Edmund Frank Advertisement For A Fran si tion Estate sales can help you downsize and make some money. By Shannon Mackie k t$ Frank Kaszynski in front of a Chippendale reproduction cabinet 12 OPEN DOOR Magazine • May 2014 Kaszynski said. "We treat Ruth Fuller of West everyone with respect Bloomfield also had praise and try to make the for Edmund Frank. The whole process as easy as firm completed an estate possible." sale for her in March. One key to the success "Frank was very profes- of Kaszynski's sales is his sional," she said. "He was loyal customer base. "We well organized, kind and have people who have honest. The whole process followed us and shopped happened just the way our sales for 35 years," he described it. He didn't he said. make any promises that he The firm's online adver- couldn't fulfill." tising also greatly impacts Glazier and Fuller are the outcome of a sale. just two of the many "On one particular sale, different types of families we had more than 8,000 and individuals that views online," he said. 0 Kaszynski works with. "I 0 Estate sale finds can go wherever there are be exciting discoveries, as good items," he said. "We Frank Kaszynski checks out a silver Kaszynski himself knows. do modest or grand and plated Paul Revere replica coffee He still has his first-ever everything in between." estate sale purchase — a Although he's spent maker from the 19th century. trinket box he uncovered 35 years in the business, during a childhood shopping trip. Kaszynski has no plans to slow down. "Everything you've thought about owning "I expect estate sales to pick up as the already exists in someone's house," he said. baby boomer generation approaches retire- "It's the ultimate recycling. We attract people ment," he said. "I want to continue to do this who are interested in quality at reasonable as long as I can. I truly enjoy it. I love it." prices." To contact Edmund Frank & Associates about For those interested in holding an estate an estate sale, email efcoestates@att.net or sale, Kaszynski will schedule a home visit and call (313) 854-6000. assess the items being considered for sale. V ZOLYNSKY A s a child, Frank Kaszynski and his parents were regulars at local estate sales. He was fascinated by the unique items he uncovered and eventually turned this interest into a 35-year career. Kaszynski became a certified antiques ap- praiser, and friends began calling on him for his expertise. Encouraged by the increased demand, Kaszynski took his hobby to the next level and founded Edmund Frank & Associ- ates. The company provides estate sale and antiques appraisal services to people across Metro Detroit. In addition to Kaszynski, the company has one other certified antiques appraiser on staff. The team works with not only those who are closing an estate, but also with those who are downsizing, want to redecorate, or need an appraisal for insurance or tax purposes. Kaszynski and his colleagues begin by thoroughly examining each item to ensure accuracy and determine a fair price. Their years of experience help them to determine the value of an item and what buyers are willing to pay. The interior of the house is also photo- graphed, allowing potential customers to "pre-shop" online. All items are then artfully displayed throughout the home. The sales are publicized online and in many local weekly papers. During the sale, the firm is on hand to manage the entire process. When a sale is complete, the team will facilitate the dona- tion of any remaining items and perform a complete clean up. "We offer friendly, courteous service," ■ In turn, potential clients should always ask for references, no matter which firm they're working with. At Edmund Frank, the cost of an estate sale is based on a percentage of a sale's total income, which is an important benefit for the client. And, the firm works with a variety of clients from across Metro Detroit, ranging from those with small apartments or condos to those with large homes. A majority of Kaszynski's clients are referrals — a testa- ment to his dedication to customer service. Yoland Glazier of New Boston is one of those satisfied customers. "Frank was very kind and sensitive," Glazier said. "We noticed his professionalism and we liked him right away. He was incredibly knowledgeable about antiques and very thorough. We would highly recommend him to anyone." 5 Things To Consider Some tips from Edmund Frank: 1. Don't throw anything away on your own; let a professional tell you what to discard. 2.Secure all important documents, photos and mementos. 3. If you're not wearing it, sell it: furs, jewelry, designer clothes and hand- bags. 4. High-end items draw affluent buyers: art, sculpture, fine furniture and silver flatware. 5. One man's discards are another man's treasure!