Frequently Asked Questions
How does an estate sale work?
We begin with an in-home consultation to evaluate the property, its contents, and your family’s needs. Once we’re hired, our team handles the preparation, organization, research, pricing, merchandising, photography, marketing, sale execution, checkout, and final accounting. Our goal is to make the process organized, transparent, and as stress-free as possible.
Are you insured?
Yes. The Estate Sale House is insured, providing an added layer of protection and peace of mind while our team is working in your home. We understand the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with a family’s property and belongings, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Do you conduct partial estate sales?
No. We specialize in complete estate sales involving the entire contents of the home. We do not conduct partial sales of selected rooms or a small number of items. This allows our team to properly market, organize, merchandise, and manage the estate as a complete sale.
Do you buy out the contents of the home?
No. We do not do buyouts. Our goal is to sell the contents of the home through a professionally organized and marketed estate sale, giving the estate an opportunity to realize the value of its belongings through the open marketplace.
How do I know if I have enough for an estate sale?
Because we specialize in whole-home estate sales, we’ll evaluate the overall contents of the property during our consultation. Quantity is only one consideration—we also look at condition, quality, desirability, potential value, and the amount of preparation required to conduct a successful sale.
How much does an estate sale cost?
Our fee is generally based on a percentage of the proceeds from the sale and can vary depending on the size, contents, complexity, and preparation requirements of the estate. We’ll explain our recommended fee structure during your consultation so you understand exactly how it works before moving forward.
Are there any upfront costs?
Typically, there are no upfront costs to conduct the estate sale. If a property requires additional cleaning, preparation, or other work beyond our normal estate sale preparation, we will identify that during our initial consultation and discuss any associated costs with you before the work is performed.
How long does the process take?
Every estate is different. Before opening the doors, our team needs time to organize, research, price, merchandise, photograph, and market the contents of the home. We’ll establish a timeline with you based on the size and condition of the property and your family’s particular circumstances.
What should I do before you arrive?
Before we begin, we recommend removing the personal belongings, important documents, medications, photographs, keepsakes, and other items the family has decided to retain. Beyond that, don’t feel like you need to prepare the estate for us. That’s what we’re there to help with.
Should I throw things away or donate items before you come?
Generally, no—please let us look first. Families are often surprised by what can have resale value. Items that may appear insignificant can sometimes be desirable to estate sale shoppers. We can help determine what should be sold and what may ultimately need to be donated or removed.
How do you determine what items are worth?
We consider condition, age, quality, brand or maker, rarity, desirability, and current market demand. When appropriate, we also research comparable sales and other market information to help establish pricing.
How do you price everything in an entire home?
Our team researches and prices as many items as practical, with particular attention given to higher-value, collectible, and specialty pieces. Smaller items may be grouped or bundled when appropriate. Our objective is to balance maximizing value with successfully selling the contents within the limited timeframe of an estate sale.
How do you advertise my estate sale?
We use a comprehensive marketing approach that may include EstateSales.NET, EstateSales.org, our website, social media, professional photography, video, digital marketing, and extensive local signage. Our goal is to generate strong exposure before and throughout the sale.
How do you keep track of what sells?
Transparency is a major part of our process. We use the EstateSail inventory and point-of-sale system to help organize, price, and track merchandise throughout the sale. Individually priced items can be photographed and recorded within the system, while smaller or bundled purchases may be tracked under broader categories. Purchases are recorded at checkout, helping us provide our clients with clear sales reporting and final accounting.
How will I know how much the estate sale made?
At the conclusion of the sale, we provide a final accounting showing the results of the estate sale. Our goal is for our clients to understand how their sale performed and what was generated from the contents of the estate.
What happens to anything that doesn't sell?
After the sale, we’ll review the remaining contents and discuss the next step with you. When needed, our Clean-Out Services can help prepare the property for what comes next.
When will I receive my proceeds?
Once the estate sale has concluded and the final accounting has been completed, proceeds are distributed according to the terms of your estate sale agreement. The payment process and timing will be explained before your sale begins.
Can I or my family be at the property during the estate sale?
We ask that clients and family members not remain at the property during the public estate sale. Our team is there to manage the shoppers, negotiations, checkout, and property throughout the sale. It also allows families to avoid what can sometimes be an emotional experience of watching personal belongings leave the home.
What if I live out of state?
Managing estates for clients who live out of the area is one of our specialties. Many executors, trustees, beneficiaries, and family members are responsible for properties from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. We can coordinate the estate sale and communicate with you remotely so you don’t have to travel back and forth simply to oversee the process.
How do you protect the home during the estate sale?
