Auction for deceased tenant's abandoned property?

Has anyone had any experience holding a public auction for deceased tenant's abandoned property?

What type of property and where is it located?

Furniture, appliances, tools, computers, etc. Value exceeded $500.00 so I moved it to a storage facility.

Is there a next of kin or an executor to the will?

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't this kind of thing handled by the executor of the will/estate???

I remember when my grandmother died, we had to go into her apartment (she was in a semi-assisted living community at the time, meaning that she got the additional help she needed as it was requested by her or by us) and remove her items. It was fortunate that she had lived there for so long (about the last 10 years of her life), the staff got to know us very well and were very helpful.

I believe he said the items were abandoned in his post. I'm assuming there is no next of kin or they have chosen not to take responsibility. It has happened a few times at my past community, one of my buildings was a senior unit. You would receive a letter in the mail advising us the person has passed (which of course we knew) and advising us that the items are no longer wanted to donate them or sell them. They would send us the keys at times or tell us they are in the apartment. We would store the items for 30 days and then either dispose of them or call charity. We have never tried selling or auctioning off anything, always seemed like much more work than what was actually in the apartment. A lot of children are in different states and don't want to be burdened... it's very sad.

I used to work foreclosures, so had to deal with a lot of abandoned property. Here is what I suggest in order from quick & easy to time consuming. . .

1) If it's possible to have a garage/estate sale directly from the storage area, this is the way to go. You can arrange for a pick up by charity directly after the event. It's one day, all hands on deck and you're done.
Advertise in the local Penny Saver & on Craigslist with a list of items & a few photos.

2) Put the items on Craigslist. Things will go faster if priced correctly, photographed and when applicable, measured.
Must be available to monitor responses and show items.

3)Auctions are best for unique, easily shipped items. Photos and description must include more detail than Craigslist.

Good luck!

This is a situation where an 'experienced ebay power seller' as a friend would come in handy. Clearly, this person would need experience with collectibles, jewelry, and artwork. With regards to furniture, home furnishings, and clothing; craigslist is an option; and local charities may be able to take what is left. I THINK you may be entitled to apply any proceeds from the sales to any past due balances and charges exceeding deposits on hand. I admit to being unsure of how to handle any amounts in excess of legitimate charges to the resident.

We handle approx 3000 abandoned property sales and appraisals each year. When we have overages we turn them over to County where auction was conducted

Dan Dotson, Auctioneer
Www.americanauctioneers.com