If you’re considering an estate sale company in Manchester, NH, it’s likely you’re managing the logistics (and emotions) of a major life change. This may be the passing of a loved one or a medical event that’s made it necessary for a family member to downsize to a smaller home or care facility.

In this unsponsored post, we’ll walk you through how estate sales work, what to look for in a Manchester estate sale company, and key considerations before hiring one. We’ll also share insights on timelines, costs, potential proceeds, and helpful FAQs.

What is an estate sale?

An estate sale is a professionally managed sale designed to liquidate the majority of a home’s belongings. These sales are typically held when a homeowner passes away, moves to assisted living, relocates, or downsizes significantly.

Unlike a typical yard sale, estate sales include a wide range of household goods, such as furniture, antiques, jewelry, artwork, kitchenware, and collectibles. Items are priced by professionals and sold inside the home over one to three days. Many companies also offer online estate sales and auctions, allowing buyers to bid remotely.

Working with an estate sale company in Manchester, NH

Hiring an estate sale company can save you significant time, effort, and stress as these professionals handle everything from sorting and pricing to marketing and conducting the sale. Here’s what you can expect from an estate sale company in Manchester, NH:

The estate sale process

1. Consultation and assessment: The company evaluates the estate’s contents and estimates potential sales revenue. The total potential value can play a role in your commission rate. (More on costs in a moment.)
2. Sorting and organizing: They determine which items to sell, donate, or discard.
3. Pricing and appraisal: Professionals set fair market values for items based on demand and condition.
4. Marketing and advertising: To attract buyers, the sale is promoted through online listings, social media, and local advertising. The company will photograph items that are selected to be posted online.
5. Running the sale: Over one to three days, the company staffs and manages the event, handles negotiations, and processes payments.
6. Post-sale services: Some companies offer donation pickups, buyout options, or full cleanouts for unsold items. This makes the home more ready to sell.

Estate sale costs

Estate sale companies typically charge a commission, which is a percentage of the total sales revenue. In New Hampshire and nationwide, commissions typically range from 30% to 50%, depending on the estate’s value and the company’s services. Many companies offer a lower commission rate for sales with higher revenue potential.

In addition to a commission, some companies charge fees for:

• Post-sale cleanouts or donation drop-offs
• Special appraisals for high-value antiques and collectibles
• Marketing upgrades to boost visibility

Estimated proceeds from an estate sale

According to EstateSales.net survey data, the average estate sale generates $18,000–$20,000 in gross revenue. With commission rates of 35%–40%, typical sellers can expect to take home $10,800 to $13,000 after commission fees.

However, final proceeds vary based on:

• The quality of items being sold: High-end furniture, collectibles, and jewelry bring in more money.
• Buyer demand: Some items may sell close to retail value, while others are heavily discounted.
• The sale strategy: Discounting on the final day helps clear inventory but reduces overall earnings.
• Expertise of the company: An experienced estate sale company in Manchester will have a strong buyer network to maximize your sales.

Most Manchester area companies want a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000–$10,000 before they agree to organize an estate sale. However, some businesses may be willing to accept lower minimums, and others maintain higher thresholds. According to the survey data, only about 4% of estate sales generate more than $70,000 in total revenue.