Property Liquidation - From Riches to Ruckus: The Consequences of Heirs Forcing the Sale of Your Collection

In the realm of estate sales, two contrasting approaches have emerged – professional management and family management. A recent study by Dr. Shirley M. Mueller, a renowned speaker who blends art and science to unravel the mysteries of the collector's mind, sheds light on the emotional implications of these methods.

The study, co-authored by Barbara A. Misztal and Dori-Michelle Beeler, reveals that professional estate sales, often characterised as having a "Teflon" effect, are less likely to preserve the emotional connections to the deceased. This is due to the impersonal nature of the process, where objects are primarily valued economically, with less opportunity for information transfer about the items.

On the other hand, family-managed estate sales offer a different experience. Here, the family is deeply involved in all aspects of the sale, providing a chance for emotional connections to the deceased to be preserved. This concept is often referred to as the "sticky" effect, as these emotional connections can be transferred from the seller to the buyer, preserving memories of the previous owner.

The "sticky" effect can create a personal museum within the memory of the buyer, and it's crucial for family healing, which may not occur at professional estate sales. Stories and information transfer are essential for this process, and the absence of such opportunities in professional sales can lead to the deceased being entirely lost in the process.

Dr. Mueller, an expert in Chinese export porcelain and neuroscience, has written a book titled "Inside the Head of a Collector: Neuropsychological Forces at Play". Her insights have been shared in major cities worldwide and across the United States.

It's important to note that not all collectors are able to sell their collections before death. Many end their collecting life with a sense of sadness, and if the collection is not sold, it may be disposed of at an estate sale, either managed by loved ones or professionals.

In conclusion, the approach to managing an estate sale can significantly impact the emotional connections to the deceased and the preservation of their memories. While professional sales offer a more efficient and economically focused approach, family-managed sales provide a more personal and emotional experience, allowing for the "sticky" effect to take place.