Do I have to be present during the estate sale?

No. Most families step away during the sale itself. The company handles staging, pricing, advertising, and managing buyers from start to finish. You can be there if you want — or not at all. Either is completely normal.

How soon after a death should we hold an estate sale?

There's no universal timeline. Some families need to move quickly because of a real estate closing or out-of-state logistics, while others wait several months. The most important thing is to wait until the will is settled or the executor has clear authority to sell. Many companies will do a free walkthrough now and schedule the actual sale weeks or months later when you're ready.

How quickly can a company start after I contact them?

Many companies can do an initial walkthrough within a few days, with the sale running 2–4 weeks later. If you're on a tight deadline (a real estate closing, for example), let them know — many can adjust their schedule. Peak weekends in spring and fall book out furthest in advance.

What happens to items that don't sell?

Most companies offer cleanout services — they donate, recycle, or haul away unsold items so the home is ready for whatever comes next. Some include cleanout in their commission; others charge separately. Always confirm the cleanout plan in writing before signing so there are no surprises after the sale weekend.

How much does an estate sale company charge?

Most companies work on commission — typically 30–50% of total sales, depending on estate size, location, and what's included. Setup, staffing, advertising, and cleanout may be included or charged separately. Higher-value estates often negotiate lower percentages. Always ask for a written breakdown so you know exactly what you'll net.

Can I keep specific items out of the sale?

Absolutely. Tag, photograph, or simply point out anything you'd like to keep before the company begins pricing. Many families designate a single room as 'off limits' and move keepsakes there before the walkthrough. A good company will respect every item you've identified and won't include it in the sale.

What if the will isn't settled yet?

Don't sell anything until the executor has legal authority. If the estate is in probate, ask the attorney whether the court requires approval before selling personal property. Many estate sale companies have probate experience and can wait for clearance — they'll do the walkthrough and quote so you're ready to move the moment you have approval.

What about jewelry, coins, or items that might be very valuable?

Reputable estate sale companies bring in specialists for fine jewelry, coins, watches, firearms, and rare collectibles — or they price conservatively and disclose the methodology. Ask up front how high-value items are appraised. If you suspect something might be worth thousands, get a separate appraisal before the sale so it isn't underpriced.

Should we donate items first or let the company handle everything?

Let the company see everything before you donate. Items that look like junk to grieving family members — old kitchen tools, costume jewelry, mid-century furniture, vintage Christmas decorations — often sell for surprising amounts. Donating before the walkthrough almost always means leaving money on the table.

What if family members disagree about what to sell?

This is incredibly common. The cleanest approach is to have one person (usually the executor) be the company's single point of contact, and have all family decisions resolved before the walkthrough. Some companies will hold a 'family preview' day so everyone has a chance to claim items before pricing begins.

Is it okay to be at the sale?

Yes — but most company owners gently recommend you don't. Watching strangers buy a parent's belongings can be much harder than people expect. If you do want to attend, plan to step out if it gets emotional. Many families visit briefly on the last day to say goodbye to the house instead.

How do we choose between two companies that both look good?

Beyond commission rate, weigh: (1) recent reviews from families with estates similar to yours, (2) how clearly they explain what's included vs. extra, (3) responsiveness in the first 24 hours, and (4) whether they handle cleanout. The right company should feel respectful and patient on the call — not pushy.

Sunlit family living room with a wooden rocking chair beside a window

A guide for families

You shouldn't have to do this alone.

Losing someone is hard enough. Let a professional handle the house, the items, and the process — so you can focus on what matters.

There is no right or wrong pace for this. Whenever you're ready — even if that's just gathering information today — we're here to make the next step a little easier.

What this looks like

A house, a life, in three quiet acts.

Quiet morning kitchen with kettle and cup

The home, as it was

A walkthrough — no pressure, no pre-sorting. The company sees everything where it lives.

Hands holding a stack of old handwritten letters

What you keep

Photographs, letters, the things that mean something. You set them aside first, on your time.

Wooden jewelry box with watches and rings on a lace doily

What becomes the sale

Everything else is priced, staged, and sold with the dignity it deserves.

What an estate sale company actually does

They come in, price everything, stage the home, run the sale, and clean up. You don't have to be there. You don't have to touch anything you don't want to.

Walks the home

On-site walkthrough and full inventory — no pre-sorting required.

Prices with care

Professional pricing using current market data and specialists for valuables.

Stages and runs the sale

Staging, advertising, and managing buyers across the sale weekend(s).

Leaves it ready

Clean-out of unsold items so the home is ready for what's next.

"I was completely overwhelmed after losing my mother. The company we found here was wonderful — they handled everything while I focused on my family."

Margaret R. — St. Petersburg, FL

Looking back

Five things families wish they'd done sooner.

Started earlier.

The longer the home sits, the harder it gets — emotionally and logistically.

Stopped trying to do it themselves.

Sorting through a lifetime of belongings is heavier than it looks.

Gotten more than one quote.

Even two conversations help you compare approach and fit.

Asked what's actually included.

Knowing the commission breakdown up front prevents surprises later.

Asked about unsold items.

Knowing the cleanout plan in advance brings real peace of mind.

You may also need legal and financial help

Settling an estate often involves probate filings and asset planning alongside the sale itself.

Find an estate attorney →Find a Medicaid planner →

FAQ

Questions families ask us most

Honest, straightforward answers — no sales pitch.

Take the next step, when you're ready.

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