Estate sale companies: Costs, services, and how to find the best one
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Richard Haddad Executive EditorClose
Richard Haddad Executive EditorRichard Haddad is the executive editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.
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.
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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.
How much will you make from an estate sale?
The amount you earn from an estate sale depends on the value of the items being sold, the company’s commission rate, and buyer interest. According to surveys conducted by EstateSales.net, a typical estate sale brings in $18,000–$20,000, and the most common commission rates are 35%–40%. Using these estimates, your after-commission proceeds might range from $10,800 to $13,000.
Key factors that affect your profit include:
- Item value: High-end furniture, antiques, collectibles, and jewelry tend to bring in more money.
- Market demand: Some items may sell for close to retail value, while others go for deep discounts.
- Sale strategy: Discounts on the final day help clear inventory but reduce overall earnings.
Most estate sale companies want a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000–$10,000 before they agree to organize a sale. However, some are willing to accept lower minimums, and others establish higher thresholds. Survey results show that only about 4% of estate sales generate gross sales in the $70,001–$100,000+ range.
Low commission rate vs. results: It might be tempting to choose a company with the lowest commission rate, but expertise and marketing matter. A reputable estate sale company with a strong buyer network can drive higher attendance and competitive bidding, resulting in more sales — even with a higher commission. (This principle often holds true with top real estate agents vs. discount commission agents.)
5 top estate sale companies
When managing an estate sale, partnering with a reputable company can streamline the process and maximize your returns. When selecting an estate sale company, consider factors such as service areas, customer reviews, and the range of services offered to ensure the best fit for your needs.
Here are five well-known, established estate sale companies that provide services across many locations in the United States:
Everything But The House
Founded in 2006, Everything But The House (EBTH) is a full-service online estate sale company. Whether you need to remove and sell a few select items or clear out an entire home, EBTH handles everything from sorting and authentication to professional photography and fulfillment. The company’s online platform connects sellers with a global audience. Once the sale is complete, EBTH manages all payments, pick-ups, and shipping, ensuring a seamless experience. Clients simply fill out a form, connect with an EBTH team member, and receive payment within 30 days.
Service areas: EBTH provides online estate sale services nationwide and has physical office locations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Colorado.
Everything But The House is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and holds an A+ rating. The company has 4 stars out of 5 from Google customer reviews.
Website: sell.ebth.com
Phone: 888-965-8672 or 888-862-8750
MaxSold
MaxSold specializes in fast and efficient estate sales through an online auction platform, helping clients clear out entire households in as little as two weeks. The company uses a 4-step system: estate assessment, professional cataloging and photography, an online auction, and supervised item pickup. MaxSold’s platform connects sellers with thousands of area buyers, resulting in a 90%+ sell-through rate and no junk hauler fees. MaxSold handles all payments and coordinates pickup within a 5- to 10-hour window, making estate sales stress-free and cost-effective.
Service areas: MaxSold operates in 24 states and the District of Columbia as well as many locations in Canada.
MaxSold is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating. The company has 4.1 stars out of 5 from Google customer reviews.
Website: sellerlp.maxsold.com/1-estate-sales
Phone: 833-MAX-SOLD (833-629-7653) ext. 2
Blue Moon Estate Sales
Founded in 2009 by Deb and Ken Blue, Blue Moon Estate Sales provides professional estate liquidation services to help clients transition with ease. Their experienced team offers full-service estate sales, including inventory management, fair market pricing, professional staging, advertising, and on-site sale supervision. Blue Moon creates a welcoming shopping environment, strategically staging homes to highlight high-value items and optimize sales. They also promote estate sales through online listings and a loyalty program with over 130,000 shoppers.
Service areas: Blue Moon operates in operates in 29 states and the District of Columbia.
Blue Moon Estate Sales has multiple BBB and Google review pages depending on location. For example, the Denver-area Blue Moon location is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating. It has a 4.3-star Google customer review score. Check the links above for customer review pages for your local franchise.
Website: bluemoonestatesales.com
Phone: Check local listings for a franchise near you
Grasons Co.
Grasons Co. is a trusted estate sale and business liquidation company known for its comprehensive, full-service approach. Their team handles everything from organizing, staging, and pricing items to advertising the sale and overseeing transactions. Whether the sale is conducted on-site or online, Grasons leverages its nationwide buyer network to maximize sale proceeds. Clients receive a detailed report of all items sold, providing full transparency. With strict safety protocols, bonded and insured services, Grasons Co. strives to provide a hassle-free estate sale experience from start to finish.
Service areas: Grasons operates in 60 markets across the U.S.
Grasons Co. has numerous BBB listings but does not appear to have locations that are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. BBB ratings range from A+ to C, depending on location. Google reviews for various cities range from 4.2 stars to 5 stars.
Website: grasons.com
Phone: 844-802-8424
Aether Estate Sales Co.
Aether Estate Sales Co. offers a boutique-style estate sale experience with a fully barcoded system that ensures seamless transactions and organized sales. Their team provides professional staging, strategic pricing, and targeted advertising to maximize the value of household items. Each sale is staffed and managed by Aether’s experts, and clients receive full transaction reports with sale proceeds wired within 10 business days. Aether has established strong relationships with dealers, collectors, and private buyers, helping clients achieve the best possible returns.
