An Interview With Val Merkel of Midas Touch Estates, Inc

Val Merkel is a certified appraiser, auctioneer and the President of the Midas Touch Estate corporation, a family owned and operated company offering estate and moving sales and auctions in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Her experience as a realtor in both Missouri and Illinois giving her a strong understanding of the needs of realtors who are facing quick closings have.  

Read on for more insights into Val's thoughts on the estate sale industry. 

What does Midas Touch Estate Sales do?

We handle the entire sale including organizing, categorizing, displaying, advertising, staging, researching, pricing, merchandise control, check out, collecting bids, marketing, and staffing the sales to protect your assets. Whether big or small, we treat each family and home with first class service and a personal touch. If you live far away or can't invest the time or if the process is too emotionally challenging, our experienced, professional staff will minimize your stress and maximize your receipts.

Why did you start an estate liqudation company?

We did not start the business. We are the third and fourth generation working in the business.

What do you love most about the estate liquidation business?

Marketing our sales is my favorite part of the business. The internet has changed that ability. A sign in the yard and an ad in the newspaper doesn't work anymore. We have been able to get customers to come from Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Memphis, Nashville, etc. to come to our sales simply because they saw it online.

What makes your company special?

We specialize in helping every estate. Large or small we service them all. Each month we have two multi estate events.

What accomplishment are you most proud of for your company?

Liquidating 252 estates in 2014.

In your view, what do you think is the most important consideration to having a successful estate sale?

Communication is key. Often we are dealing with families that have just experienced a life changing experience (death), and making sure that they understand exactly how we are going to handle their loved ones estate before we start is key to the success.

Do you still go to estate sales?

Last year we liquidated 252 estates, so I just don't have time to attend other companies sales. Some of my employees do attend sales to look for bargains.

What has been your biggest challenge in running your business?

Our calendar is the hardest thing to manage. Trying to take some time off. Making sure that every sales is done in time for that real estate closing. As the real estate market has picked up this year it has been a real challenge to fit it all in.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know about your company?

We are a full service estate liquidation company.

Follow Midas Touch Estate Sales on Facebook.  Learn more about Four Sales at http://www.midastouchestatesales.com/.