Estate sale companies: Costs, services, and how to find the best one
Need to sell a home’s contents? See top estate sale companies, how they work, what they charge, and how to find a reputable company near you.
Estate sale companies can be a godsend if you’re tasked with liquidating a house full of belongings — whether due to a loved one’s passing, the need to downsize, or other major life changes.
These companies specialize in handling everything from pricing to marketing to selling. But how do you know which company to trust? How much do they charge?
In this easy-scan guide, we’ll explain how estate sales work, what to expect from estate sale companies, and highlight some of the best companies in the industry.
Get a cash offer from a trusted source
Sell your home for a competitive price in as few as 10 days, with no additional fees, agent commission, or prep‑work. Start by telling us about your home and speak to one of our Home Consultants. This helps us get the best possible offer from our extensive network of investors nationwide.
What is an estate sale?
An estate sale is a professionally managed sale of a home’s contents, typically organized when a homeowner passes away, moves to a new residence, or downsizes significantly.
Unlike a yard sale, an estate sale is a structured event where a company prices and sells household items — furniture, artwork, collectibles, and more — inside the home. Buyers walk through, selecting items, often at discounted prices. Some companies specialize in online estate sales while others offer a hybrid model.
Sales typically last one to three days, with prices dropping on the final day to clear out the remaining inventory.
What do estate sale companies do?
Estate sale companies take care of everything needed to sell the contents of a home. Their services typically include:
- Sorting and organizing: They determine which items are sellable and which should be donated or discarded.
- Pricing and appraisal: They research market values and price items accordingly.
- Marketing and advertising: They promote the sale through online listings, social media, and local channels to attract buyers.
- Running the sale: They staff the event, manage transactions, and negotiate prices.
- Cleanup and leftover handling: Many estate sale companies offer donation coordination or buyout options for unsold items.
How does the estate sale process work?
Once you hire an estate sale company, they’ll assess the home’s contents and create a sale plan. After sorting and pricing items, they’ll stage the presentation to maximize buyer interest. The sale is typically held over a weekend, with discounted pricing on the last day to clear out any remaining items. Afterward, the company may handle donation pickups or offer cleanout services to leave the home empty or nearly empty.
Do I need to empty a house to sell it?
You don’t necessarily need to empty a house before selling it. Your options depend on your situation, the property’s condition, and your selling method. For example:
- If you are selling with a Realtor, the agent may suggest leaving select pieces behind for staging, which can make the home more appealing to buyers. If it’s empty, your agent may employ a virtual staging strategy.
- If you are selling to a house-buying company for cash, you won’t need to clean or repair the home, and many “We Buy Houses” businesses and investors will take care of any unwanted items left behind.
For some, selling a home as-is for cash is the solution they need during a stressful or emotional time, especially for an inherited home located out of state. HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of trusted cash buyers in the country. Here’s how it works:
Your Simple Sale cash offer will also include an estimate of how much a top real estate agent might be able to get for the home. To see both no-obligation options, provide a few details about the home and your selling timeline.
How much do estate sale companies charge?
Estate sale companies typically charge a commission based on the total sales revenue, which usually ranges from 30% to 50%. Many companies offer lower rates for sales with higher revenue potential. In most cases, the estate sale company will set the commission after evaluating the estate. The percentage you pay depends on factors such as:
- The total value of the items being sold
- The location of the sale and market demand
- The level of services provided (e.g., sorting, marketing, and cleanup)
Some companies may also charge additional fees for services like post-sale cleanouts, appraisals for high-value items, or disposal of unsold belongings. Before signing a contract, review the company’s fee structure to understand how they charge and what’s included.
