Published by Vinton VOICE
November 18, 2009 Edition
Susan M. Ayers, Contributor
Business SPOTLIGHT
- on Caring Transitions -
When Bonsack resident Kevin Kitts became unemployed, he decided to go in business for himself and through that business, he wanted to help others.
After searching on-line relentlessly for two years for the right business franchise, Kitts ran across a business called Caring Transitions, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Caring Transitions is the only North American franchise to specialize in relocation and transition services for Seniors. By realigning his finances and utilizing money left in savings, he was able to purchase a franchise that encompasses Roanoke, Salem, Lynchburg, Bedford and the New River Valley.
Kitts drove to Cincinnati for orientation and went through a rigorous training program June 1-5 of this year and opened for business one week after completion of the training. He said the main office is “very supportive and provides ongoing training.” Kitts works out of his home.
He primarily works with people who find it necessary to leave a familiar home and part with their personal belongings. He also assists clients who want to declutter their homes, but don’t have adequate time to complete the project or they may feel overwhelmed.
Those people Kitts works with leave their homes often because of the result of life events such as downsizing, divorce, the death of a loved one, or the need to move into a retirement community, a nursing care center, or a family member’s home that necessitate transitions. If needed, he arranges the move and acts as supervisor so the owners don’t have to be present and handle all the details involved.
He works closely with his clients to help them understand what is involved and find out what matters the most to them. Based on their preferences, “we coordinate and handle any or all of the clients’ needs. We are committed to making each client’s experience a positive one. We seek what is best for our clients to minimize their stress and last minute scurrying. From managing the move and helping families make informed decisions to handling the liquidation and distribution of personal belongings, we provide the services our clients need and want,” said Kitts.
For keepsakes that the client wants to remain in the family, arrangements are made to have those items moved to the client’s home, shipped to family members, or put in storage.
Kitts makes the necessary phone calls to find out where there is a need and arranges for items that the client wants to donate to be picked up at the home or delivered, which may give the client a tax deduction.
If there are possessions that the client wants to sell, Caring Transitions knows the best way to market and sell those items to obtain the highest price possible. Kitts remarked, “We don’t depend on good weather or buyer turnout at one-day estate sales.”
The best method of selling each item is determined and considerable research may be required prior to making that decision. An inventory listing is then prepared that consists of a list of each item with a detailed description and photograph. Roger Dunagan who resides in Vinton and is a friend and former colleague of Kitts, is the photographer.
The various methods of sale include consignment, tag sales, e-Bay, antique dealers, furniture resellers and auctions. Kitts ensures that all items are clean and well presented prior to being offered for sale, regardless of method of sale used.
He noted that much to the clients’ surprise, he has found numerous items of significant value in the attics or basements of homes including an etching by Pablo Picasso, carved ivory figurines, and a Chinese happiness chair with carved in Chinese happiness symbols. Prior to the donation or sale of books, each page is gone through to ensure that something of value is not overlooked. Kitts has found everything from money to adoption papers between the pages. “Unexpectedly finding treasures for the client is very rewarding to me,” he said.
The sale of the higher-ticketed items is handled by Ken Farmer Auction House & Appraisals in Radford, a full-service auction house. Internationally recognized through the quality of his auctions as well as appearances on the PBS smash hit, Antique Road Show. Farmer has an art appraiser and a coin appraiser on staff. Auctions are held twice monthly with periodic catalogue auctions throughout the year. Catalogs are sent to 3,000 dealers.
Within 10 days after sale of the items, Kitts provides the client with a detailed invoice and check. Accurate and extensive record keeping is important because “your reputation is at stake,” he emphasized.
Another service available is cleaning and staging the home for sale. Kitts locates painters, plumbers, electricians and other professionals as needed. If there are items to be sold in the home, he also takes the necessary steps to stage the items for sale.
“Two years ago, I never thought I would be cleaning other people’s houses,” Kitts laughed. “The bottom line is I’m doing something to help people,” he added.
For additional information, visit www.caringtransitions.net or call (540) 977-2801.