Today’s Treasures: What People Want to Buy from Estates
Every week I walk through homes and talk with people about their families’ belongings. We look at fine antiques, lovingly accumulated collections of knickknacks, and rooms filled with revered memories and heirlooms from previous generations.
And every time I am the bearer of the new reality of the secondary market. Things are worth only what someone is willing to pay, and often it is not much. Still, there can be some surprising Unexpected Treasures.
The market for used personal possessions has changed dramatically. Baby boomers now in their 60s and 70s—and their long-living parents too--are parting with heirlooms and a house full of stuff. Often to their surprise, their children and grandchildren do want much.
The market in the Bay Area is flooded with antique furniture, art, sets of fine china, brilliant cut glass, silver-plated coffee sets and trays, collector plates, figurines, fine linens, and older but still useful household stuff. Baby boomers and boomers’ parents are divesting lifetimes of accumulations, family heirlooms from previous generations, and the memories associated with their things. Young people, for the most part, are not interested.
Today’s buyers are young adults. Their lifestyles and tastes are different from their parents’. They are busy and casual (note the disappearance of formal dining rooms and dens). They value dining out over entertaining at home. They are on the go and busy. Their taste is dominated by stores like Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn. Family heirlooms are out. Simplicity and usefulness are in.
Treasures of Today
Buyers today want a “look” that is streamlined, practical, simple, and easy to care for.
Mid-century modern furniture from the 1950s-60s like Danish and Scandinavian teak, Herman Miller, Eames
Minimalist lighting, rugs, and décor
Dinnerware and glassware that is easy care and can go into the dishwasher and microwave
They want well-known expensive names in everything from kitchenware (All Clad, Dansk, Le Creuset, Kitchen Aid) to purses and scarves (Hermes, Kate Spade). It must be in good condition.
If vintage, they want to be able to use it or wear it.
American Indian jewelry
Vinyl records for young collectors of jazz, rock & roll, Beatles, Grateful Dead
Musical instruments, especially fine guitars
Fabrics, buttons, trims for sewing
Men’s fine wristwatches
Architectural salvage like wrought iron and California tile
If valuable, there are good buyers.
Silver and gold coin collections
Fine jewelry
Anything relating to local or Western history including early Silicon Valley
Museum quality Asian furniture and decor
Historic scientific instruments
Anything old, rare, fine, and in excellent condition
Condition is extremely important. Items that are stained, scratched, cracked, repaired, or marred in any way may have little value.
Remember: Don’t throw anything away!
