Quick answer
An estate sale is a sale of most of a home's contents, held in the house over a few days, usually run by an estate sale company that sorts, prices, advertises and staffs the sale. The company is typically paid a percentage of what sells. It's not just for after a death: many families hold one when a parent downsizes. (800) 614-8388 and we'll connect you with estate sale help in the Kansas City area.
How an estate sale works
- Walk-through. The company looks at the contents and tells you whether a sale makes sense.
- Contract. You agree on fees, dates and what happens to unsold items.
- Setup. The team sorts, cleans, displays and prices everything, which often takes several days.
- Advertising. Photos and listings go out to buyers ahead of the sale.
- The sale. Usually two or three days, often with discounts on the last day.
- Settlement. You get a report of what sold and a check after the company's fee.
- What's left is donated, picked up by a buyer or cleared by a cleanout.
Before you call: take out what stays in the family
Remove anything family wants, plus papers, photos and personal items. Once the sale is set up, everything in the house is for sale.
Is an estate sale right for you?
An estate sale works best when the house has a lot of furniture and household goods in decent shape. If there's little of value, a donation pickup and cleanout may be simpler. If there are only a few valuable pieces, consignment or auction may do better. Ask the company what they expect the sale to bring in.
Questions to ask an estate sale company
- What is your commission, and are there minimums or extra fees?
- How do you price items, and do you research valuables?
- How do you advertise?
- How do you secure the house during the sale?
- Are you insured?
- What happens to unsold items, and does that cost extra?
- When and how do we get paid?
Need help with the house?
We'll connect you with estate sale companies and cleanout crews near your parent. Free.
Questions families ask
How do estate sale companies get paid?
Usually a commission on what sells, agreed in the contract. Ask about minimums and fees for cleanout.
Can we hold an estate sale ourselves?
Yes, but it's a lot of work: sorting, pricing, advertising, staffing and security. See how to have an estate sale.
Do we have to be there during the sale?
Usually not. Most companies prefer that family isn't present.
Is an estate sale only after someone dies?
No. Many are held when a parent downsizes or moves into senior living.