5 Top Estate Sale Companies in Buffalo
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- 4 min read
- Alexandra Lee Associate EditorCloseAlexandra Lee Associate Editor
Alexandra is an associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.
If you’re searching for estate sale companies based in Buffalo, New York, you may be getting ready to clear out a home that’s filled with personal belongings. Whether your current situation is due to the loss of a loved one, medical circumstances, or the desire to downsize, you’re likely looking for a reputable company to handle the process with care.
In this article, we’ll feature some of Buffalo’s leading estate sale companies, walking you through their operations, timelines, and potential costs. Plus, we’ll explore how much you stand to earn.
Popular estate sale companies in Buffalo
Here are five top-rated estate sale companies operating in the Buffalo area:
The Stock Exchange
With over 25 years of experience, The Stock Exchange specializes in customized estate sales, providing personalized service to meet each client’s unique needs. Whether settling a family estate, downsizing, or liquidating, they handle every step, from pricing items to staging, advertising, and conducting the sale. Their excellent reputation and strategic promotions attract serious buyers, ensuring successful results. Dedicated to professionalism, reliability, and creative solutions, The Stock Exchange offers a stress-free experience with personalized attention to detail.
- Website: thestockexchangesales.com
- Phone: 716-432-8890
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.4 stars out of 5, based on 39 reviews
Queen City Estate Sales
Queen City Estate Sales revitalizes the estate sale industry with a modern, client-focused approach. Serving the Buffalo Niagara Region to Rochester and even Erie, Pennsylvania, they offer professional estate sale services, liquidations, and downsizing solutions. Their expert team provides hassle-free estate editing, clean-outs, consignment, and valuations with no upfront costs. Known for their professionalism, attention to detail, and compassionate service, Queen City Estate Sales is dedicated to protecting clients’ interests while maximizing estate value.
- Website: queencityestatesales.com
- Phone: 716-998-9485
- Better Business Bureau: Not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 5 stars out of 5, based on 65 reviews
Caring Transitions of Buffalo
Caring Transitions of Buffalo provides professional, compassionate solutions for downsizing, decluttering, estate sales, and senior relocations. Serving areas including Williamsville, Kenmore, West Seneca, and Orchard Park, the company specializes in easing the physical and emotional stress associated with significant life transitions. Their experienced team manages everything from coordinating with estate planners and movers to organizing online auctions through their exclusive CTBids platform, ensuring a smooth process that prioritizes clients’ best interests.
- Website: caringtransitionsofbuffalo.com
- Phone: 716-580-4822
- Better Business Bureau: Not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.9 stars out of 5, based on 40 reviews
Buffalo Nickel Estate Sales
Buffalo Nickel Estate Sales offers comprehensive estate sale services, handling everything from organizing, marketing, and staging to pricing and conducting sales. They also provide post-sale services, ensuring homes are left broom-clean after the event. For those in need of immediate solutions, the company offers estate buy-outs and full clean-outs. Additionally, Buffalo Nickel provides online auction services, allowing clients to sell items safely and efficiently without foot traffic in the home.
- Website: buffalonickelestatesales.com
- Phone: 636-898-9103
- Better Business Bureau: Not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.7 stars out of 5, based on 15 reviews
Estate Sales by Colleen
Estate Sales By Colleen is a fully insured company with over 20 years of experience, specializing in professional estate and household sales. They tailor each sale to the client’s specific needs, whether due to a loss, downsizing, or relocation. Their dedicated team ensures each item is treated with respect and care, providing free consultations and evaluations. From conducting the sale and offering complete buyouts to managing post-sale cleaning, they offer a comprehensive, worry-free experience.
- Website: estatesalesbycolleen.com
- Phone: 585-455-0844
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.3 stars out of 5, based on 105 reviews
Working with estate sale companies in Buffalo
Professional estate sale companies organize public sales events with the goal of liquidating the majority of a home’s belongings. They handle the pricing, staging, and marketing to help attract potential buyers and maximize returns. While many companies offer a hybrid of in-person and online services, others focus solely on digital sales.
Unlike garage sales, estate sales typically involve selling a wide array of household items, including furniture, fine art, antiques, collectibles, and everyday items. Sales usually last anywhere from one to three days, with prices often discounted on the final day in order to clear remaining stock.
After the estate sale, many companies also offer services to take care of unsold items (e.g., donation, consignment, or disposal). The aim is to completely empty the house, preparing it for the next steps.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
Most Buffalo estate sale companies charge a commission based on total sales, generally between 35% and 50%. The actual percentage can vary based on the complexity of the sale and the value of the items involved. For instance, a company may propose a lower commission for sales with higher revenue potential.
Your commission rate will directly impact your expected earnings. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale generates between $18,000 and $20,000 in gross revenue. With a typical commission rate of 35% to 40%, you could potentially net between $10,800 and $13,000 after company fees.
Most estate sale companies in Buffalo look for a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000 to $10,000 before agreeing to take on a sale, though some may consider lower profit margins.
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in Buffalo
While we’ve already shared some established estate sale companies in Buffalo, it’s always advised to conduct your own research to find one that aligns with your specific needs, budget, timeline, and communication style. Here are some resources for finding and assessing other potential companies:
- EstateSales.org and EstateSales.net
- BBB ratings and reviews
- Google Local Services Pro List and reviews
- The National Estate Sales Association
- The American Society of Estate Liquidators (search directory)
- Ask a top New York real estate agent
Do you need to empty a house before selling it?
It’s not always necessary to empty out a house before selling it. In fact, some real estate agents suggest leaving certain furniture and decor for staging purposes. If the home is already vacant, your agent might recommend virtual staging when it comes time to list.
If you’re aiming for a quick and hassle-free sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with reliable cash buyers who purchase homes in nearly any condition — including those filled with personal belongings.
»Learn more: Skip repairs, clean-up, and showings with a no-obligation cash offer
Next step: Sell the home with a top Buffalo agent
After your estate sale, the next significant step is often selling the property itself. Whether you’re dealing with an inherited property, downsizing, or preparing for your next chapter, collaborating with a top Buffalo real estate agent can help you sell faster while locking in a higher price.
Through HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with Buffalo’s top-performing real estate agents based on actual sales data. According to our research, the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
Header Image Source: (Kathleen Culbertson / Unsplash)