I recently had an estate sale conducted by Paul Blake & Associates on February 7th and 8th, and I am quite disappointed with the experience. There were several issues that really stood out, so I feel compelled to share my thoughts.
Leading up to the sale, I had a conversation with Chuck where I specifically asked about the cleaning fee and the process for handling unsold items. I was assured that no cleaning fee would apply and that we would have options regarding leftover items post-sale. However, when my uncle went to check on the house at 5:30 p.m. on February 8th, he found the entire place emptied without any discussion on alternatives. This was not the communication we were promised.
Additionally, the receipt provided after the sale was not detailed at all, leaving us confused about what was sold and what was left behind. The state of the house was unacceptable; it was not cleaned, and all sorts of debris were left scattered across the floors. While I understand there was no cleaning fee, we at least expected a basic sweep-up.
Even more concerning was the damage done during the sale. The laundry room floor was damaged, and there was an unsightly mess left behind. Items we specifically designated to stay, such as a stepstool and a sub pump, went missing. It's baffling that an artificial Christmas tree and a ceiling fan were abandoned outside, along with a container that was dumped haphazardly in the backyard. We have documentation of all these issues as well.
I reached out to Chuck to express my concerns before the sale and was met with a dismissive attitude. I found their suggestion to toss an adjustable bed, despite its market value, utterly disrespectful. Their approach seemed more like a clearing service than a respectful estate sale.
Ultimately, I feel that we did not receive the respect and professionalism we deserved. This experience has led me to regret our decision to trust Paul Blake & Associates with my father's estate. I hope others read this and consider their options carefully. read more