ESTATE OBJECT ADVISORY

The Estate Object Advisory service is led by Sarah E. Lindsay, PACC Certified Appraiser and founder of House of Proper in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. This independent, non-selling service helps families, executors, and legal professionals understand the contents of a home, with a focus on antiques and collectibles.

Through an on-site observation walkthrough and a clear written follow-up summary, priority items are identified and next steps are outlined, helping reduce overwhelm during what can be a complex estate or transition process.

What Estate Object Advisory Is

Estate Object Advisory is an information-gathering and guidance service that helps clients:

  • Identify items of potential financial, functional, or cultural relevance

  • Flag antiques and collectibles that may warrant a formal appraisal

  • Outline suggested next steps for retention, donation, dispersal, or sale

  • This service does not assign formal values and does not involve purchasing, consignment, or sales activity.

What Estate Object Advisory Is Not

  • A formal appraisal; no values are assigned during the walkthrough

  • An estate sale, clean-out service, or inventory for resale platforms

  • A buying or consignment service

All recommendations are informational, supporting responsible estate administration without influencing outcomes.

When Estate Object Advisory Is Most Helpful

This service is ideal when:

  • Executors or family members are unfamiliar with the contents of a home

  • A property must be reviewed before downsizing or transition

  • There is uncertainty about what warrants formal appraisal versus dispersal

  • Multiple stakeholders require clear, neutral guidance

  • Time or emotional pressure makes decision-making challenging

  • In Ontario, Estate Object Advisory helps executors meet their duty of care while minimizing unnecessary expense.

How the Process Works

  1. On-Site Walkthrough – Observe, categorize, and note the potential relevance of antiques and collectibles. This is an information gathering step only.

  2. Post-Visit Review – Findings are reviewed and organized

  3. Written Summary – Clients receive a summary highlighting:

    • Items to retain

    • Items that may warrant formal appraisal

    • Suggested next steps for sale, donation, or dispersal

    • This summary is designed to help executors, families, and legal professionals coordinate the next phase of the estate process.

Relationship to Formal Appraisals

Estate Object Advisory may identify items that warrant formal appraisal. Appraisals are performed separately and are limited to antiques and collectibles. This separation ensures clarity, independence, and appropriate use of professional services.

Who This Service Is For

  • Executors and estate trustees

  • Families navigating estate settlement or downsizing

  • Lawyers coordinating estate matters

  • Individuals preparing for a planned transition or move

Fees

Estate Object Advisory visits are priced based on the size and complexity of the property.

  • Small property / condo: Starting at $300
  • Standard family home (3–4 rooms): Starting at $800
  • Large estates or multi-property visits: Custom quote
  • Multi-day or travel-intensive visits: $250–$500 per day

Fees may vary depending on property size, contents, and travel requirements.

Next Steps

To inquire about Estate Object Advisory, please contact us with a brief overview of your situation. We will confirm whether this service is appropriate or if a formal appraisal or other support would better meet your needs.