Service areas: Aether provides estate sale services in select major markets in the U.S., including Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Florida.
Aether Estate Sales Co. is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau but holds an A+ BBB rating. The company has 4.6 stars out of 5 from Google customer reviews.
Website: aetherestatesales.com
Phone: 800-965-2707 or 765-460-7314
How Much Is Your Inherited Home Worth?
If you’re curious about how much your inherited property might be worth, get a preliminary estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.
How to find reputable estate sale companies
Here are some tips to help you find a trustworthy and reputable estate sale company in your area:
- Search online directories: Websites like EstateSales.net, EstateSales.org, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB.org) list estate sale companies with customer ratings and reviews.
- Check online reviews: Look at Google Reviews, Yelp, and BBB ratings to gauge past clients’ experiences. Companies with consistently high ratings and positive reviews are typically more reliable.
- Request client referrals: If you know someone who has recently held an estate sale, ask for recommendations. Real estate agents and probate attorneys often have trusted contacts.
- Ask about association memberships: Beyond local and state business licensing requirements, there are no set credentials or certifications a company must hold to be an estate sale business. However, there are industry associations that hold their members to high ethical standards and best practices. These include the National Estate Sales Association and the American Society of Estate Liquidators, which also maintains a member search tool.
- Compare multiple companies: Don’t settle on the first company you find. Interview at least two or three to compare their services, fees, and approach before making a decision.
Questions to ask estate sale companies
Here are some key questions to ask when interviewing estate sale companies:
- How many estate sales have you organized?
- What is your commission structure?
- Do you have additional fees beyond the commission?
- How will you advertise my sale?
- How do you determine pricing for items?
- Does anyone on staff have a personal property appraisal certification?
- How long does the process take?
- Do you have references?
- Are you insured and bonded?
- How is security handled?
- How is after-sale clean-up handled?
- What happens to unsold items?
- How does your payout process work?
FAQs about estate sale companies and estate sales
No, estate sales happen for various reasons. While many are held after a homeowner passes away, they’re also common when someone moves to assisted living, relocates, or wants to downsize significantly. An estate sale can help quickly liquidate possessions and make a home more market-ready for sale.
It’s best to reach out as soon as you know you need an estate sale. Most companies require at least a few weeks to assess, price, and market the items properly.
Most estate sales run for one to three days, typically over a weekend. Some companies extend sales or offer discounts on the final day to clear inventory.
Yes, in some cases. If your estate sale includes many high-value items, some companies may be willing to lower their commission percentage.
According to Lion and Unicorn auction house, high-demand Items at estate sales include:
- Paintings, sculptures, and other forms of artwork
- Collectibles, such as coins, stamps, vintage toys, and sports memorabilia
- Antique and vintage furniture (e.g., Victorian-era sofas and chairs)
- Fine jewelry, luxury watches (new, vintage, and antique)
- Vintage clothing and accessories
- Rare books (first editions, signed copies, out-of-print titles)
- High-quality kitchenware and vintage appliances
- Musical instruments (vintage or high-end) and equipment
- High-quality outdoor furniture
- Gardening tools and decorative outdoor items like statues or fountains
- Kitchenware (e.g., Le Creuset, Griswold, All-Clad), fine china and silverware
Estate sale companies typically do not handle real estate transactions. However, some partner with real estate agents or provide referrals to help you sell the home.
Yes, but it depends on the pricing strategy. Some companies allow minor negotiations, especially on the last day, while others stick to set prices.
Most typical estate sales contain between 1,000 and 1,999 items, according to data collected by estatesales.net. Sales with 250 to 999 items are also common. While less common, a large estate sale can have over 5,000 items.
Yes, estate sale companies have restrictions on certain items due to legal, safety, or ethical reasons. If you’re unsure whether an item can be sold, ask your estate sale company for guidance. Common exclusions include:
- Alcohol, since selling beer, wine, or liquor usually requires a license
- Perishable or opened food, which may pose health risks
- Prescription medications, as they cannot be resold legally
- Used personal items like razors, undergarments, and teething toys
- Personal documents such as tax records, passports, and bank statements
- Illegal or restricted items, including recalled products and certain weapons
Yes, many estate sale companies offer online sales or auctions, allowing buyers to bid remotely. Everything But The House (EBTH) and MaxSold specialize in online estate sales.
Many companies donate unsold items to charities, offer buyout options, or arrange for haul-away services. Some companies also allow sellers to reclaim unsold high-value items or list them in future sales. Discuss these options with your estate sale company beforehand.
After the estate sale, sell your home with a top agent
If you’re downsizing, selling an inherited home, or just looking to declutter and start over, HomeLight can connect you with top-rated real estate agents in your area.
Our partner agents have proven track records for excellent customer service and high sale-to-list ratios, meaning they typically get their clients the highest possible proceeds. In fact, our transaction data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than average agents.
On the other hand, if you just need speed and convenience, request a no-obligation cash offer through our Simple Sale platform. You’ll receive an offer in 24 hours and can close in as few as 10 days.
Header Image Source: (Michael Kahn/ Unsplash)
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