Mother and Daughter Make Estate Sales Easy

By SHAWNA BURRESON | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Whether shedding old belongings or seeking new treasures, Auction and Estate Sales of Los Angeles makes it easy by offering what most competitors don’t – an all-inclusive service specializing in high-end estates.

Drawing upon their professional experience, the mother-daughter team of Cindy and Kelly Reid behind AES of LA have developed their own process to handle every aspect of a sale and its eclectic array of items.

“Every sale is different, everyone has different things,” Cindy said. “Contemporary furnishings, oil paintings, antiques, jewelry, flat screen TVs – there’s something for everyone.”

Cindy switched from a career in real estate to estate sales 10 years ago but still works closely with real estate agents who rely on her knowledge of the trade, like staging and clearing out houses in escrow.

Nearly half of her clients are in the Palisades.

“We love Pacific Palisades, it’s our favorite,” Cindy said. “We relate to the people, they’re down to earth, and every client we’ve had is wonderful.”

A licensed CPA with a background in financial management, Kelly left the world of venture capital nearly two years ago to join forces with her mother, Cindy.

Since then, they’ve streamlined a process to take clients from start to finish, utilizing an extensive network of professionals every step of the way. They offer free consultations and require no money up front, instead deducting costs from the sale of the items.

“I decided that this business is so fun and interesting, I can use those skills here. We are able to make a better structure for our business by bringing a corporate vibe to an estate sale company,” Kelly said. “Most are family-run.”

While other companies typically hire on family and friends, AES of LA instead relies on professionals like designers, salespeople, cleaners and even security.

“We are a little different than most estate sale companies because a lot of them just wing it from their experience or look it up on eBay,” Cindy said. “We work with certified appraisers of jewelry and antiques,” she said, adding that experience and an eye for detail are a crucial component of the job.

Unlike many of their counterparts, AES of LA is also fully bonded and insured, an important distinction among a clientele base that ranges from administrators and sports agents to seniors.

And contrary to popular belief, the majority of clients are usually upgrading or downsizing as opposed to families settling estates of loved ones who passed away, Cindy said.

“A lot of people don’t understand how fun it is,” she said. “It’s a great experience because not only are you helping a family, but people also enjoy a unique shopping experience.”

AES of LA also handles consignments and auctions. Cindy hopes to one day grow the company to an auction house that helps charities.

“The whole point is to make it easy for our clients, whether they’re downsizing, moving redecorating or there’s been a death in the family,” Kelly said. “From start to finish, we offer a professional service that can specialize in anything you need,” she said.

To learn more or to sign up for the estate sales email blast, visit aesofla.com.