ESTATE OBJECT ADVISORY

House of Proper offers Estate Object Advisory services, led by Sarah E. Lindsay, to help families, executors, and legal professionals navigate estate settlement, downsizing, or transition.

This non-selling, non-appraisal service provides clarity about the contents of a home, with a focus on antiques and collectibles. Through an on-site walkthrough and a clear written summary, we help identify priority items, suggest next steps, and reduce overwhelm during what can be a complex and emotional 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

  • Small property / condo: $300–$500

  • Standard family home (3–4 rooms): $800–$1,200

  • Large estates / multi-property visits: Custom quote

  • Multi-day / travel-intensive visits: $250–$500/day

  • Fees may rise with complexity or additional properties.

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.