We take reasonable precautions to manage traffic and protect the property, including controlled entry when necessary, designated checkout areas, staff throughout the home, restricted areas, and other measures based on the individual property.
Do you provide clean-out services after the sale?
Yes. When needed, we can coordinate clean-out services following the estate sale to help prepare the property for its next step.
Can you help if the house needs repairs or updating?
Yes. Through our A–Z Home Transition Program™, we can coordinate anything from a simple refresh to more extensive renovations when appropriate. For qualifying properties, certain renovation costs may be deferred and paid through escrow when the home sells, eliminating the need for upfront payment for those services. This can be particularly helpful for inherited properties that need work before being placed on the market.
Can you also help sell the home?
Yes. If the property itself needs to be sold, licensed real estate services are available through our affiliated real estate company. Depending on the property and your goals, options may include selling as-is, completing a simple refresh, renovating the property, or traditionally marketing it for sale.
Do you work with probate and trust estates?
Yes. Probate and trust properties are an important part of what we do. We understand that these estates can involve executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, attorneys, court requirements, deadlines, and family members who may not live locally.
What if the property is vacant?
We understand the concerns that can come with leaving an inherited or estate property vacant. For select qualifying properties, we may provide and coordinate the installation of a SimpliSafe home security system at no cost to the client, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind while the property is in transition.
What is the A–Z Home Transition Program™?
Our A–Z Home Transition Program™ is designed for families who need help with more than just the estate sale. Depending on your needs, we can coordinate the estate sale, clean-out, property security, repairs or renovation, and real estate services, giving you one team to help manage the property from its current condition through its next chapter.
How do I find your upcoming estate sales?
Our upcoming sales are advertised on our website, EstateSales.NET, EstateSales.org, social media, and other marketing channels. Each listing includes the sale dates, times, photos, address information when released, and any special instructions.
Do I need an appointment to attend?
Most of our estate sales are open to the public and do not require an appointment. If a particular sale has special entry requirements, they will be included in the sale listing.
How does entry work on the first day?
Entry is generally first come, first served. For busy sales, we may provide a QR code that allows shoppers to join our digital sign-in list. We may also limit the number of shoppers inside the home at one time to help protect the property and create a safer, more comfortable shopping experience.
Do you provide shopping baskets?
Yes! We provide baskets for shoppers to use while browsing the sale. Please return your basket to the designated area when you’re finished shopping.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We make checkout easy and accept cash, major credit cards, Zelle, Venmo, and Apple Pay. Payment options may occasionally vary by sale, so please review the individual sale listing for any special instructions.
Are prices negotiable?
Typically, prices are not negotiable on Day 1. Our goal is to maximize the value of the estate for our client. Discounts may be offered on Days 2 and 3 at our discretion. Certain items may be excluded from discounts.
Can you hold an item for me?
Once an item has been purchased and paid for, we can hold it for you until you are able to return with the appropriate vehicle or assistance. All purchased items must generally be picked up by the end of the sale day, unless other arrangements have been approved by our team.
Can I purchase an item over the phone?
No. We do not accept purchases over the phone. Items must be purchased at the estate sale.
Are all sales final?
Yes. All estate sale merchandise is sold as-is and all sales are final. Please carefully inspect items before purchasing, as we do not offer refunds, exchanges, warranties, or guarantees unless specifically stated.
Do you offer delivery?
No. We do not provide delivery services. Buyers are responsible for arranging transportation of all purchased items.
Will your team help me carry my purchases?
Our team does not provide moving services or carry large or heavy items. When available, we are happy to assist with lighter purchases to your vehicle. For furniture and larger items, buyers should bring appropriate help, equipment, and a vehicle large enough to safely remove their purchase.
What if I can't pick up my purchase immediately?
Purchased items can generally be held until the end of that day’s sale. If you cannot pick up an item by the required time, please speak with our team before purchasing.
Can I bring children or pets?
Children must remain closely supervised at all times. Estate sales take place inside private homes and often contain fragile, valuable, or breakable items. Pets are generally not permitted inside except for service animals as permitted by law.
Can I bring bags or large purses inside?
For the protection of our clients and their belongings, large bags, backpacks, totes, or oversized purses may be restricted. Shopping baskets are provided for your convenience.
What happens if an item doesn't have a price?
Please ask one of our team members for assistance. Our team will determine the price before the item is taken to checkout.
Where should I park?
Please park legally and be respectful of the surrounding neighborhood. Never block driveways, mailboxes, fire hydrants, trash containers, or neighboring properties. Some communities may have additional parking restrictions.
How do I hear about upcoming sales?
Visit our website and follow The Estate Sale House on social media for upcoming sale announcements, photos, dates, and other information.