Life Transitions

I have known Carol for over 10 years and can say she is one of the most, if not the most honest and ethical person in this business and one of the hardest working. She is well trained and knowledgable in the field of antiques and on the rare occasion if she doesn’t know about an item she will research it until she finds enough info to share with the owner. I highly recommend her services to people I meet who need to downsize in our community. She always looks out for her clients first and foremost. I highly recommend her for anyone who is downsizing and she is one of the nicest persons in the business. I have come across many dealers and estate sales people who have no moral backbone, but I can say Carol is one of the best. Again over 10 years of going to her sales and buying from her, she is 100% honest with a high degree in integrity. When the time comes, she is the person I will gladly call to help us downsize.

Carol Edwards does not verify the items that she sells with the rightful owner of those items and has no problem in doing so. Seems to be only interested in making money off of it with little regard to the feelings of others and is incapable of owning up to her shortcomings and mistakes in her business. There are many other companies out there, I would suggest you do your homework since she clearly does not do hers.

Our large estate home was selling and we needed to be out in less than a month. I researched Estate sale companies and received a few referrals, Carol of Life Transitions was referred by our interior designer.
Carol was so responsive by phone and email. They came by and met with our assistant property manager first, walking the property, taking pictures and making notes. Our PM thought they were very nice and professional. Realizing our short timeframe, they were ready to dig in. This felt like they were investing in us: by knowing the property, they could better give us information when we met formally later.
I interviewed Carol (and her business partner Peggy), as well as other companies. They were hands down the most professional, organized and prepared of the companies that I spoke with. They came on time, dressed nicely and prepared with referrals, resumes, articles and more. I had never had to hire an estate sale company before, so I didn’t quite know what to ask. They walked me through their process thoroughly. They were calm and laid back, yet enthusiastic and personable. They had a real «can do» attitude, confidence without an ego, and seem to really love what they do.
(Other companies did NOT respond quickly, provide company information or resumes much less references, and others seemed more interested in telling outrageous estate sale stories than representing their abilities.)
They discussed their plan: sale prep, marketing, sale dates and times, traffic, security, post sale options for donations /​consignment, etc. Yet they were flexible to try and work around our schedules and needs. LT shared many of their business mottos — Pricing is an Art, and reiterated their desire to protect the home and items («will bubble wrap as needed»), and to consolidate the items to lessen the public exposure to the property. They were very security oriented.
We contracted with them and they immediately went to work. They only had a few weeks to scour the property (25,000sqft of home /​5 acres of outdoor living space) and re-​organize furniture placement, research and price items, place signage, etc. They were just a delight to work with, quiet and respectful. In fact, their entire team was warm and friendly, very trustworthy. They took care of things like turning off lights and locking up if we were not at home when they left for the night. And reporting anything that seemed out of place, i.e. visitors, etc.
Everything was going as planned — UNTIL — our buyer defaulted the night before the estate sale.
It is in times of trouble /​disruption that you see who people really are. This was devastating to us, and they were soooo supportive. It was as if they weren’t even thinking of themselves. They offered suggestions of how they could help restore the property. They were flexible with how we could handle the contract and/​or moving forward should the buyer actually close. They handled this with such high integrity, I want to cry now just thinking about it. So sweet.
Long story short — our buyer ended up coming through 1 month later. And the sale itself was rescheduled and a huge success. I was nervous, but they had it all under control. Signage, security, staffing. in fact, they were so good, that I left and ran errands /​went to the gym /​etc. and checked in every once in a while. Checking in wasn’t even necessary though, and come to hear, most owners don’t stay (and shouldn’t stay) during a sale. I ended up leaving the day of final pickups and donations. I felt 100% comfortable and confident with leaving them to finish the job alone. The house was completely emptied and ready for the new owner to take over. These ladies are capable!
Less than two weeks later, I received the receipt books, checks and closure letter that summarized the sale. It was so easy. Obviously, downsizing and moving can be a bear. But they said «take what you want, we’ll handle what is left behind». And that is exactly what they did with flying colors and the greatest of attitudes! I cannot say enough wonderful things about Life Transitions, even in the face of a possible cancellation and rescheduling, they exceeded expectations! They are the best!