Donna Luger and Jon Englund
Downsizing? Determined to get rid of stuff no longer needed? Cleaning out a home or an estate? Stop! Know Before You Throw.
Speaking of stuff no longer needed, you’ll notice a new picture of me. I’ve lost the mustache. So, if you find it, please let me know. You’ll also notice my lovely wife, Donna, in the picture. She is an integral part of our business, contributing to story content and editing, as well as handling much of the real estate side of our business as an associate broker with HomeSmart Realty. Please welcome Donna to my monthly column.
As the holidays quickly approach, I’m often asked about ways to turn stuff folks no longer use or want into extra holiday bucks. For example, I’ve recently been called upon to help four families with the sale of some old and outdated jewelry they no longer wanted, as well as a few coin collections.
Getting rid of old or broken jewelry can be a great way to drum up some extra cash, since many items are made from gold and silver and may contain precious gemstones. Usually, when a jewelry item breaks or goes out of style, it ends up at the bottom of a dresser drawer, along with orphaned earrings (oops, lost one).
Extra cash can come from a coin collection passed down through the family, or started years ago when it was a fun pastime with the kids. These collections oftentimes contain older coins with gold or silver content, or coins that have appreciated in value for collectors. One recent call was about an odd looking medallion, which actually turned out to be a British Queen’s Beasts coin. It was worth around $1,300—and they had no idea.
So, whether it’s an old coin collection, or some long-forgotten jewelry squirreled away in the sock drawer, you just might be sitting on a small treasure trove and you don’t even know it. As always, give me a call and Know Before You Throw.
Jon Englund has more than 25 years of experience in appraising and liquidating personal property, jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques, furniture, printed items and more. A Midwest transplant, Jon trained at New York University in appraisal studies.
Donna Luger has assisted during that time and is a veteran associate broker and Realtor with HomeSmart Realty—Elite Group.
For more information, call Jon directly at (480) 699-1567, or send an email to Jon@KnowBeforeYouThrow.INFO.