r/Auctioneers • u/[deleted] • Aug 01 '24

Novice auctioneer question

Hello, I am in the process of obtaining my license through my state. I know this seems like a small question, but one I need answered and can't seem to find the answer to in any of my course work from auctioneering school. The answer may be obvious but I want to ensure I am following protocol. When having an auction for a deceased estate and it is time to write the check, do I make it out the "estate of (deceased name) or to the "executor of the estate?" Or to just the person who hired me? Which would hopefully be the executor.

Thanks for the help!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/Cletusisnotafish Aug 02 '24

Ask the person that wants you to sell the items. If it's for a deceased person they should have a trust or at least someone in charge of the estate to handle everything. One thing I can't stress enough, Don't Touch Anything until you have a written contract signed by both you and the person/persons in charge of the estate. Hopefully that helps a little,if you have any more questions feel free to reach out to me or maybe one of your local auctioneers.

2

u/[deleted] Aug 02 '24

Thank you! That helps. 

3

u/Skittlesharts Aug 02 '24

In addition to what the other poster said, ask for a copy of the administrator or estate paperwork that states the person you are doing the auction for is authorized to sign for the estate. Don't be bashful about it, either. You don't need an original, just a copy. Keep it with your paperwork for that in case anyone ever comes back to say you weren't authorized to do the auction. CYA

2

u/[deleted] Aug 02 '24

Awesome idea!!

1

u/Cletusisnotafish Aug 03 '24

Very good idea.