to take the next step in downsizing. What a relief!! In fact, I was so impressed with the authors advice and credentials that I intend to call them first to help with my goal. I have read a couple other books on this same topic, which I found through the inter-library loan system, and Liquidating an Estate is, by far, the most astute and forthright in discussing the process of an estate liquidation. This book is a great find - a true gem!!

I may not have paid close enough attention before ordering. I wanted a book that would give me instructions and advice on handling an estate sell on my own. I am the executor for a deceased friend's estate, and he owns no antiques. I sent pics of what I thought might be antiques to a local reputable dealer, and he told me what I needed to know free of charge. The rest I feel confident I can handle on my own. This book was mostly a sales pitch for hiring a "professional" to handle an estate sale. It went on and on about how much money would be wasted by doing everything on your own. The way I see it, professionals charge an outrageous fee, and I seriously doubt if I lose nearly as much money handling the sale on my own as I would by turning over a good portion of my profit to a professional. For someone looking to hire an estate sale done and who is loaded with antiques, this book would be beneficial. For me, only a few pages toward the end of the book told me what I needed to know.

It is my pleasure to know the author outside his estate business and before I discovered he wrote this book. As a person, I find Martin Codina to be open, focused and forthright. He has the amazing talent to bridge gaps between A and B with concise, clear phrases and words. He is a gentleman. And a pro. I am delighted to report his book is every bit a reflection of his persona, well written and comprehensive. Martin summons up some interesting, intriguing and humorous events, each with a summary. His description of estate liquidation choices and details could serve as a guide for do-it-yourself-ers. And his explanation of advantages gained through professionals in his field is both logical and compelling. I am not ready to give up my own estate yet, but when I do, this is gent will be at the top of my call list . . . or maybe I'll just do it myself . . . with this book!

Great review of options for liquidating an estate along with lots of photos. Well worth the price!

What a great book! Whether you are dipping your toe into the estate liquidation pool or standing in line for a one-time-only estate sale ride, read this book. With every page, you'll think "I thought only my family did that!" But alas, no. It turns out we're all crazy when it comes to liquidating an estate. Martin has an ease with words, an endearing transparency, and the ability to make even the driest subject seem endlessly fascinating. And there are pictures. Pretty ones (and not so pretty ones). Along with examples that always hit the nail on the head. PS...Martin's intentions are clear: to find you the best price (and home) for your loved one's belongings. And to share insider information every estate salesperson should know.

An amazing book by Martin one of the leading and knowledgeable leaders in this industry. I truly enjoyed his many years of experience thru this book and it's a guide that I find myself turning to often. There have been several books on this subject yet none touched on the estate sale business quite like Martin's book. A great addition to any library for liquidators and families finding themselves in the situation of having to liquidate an estate. Highly recommend this book and I personally own 2 copies one I keep in my home office and the other travels with me to work in my briefcase!! 5 Stars for Martin Codina !!!