What Is An Estate Sale?

Estates sales are for homes of any size and items of any value. Many families choose to have an estate sale due to a life transition. Whether you have inherited a home, are downsizing, or relocating, we can help you prepare for and execute your estate sale with care and efficiency.

Estate Sales provide an opportunity to sell items ranging from furniture and antiques to collectibles and everyday household goods. A well-managed estate sale should include:

• Decluttering of unwanted items.

• Staging and pricing of every item.

• Advertising of your sale across multiple platforms.

• Proper street and in-home signage.

• Designated check-out area & ability to accept multiple forms of payment.

• Strategy on how to handle unsold items

First Things First

When families hold estate sales, they are often also preparing to sell the home. If you need a Realtor, we are happy to connect you to one of our experts. Together, we will develop a timeline and strategy tailored to each family’s needs.

Before preparing your home for sale, hire a Realtor. In today’s market, high-quality listing photos are essential—and staged homes consistently look better in photos than empty ones. Your Realtor can help you arrange furniture, declutter, and take professional photos to showcase the home when it’s time to list.

If you're planning an estate sale, use it as an opportunity to market the property. Buyers often ask if the house itself is for sale during estate sales. Have your Realtor create a flyer to distribute to interested shoppers.

Timing is key—don’t list the house too early. Before putting the property on the market, hire an estate sale company. They will estimate how long it will take to organize, price, and sell the contents of the home. This timeline will help you coordinate the listing and closing dates for the property sale.

Don’t Rush to Declutter Before Meeting with an Estate Sale Company

The old saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” is often true. As an example, adult children often misjudge the value of their parents’ belongings simply because they do not share the same taste in decor or collectibles. They believe they are helping by clearing things out, but in reality, they may be discarding items that could bring in money. What’s more, this part of the process tends to slow people down. Sorting through a loved one’s possessions can be emotionally overwhelming. We have seen family members spend several months stuck in one room, agonizing over a few boxes—only for the estate sale company to come in and do the same work in a few days or less.

Let the Professionals Guide You - When we arrive, we give sellers a “homework” plan including a clear strategy and a deadline. If trash removal is necessary, it can be part of that plan—but only after the estate sale company has had a chance to evaluate everything. You might be surprised by what is worth keeping.

Set a Firm Deadline - Your contract with the estate sale company should include a specific date when they will begin working in the home. This deadline is especially helpful if family members keep telling you they will come pick up items but never follow through. A firm timeline helps everyone stay on track and ensures the process moves forward smoothly.

We professionally manage in-home estate sales by organizing, pricing, and selling the belongings within your home. Ready to explore your options? Fill out a brief questionnaire and book your personalized consultation.