KTLA asks Grasons Co. about Awards Sold at Estate Sales

As a leading nationwide estate sale franchise, Grasons Co. is relied upon to answer questions relating to liquidation and estate sales.

Earlier this month, Whitney Houston’s Emmy won 30 years ago for her Grammy performance “Saving All My Love for You” was blocked from an auction sale by a federal judge.

Although during the liquidation process, all items in a home are sold.  Grasons Co. estate sale franchise locations perform an inventory process that separates personal items from the rest of the contents.

KTLA Talks With Simone Kelly, CEO Grasons Co.

“We set aside all personal items, albums, awards, photographs, etc. and return them to the owner of the home, they are never included in the estate sale” says Simone Kelly, CEO of Grasons Co. Estate Sale Services.

While most estate sale buyers would not be interested in purchasing an award with the winner’s name on it anyway, the case may be quite different if the name is of a recognized celebrity.

Whitney Houston passed away at age 48 in 2012, the attorneys in the case argued that an Emmy can be left with the heirs if they choose to keep it but it cannot be resold, it must be returned to the academy.

The sale of memorabilia is very common at auctions and estate sales.  What makes Grasons Co. estate sale services a respected, and recognized brand is the fact that they also respect the legacy of each client they serve, celebrity or not, and they recognize the sentimental value for the heirs left behind.

As an estate sale company, it’s important to understand the law, rules and regulations on multiple levels.  It was reported by Vanity Fair that Houston’s memorabilia earned $500,000 in a one day sale with top sellers that included tennis shoes and a fur coat.

An estate sale professional must always represent their clients’ best interest, and while selling items at their highest value is always a top priority, there are a hundred more contributing factors one must understand and apply in order to achieve a successful liquidation process.