To answer that question, we’ve invited estate sales expert Judy Johnson of
Unexpected Treasures to give her perspective on what’s hot and what’s not.
Here’s Part 1 of her 2-part report.Baby boomers are selling their homes, and flooding the market with things they’ve spent a lifetime collecting.
Antiques, furniture, china, cut glass, silver-plate, figurines and knickknacks — items families have accumulated over decades and generations – abound. It’s a buyer’s market — and there aren’t that many buyers. (Read: You’re going to get a lot less for your things than you expected.)
Today’s buyers are young. Their lifestyles and tastes have changed.
The younger generation wants well-made, practical and useful things. In place of antiques and heirlooms, their preference is for simplified, streamlined design. Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware offer the looks that today’s buyers love.
Hot on the millennials list? Things from the 1950’s. These things sell easily:
- Mid-century modern furniture. Teak, Danish modern, especially things from famous designers — Saarinen, Nelson, Eames, Noguchi.
- Lamps/lighting, rugs, and décor that fit in the 50’s “stratospheric” design aesthetic.
- Easy-care dinnerware and glassware that can go into the dishwasher and microwave.
- Good quality, well-known mid-century kitchenware, such as KitchenAid mixers, 1950’s Heath dinnerware, Jensen flatware, cooking objects by Dansk.
- Sterling silver, especially when beautifully crafted. Tiffany, Jensen, Gorham.
- Vintage clothing from the 1950s-70s (think “Mad Men”) with original labels.
- Chunky costume jewelry, particularly if by a designer like Chanel or Dior.
One proviso: items must be of fine quality and in excellent condition.
- Today’s savvy buyers are brand-driven. They look for the designer’s name/label on glass, silver, clothing, jewelry, furniture.
- Condition is extremely important. Items that are stained, scratched, cracked, repaired, marred in any way may have little value.
The treasures in a home often are not the fine furniture, antiques or even art. The treasures
are what people want and will buy, use, and enjoy today.
Next month — Part 2: Surprising items of high value – your hobby treasures!
When downsizing, it’s important to keep your eye on the goal – having a lifestyle that supports the way you want to live now. At On The Move our aim is to make every step to establishing your new residence – from paring down to packing up, moving out and settling in as stress-free as possible.
In addition to working with estate sales expert Judy Johnson we can manage all the professionals – from the movers to painters and technology professionals – who will help make your new house feel like home. Drop a note to Maria@onthemovenow.com or call 650-740-4911 to find out more.
