If you’re considering an estate sale, you likely have questions about the process, costs, and what to expect. Below are answers to some of the most common estate sale company FAQs.

FAQs about estate sales and estate sale companies

What is an estate sale?

An estate sale is a professionally managed sale of a home’s belongings, often held after a loved one passes, during downsizing, or before a move. Items are priced and sold inside the home, and sales typically last 1–3 days. Some estate sales also feature online sales.

Are estate sales only for when someone dies?

No, estate sales are also common when people need to downsize, relocate, or move into assisted living. They help homeowners quickly liquidate belongings and prepare a home for sale.

How does the estate sale process work?

1. Consultation: The company assesses items and estimates potential sales.

2. Staging and pricing: Items are cleaned, organized, and priced based on fair market value.

3. Marketing and sale: The company advertises the sale and manages buyers.

4. Final cleanup: Leftover items are donated, sold, or disposed of.

What do estate sale companies do?

Full-service estate sale companies typically handle everything:

• Sorting and staging items
• Pricing and appraising valuables
• Advertising and attracting buyers
• Managing sales, negotiations, and payments
• Handling post-sale cleanouts

Are estate sales held online?

Yes, many estate sale companies offer online auctions or hybrid sales, listing items for bidding on platforms like EstateSales.net, MaxSold, or Everything But The House (EBTH).

How long does an estate sale last?

Most estate sales last 1 to 3 days, typically over a weekend. The final day often includes discounts to clear remaining inventory.

How much do estate sale companies charge?

Estate sale companies typically charge 30% to 50% of the total sales as their commission. Many offer lower rates for sales with higher revenue potential. Most companies set the commission rate after evaluating the estate. Some companies may also charge extra for certified appraisals or post-sale cleanouts.

Can I negotiate the commission rate with an estate sale company?

Sometimes. Companies may lower their rate if your estate has high-value items or if you handle part of the process yourself.

When should I contact an estate sale company?

It’s best to reach out several weeks in advance to allow time for assessment, marketing, and organizing the sale. Some companies book months ahead.

How much will I make from an estate sale?

Estate sale proceeds can vary widely. According to EstateSales.net, the average sale generates $18,000–$20,000. However, your take-home amount depends on:

• The value of items being sold
• Commission rates charged by the estate sale company
• Final-day discounts and demand

Using the sale estimates above and a typically 35%–40% commission, your after-fee proceeds might range from $10,800–$13,000.

What happens if my estate sale doesn’t make enough money?

If the sale generates less than expected, some companies may adjust commission rates or offer buyout options for unsold items. Most companies want a minimum expected gross revenue of $5,000–$10,000 before they agree to organize a sale.

Do estate sale companies also sell the house?

Most estate sale companies do not handle selling the home, but some partner with real estate agents or provide referrals. A few larger companies may have on-staff licensed agents to list the home for sale after the contents have been sold. If you need to sell a home quickly and for cash, house-buying companies may be an option.

How can I find a reputable estate sale company?

Look for companies with strong reviews and experience in your area. An easy way to get started is to check online sites like these:

• EstateSales.net
• EstateSales.org
• Google Reviews
• Better Business Bureau
• The National Estate Sales Association
• The American Society of Estate Liquidators (member directory)

Top real estate agents can also recommend a trusted local company. Direct personal references from an industry professional or a former client can often give you genuine first-hand insights you may not find on a website.

What questions should I ask an estate sale company?

• How many estate sales have you organized?
• What is your commission structure?
• Do you have additional fees beyond the commission?
• How will you market my sale and attract buyers?
• How do you determine pricing for items?
• Is anyone on your staff a certified personal property appraiser?
• How long does your estate sale process take?
• Do you have local client references?
• Are you insured and bonded?
• How is the security of my home and contents handled?
• How do you handle after-sale clean-up?
• What happens to any unsold items?
• How does your payout process work?

Do I need to empty a house to sell it?

It depends. Most traditional home sales require an empty house, but if you’re selling through a full-service estate sale company, they will typically handle belongings. If you’re selling the home as-is, many “We Buy Houses” companies will purchase it with items still inside.

HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect with the largest network of trusted cash homebuyers in the country. You can receive a no-obligation, all-cash offer in 24 hours and close in as few as 10 days.

What are the most-wanted items at estate sales?

High-demand estate sale items include:

• Paintings, sculptures, and other forms of desirable artwork
• Collectibles such as coins, toys, sports memorabilia, and even Pokémon cards
• Vintage furniture and fixtures (e.g., Victorian-era sofas, chairs, and chandeliers)
• Fine jewelry, luxury watches (both new and antique)
• Vintage clothing and fashion accessories
• Rare books and manuscripts (first editions, signed, and out-of-print titles)
• High-quality kitchenware and vintage appliances
• Musical instruments and equipment (high-end or vintage)
• High-quality outdoor furniture
• Decorative outdoor items like statues or fountains
• Quality kitchenware (e.g., All-Clad, Le Creuset, and Griswold)
• Fine china and silverware (Sterling, Wedgwood, Lenox)
• Hand and power tools (vintage or top brands like Snap-On, Stihl, and Makita)

How many items typically go up for sale at an estate sale?

Most estate sales feature 1,000–2,000 items, though smaller sales may have 250–1,000 items. Large sales can exceed 5,000 items.

Can buyers negotiate prices at an estate sale?

Yes, but policies vary by company. Many sales have firm prices on the first day and offer discounts or negotiations on the last day to clear out remaining items.

Are there items that I can’t sell at an estate sale?

Yes. Many estate sale companies won’t sell:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• Prescription medications
• Firearms (without proper licensing)
• Expired food and perishable goods
• Personal documents with sensitive information
• Other items restricted by the company, such as animals or pornography

What happens to unsold estate sale items?

Estate sale companies typically handle unsold items in one of the following ways:

• Donate: Given to local charities like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or a local nonprofit.
• Sell at a discount: Sold to resellers or in a post-sale clearance event.
• Buyout options: Some companies offer bulk purchase options for remaining items.
• Disposal: Items with no resale value are properly discarded.

What’s the best way to quickly sell an inherited house?

If you need to sell an inherited home quickly, consider working with a top real estate agent or cash buyer. HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform connects sellers with cash buyers who can purchase homes as-is, with no repairs and often with no required cleanouts. To see a no-obligation cash offer, and compare it to what a top agent might be able to get for your home, answer a few questions about the home and your selling timeline.