More Than a Sale: How Auctioneers Keep Families Together When a loved one passes away or when a senior moves from their longtime home, families are often left with the overwhelming responsibility of settling an estate. Deciding what to keep, what to sell, and how to handle a lifetime of belongings can quickly turn into an emotional and stressful process. That’s where an experienced estate auctioneer like Mark Cosens of Cosens Auctions & Appraisals in St. Thomas can make all the difference. Mark grew up in the business. His father, Donald L. Cosens, started the company in 1969 at the suggestion of a local lawyer who saw the need for someone who truly understood antiques and ‘old stuff’. Mark was just a toddler then, but by 1992, he had taken over the business. “I’ve been around auctions my entire life,” he says. “It’s not for the faint of heart to sort through a house and prepare everything for sale. That’s where I come in.” The world of estate sales has changed dramatically. “Gone are the days of live auction halls,” Mark explains. “Now, everything is done online. I work directly out of the house, photograph and catalogue the belongings, and sell them through a competitive online bidding system.” The approach ensures better results than garage sales or online listings on sites like Facebook Marketplace, where sales are slow and inconsistent. “At an auction, everything goes, and for a fair value,” Mark says. “What doesn’t sell,
I make sure is donated or disposed of properly. Families don’t have to lift a finger.” But Mark’s service goes beyond belongings. He also prepares and sells the home itself, providing a seamless transition from start to finish. “It just makes sense,” he says. “I’m already in the house, getting to know it as I prepare the estate. That knowledge helps me market it effectively. And because I work on a small commission, families save compared to traditional options.” This full-service approach relieves families of a tremendous burden. Settling an estate often stirs up emotions and, unfortunately, disagreements. “It’s the ruin of many siblings, trying to divide things themselves,” Mark notes. “By bringing in a neutral professional, families avoid fights and stress. More than once, I’ve had people tell me I saved their relationships.” As a certified appraiser, Mark can also provide valuations for probate, giving families clarity and confidence in their decisions.“I feel privileged to help seniors and families at such a personal time,” he says. “It’s not just about selling things, it’s about making the process easier, respectful, and fair.” For families navigating an estate, hiring a professional means more than just maximizing value. It’s about peace of mind, knowing every detail, from the kitchen cupboards to the sale of the house, has been handled with care.
Hilary J. Vaughan B.Sc. (Hons.), LL.B. Barrister & Solicitor 83 Curtis Street St. Thomas, ON N5P 1J3
Tel: 519-631-0909 Fax: 519-631-7682 Specializing In: ~ wills, estates, trusts ~ business law ~ real estate & mortgage transaction s
750 Talbot St.• Suite 203 • St. Thomas • ON 226-210-1086 • office@simplicity-cremation.ca WWW.SIMPLICITY-CREMATION.CA Honouring a Life with Flowers as Unique as They Were Every life deserves a personal tribute. Whether it’s golf tees, knitting needles, fishing lures, or tiny train sets, we can incorporate meaningful items and hobbies into custom funeral arrangements. Let us help you tell their story, beautifully, thoughtfully, and with love. 175 Sunset Drive • (519) 631-3600 www.fellowfernleaflowers.com Fellows Fernlea Flowers St. Thomas’ local florist since 1995
Page 12 Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • October 2025
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