5 Top Estate Sale Companies in San Diego
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Alexandra Lee Associate EditorClose
Alexandra Lee Associate EditorAlexandra 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 looking for estate sale companies in San Diego, you may be settling a loved one’s estate, dealing with a medical-related move, or simply looking to downsize your current living situation. Whatever your situation, finding a highly-rated company to manage the process with professionalism and care can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of San Diego’s top estate sale companies, detailing everything from how they operate, associated costs and fees, and what you can expect in terms of potential timelines and profits.
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Popular estate sale companies in San Diego
Here are five top-rated estate sale companies operating in the San Diego area:
San Diego County Estate Sales
San Diego County Estate Sales specializes in comprehensive estate sale and liquidation services, providing tailored solutions such as organizing, staging, pricing, and inventory. The company manages onsite estate sales, online auctions, and private collector purchases, all without any upfront fees. Their insured, bonded, and screened employees guarantee a seamless process for clients navigating estate transitions throughout San Diego County and the greater Coachella Valley.
- Website: sandiegocountyestatesales.com
- Phone: 760-844-8095
- Better Business Bureau: Not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 5 stars out of 5, based on 28 reviews
San Diego Liquidation & Estate Services Inc
San Diego Liquidation & Estate Services Inc. specializes in providing comprehensive estate sale and liquidation services for clients throughout Southern California, including San Diego and Orange County. Their team, with over 40 years of combined experience, appraises, organizes, and manages estate sales to ensure a seamless process while maximizing returns. They also offer direct estate buyouts and antique-buying services, with an emphasis on Asian antiques such as Chinese jade, porcelain, and bronze.
- Website: sandiegoestateservices.com
- Phone: 619-316-3857
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.8 stars out of 5, based on 53 reviews
True Legacy Homes
True Legacy Homes specializes in comprehensive estate sale services designed to ease life transitions such as downsizing or managing an inherited property. Their “Legacy Sale” approach handles everything from decluttering, professional staging, pricing, and selling to pre- and post-sale cleaning. A certified appraiser evaluates valuables while unsold items are donated or removed. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, True Legacy Homes is trusted for their transparency and expertise in Southern California estate sales.
- Website: truelegacyhomes.com
- Phone: 877-343-2319
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.5 stars out of 5, based on 246 reviews
Anna’s Attic Estate Sales
Anna’s Attic Estate Sales specializes in professional estate liquidation services, offering tailored solutions for clients facing emotional transitions such as probate or the loss of a loved one. Since 2010, the family-owned and operated business has managed hundreds of estate sales with sensitivity and integrity, ensuring maximum returns through meticulous item evaluation, pricing, and presentation. They also offer full clean-outs and junk hauling, providing comprehensive documentation and detailed transaction records throughout the sale.
- Website: aaestatesale.com
- Phone: 619-995-5219
- Better Business Bureau: Not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.5 stars out of 5, based on 103 reviews
Momento Estates
Momento Estates specializes in providing compassionate and eco-conscious estate sales and senior move management services. Founded in 2022, the company focuses on reducing the stress of downsizing while minimizing waste. Their experienced team offers tailored solutions, including in-home estate sales, online auctions, and full estate buy-outs, ensuring maximum profitability for clients. Momento prioritizes community-minded sustainability by donating unsold items to local charities, food pantries, and animal shelters.
- Website: momentoestates.com
- Phone: 619-837-3133
- Better Business Bureau: Not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 5 stars out of 5, based on 12 reviews
Working with estate sale companies in San Diego
Professional estate sale companies coordinate public sale events to clear out the majority of a home’s personal belongings. They handle pricing, staging, and marketing to attract buyers and boost returns. While some specialize in online sales, others offer a blend of in-person and digital options.
Unlike garage sales, estate sales are typically larger and involve selling a significant portion of a home’s contents, including furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday household goods. Most sale timelines range from one to three days, with price reductions often offered on the final day to help clear remaining stock.
After the sale, many companies assist with handling unsold items through donations, selling for consignment, or disposal. The goal is to empty the home completely and prepare it for the next steps.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
In San Diego, most estate sale companies charge a commission based on the total sales amount, typically ranging from 35% to 50%. The actual rate can vary depending on the size and complexity of the sale, as well as the overall value of the items sold. For example, some companies may offer a lower commission rate for higher-value sales and vice versa.
Your commission rate will affect your expected proceeds. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale brings in between $18,000 and $20,000 in gross revenue. With a commission rate of 35% to 40%, you could potentially net between $10,800 and $13,000 after company fees.
Most San Diego estate sale companies prefer a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000 to $10,000 before taking on a sale, although some may be willing to accept lower amounts.
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in San Diego
While we’ve provided a few established estate sale companies in San Diego, it’s strongly advised to do your own research and select one that suits your needs, budget, preferred timeline, and communication style. Here are some ways to find and evaluate 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 San Diego real estate agent
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.
Do you need to empty a house before selling it?
You don’t necessarily need to completely empty a house before putting it on the market. In fact, some real estate agents suggest holding onto certain furniture and decor for staging purposes. If the house is already vacant, your agent may suggest virtual staging.
If you’re aiming for a fast and hassle-free sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can provide access you reputable cash buyers who purchase San Diego homes in nearly any condition, including those filled with items.
»Learn more: Skip repairs, clean-up, and showings with a no-obligation cash offer
Next step: Sell the home with a top San Diego agent
After completing an estate sale, selling the property itself is often the next big step. Whether you’re managing an inherited property, downsizing, or moving on to your next chapter, teaming up with a top San Diego real estate agent can help you secure a faster sale with a higher price.
Through HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with San Diego’s top-performing real estate agents based on actual sales data. Our data shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
Header Image Source: (Victoria Lea/ Unsplash)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
