Services for Executors
We value the contents of an estate for probate, then advise the family on what to sell, what to keep and where each item will sell best.
Settling an estate is a complex process. We guide the family through it from start to finish, with one point of contact throughout.
Nothing is sold through us. We are an advisory service, so our advice is impartial.
RICS Registered ValuersImpartial advice on selling
Different auction houses have different strengths. A London house may suit an important painting, while a regional saleroom often does better with good country furniture. Jewellery, watches, coins, books and cars all have their own specialist sales.
So an estate does not always do best by consigning everything to one firm. With more than 15 years’ experience, from important single pieces to entire house contents, we know where each item belongs, and we have advised on sales at Christie’s, Sotheby’s and leading salerooms across the UK.
For executors
We take the contents off your hands and make sure the estate gets the best result.
- Impartial advice on what to keep and what to sell
- The right auction house for each item, not one firm for everything
- Lower commission, negotiated on your behalf
- One point of contact, from the first visit to the final payment
- One independent figure for the whole family to work from
- No charge for advice on the sale
For solicitors
A safe recommendation for your executor clients.
- Probate valuations by RICS Registered Valuers, in line with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984
- Very high value items and general house contents, in one report
- A full spreadsheet of what sold, where and for how much, ready for the estate accounts
- Independent advice that shows executors obtained a fair price
- Kept informed at every stage
- Fees agreed in writing, and every introductory commission disclosed
How it works
Valuation
We visit the house and prepare the probate valuation. The fee is agreed in writing first.
Advice
Once probate is granted, we go through the list with the family: what to keep, what to sell and where.
Consignment
We choose the right auction house for each item and negotiate the commission and reserves.
Sale
We arrange collection, check the catalogue entries and follow every sale.
Payment
Each auction house pays the estate directly. You receive a full spreadsheet of results.
Our fees
The estate pays one fee, for the probate valuation. We agree it with you in writing before we start.
We do not charge for advice on the sale. When an item sells, the auction house pays us an introductory commission out of its own seller’s commission. It is not an extra charge, and it does not change what the estate receives. The estate pays the same commission it would pay without us, and often less, because we negotiate it down.
| A painting sells for | £10,000 |
| Seller’s commission agreed at 10% | £1,000 |
| The estate receives | £9,000 |
| Our commission, paid by the auction house out of its £1,000 | Nothing extra to the estate |
We confirm every introductory commission in writing before anything goes to sale.
Arrange a valuation
Call us on 020 7305 7360 or email info@coramjames.com. Tell us about the estate and we will confirm our fee in writing.
