Quick answer
Most estate sale companies charge a commission, a percentage of the total sales, and some add a minimum fee or charges for cleanout, hauling or advertising. Rates vary by company and by the size and value of the estate, and we don't know of a reliable published survey of fees, so we don't quote an average. Get the terms in writing from two or three companies and compare what you'd net. (800) 614-8388 and we'll help you find estate sale help near Kansas City.
How estate sale companies charge
- Commission: a percentage of gross sales. Often the main fee.
- Minimum fee: some charge a minimum if sales are low.
- Extra services: cleanout of unsold items, hauling, donation runs, deep cleaning, appraisals of special items.
- Advertising and supplies: usually included, but check.
What affects the cost and the result
- How much there is to sell and its value.
- Special items like jewelry, art, firearms or collectibles that may need specialists.
- How much sorting and staging the company has to do.
- Whether the home must be empty and clean when they're done.
Questions to ask
- What's your commission, and is there a minimum?
- What else could we be charged for?
- How do you price items, and can we set limits on certain things?
- Who handles security during the sale?
- What happens to items that don't sell?
- When and how are we paid, and do we get an itemized sales record?
- Are you insured and bonded?
- Can we see references from recent clients?
If an estate sale doesn't make sense
For homes without much of resale value, an estate cleanout or donation pickup may net more after fees. A senior move manager can help decide what to keep, sell and donate.
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Questions families ask
How much do estate sale companies charge?
Most charge a commission on what sells, sometimes with a minimum or extra fees. Terms vary, so compare written quotes.
Do I pay an estate sale company up front?
Many are paid out of the sale proceeds. Ask about any fees due before the sale.
Is an estate sale worth it?
It depends on what's in the home. Ask a company for an honest view of what would sell before signing.
What happens to items that don't sell?
It depends on the contract. Some companies arrange donation or cleanout for a fee.