How to Select an Estate Sale Company in Manchester, NH
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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.
If you’re considering an estate sale company in Manchester, NH, it’s likely you’re managing the logistics (and emotions) of a major life change. This may be the passing of a loved one or a medical event that’s made it necessary for a family member to downsize to a smaller home or care facility.
In this unsponsored post, we’ll walk you through how estate sales work, what to look for in a Manchester estate sale company, and key considerations before hiring one. We’ll also share insights on timelines, costs, potential proceeds, and helpful FAQs.
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What is an estate sale?
An estate sale is a professionally managed sale designed to liquidate the majority of a home’s belongings. These sales are typically held when a homeowner passes away, moves to assisted living, relocates, or downsizes significantly.
Unlike a typical yard sale, estate sales include a wide range of household goods, such as furniture, antiques, jewelry, artwork, kitchenware, and collectibles. Items are priced by professionals and sold inside the home over one to three days. Many companies also offer online estate sales and auctions, allowing buyers to bid remotely.
Working with an estate sale company in Manchester, NH
Hiring an estate sale company can save you significant time, effort, and stress as these professionals handle everything from sorting and pricing to marketing and conducting the sale. Here’s what you can expect from an estate sale company in Manchester, NH:
The estate sale process
- Consultation and assessment: The company evaluates the estate’s contents and estimates potential sales revenue. The total potential value can play a role in your commission rate. (More on costs in a moment.)
- Sorting and organizing: They determine which items to sell, donate, or discard.
- Pricing and appraisal: Professionals set fair market values for items based on demand and condition.
- Marketing and advertising: To attract buyers, the sale is promoted through online listings, social media, and local advertising. The company will photograph items that are selected to be posted online.
- Running the sale: Over one to three days, the company staffs and manages the event, handles negotiations, and processes payments.
- Post-sale services: Some companies offer donation pickups, buyout options, or full cleanouts for unsold items. This makes the home more ready to sell.
Estate sale costs
Estate sale companies typically charge a commission, which is a percentage of the total sales revenue. In New Hampshire and nationwide, commissions typically range from 30% to 50%, depending on the estate’s value and the company’s services. Many companies offer a lower commission rate for sales with higher revenue potential.
In addition to a commission, some companies charge fees for:
- Post-sale cleanouts or donation drop-offs
- Special appraisals for high-value antiques and collectibles
- Marketing upgrades to boost visibility
Estimated proceeds from an estate sale
According to EstateSales.net survey data, the average estate sale generates $18,000–$20,000 in gross revenue. With commission rates of 35%–40%, typical sellers can expect to take home $10,800 to $13,000 after commission fees.
However, final proceeds vary based on:
- The quality of items being sold: High-end furniture, collectibles, and jewelry bring in more money.
- Buyer demand: Some items may sell close to retail value, while others are heavily discounted.
- The sale strategy: Discounting on the final day helps clear inventory but reduces overall earnings.
- Expertise of the company: An experienced estate sale company in Manchester will have a strong buyer network to maximize your sales.
Most Manchester area companies want a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000–$10,000 before they agree to organize an estate sale. However, some businesses may be willing to accept lower minimums, and others maintain higher thresholds. According to the survey data, only about 4% of estate sales generate more than $70,000 in total revenue.
Look beyond the commission rate: It might be tempting to choose an estate sale company based only on a low commission rate. However, an established Manchester area estate sale company with a strong network can deliver higher attendance and more competitive bidding. In the end, you may achieve greater take-home proceeds even after paying the higher rate. (This low-commission rate temptation often holds true with top real estate agents vs. discount agents.)
How to select an estate sale company in Manchester, NH
For a successful and streamlined experience, you’ll want to pick an estate sale company in Manchester that fits your needs, budget, timeline, and communication style. Here’s how to find and evaluate potential companies:
1. Search for local estate sale companies
Begin by exploring local directories and online platforms. Below, we’ve provided direct links to four easy-to-use sites to find estate sale companies in Manchester, NH:
- EstateSales.org: This platform lists estate sale companies in Manchester, NH, complete with reviews and upcoming sales.
- EstateSales.net: This popular online marketplace provides a directory of its members along with customer testimonials.
- Yelp: Offers user reviews and ratings for estate liquidation services in the Manchester area.
- Google Local Services Pro List: This provides a mapped list that includes customer reviews and ratings, as well as company profiles and photos.
2. Evaluate experience and reputation
Look for companies with a solid track record in the following areas:
- Experience: Opt for companies that have been operating in the Manchester area for several years and have handled estates similar to yours.
- Reputation: Check online reviews, testimonials, and any industry awards or recognitions. Along with reviews on the sites listed above, check the company’s Better Business Bureau rating.
- Compliance: The company should be licensed in the state and have required liability insurance to protect against potential damages during the sale.
- Association memberships: Industry associations often hold members to high ethical standards. These include the National Estate Sales Association and the American Society of Estate Liquidators, which also provides a member search directory.
- Expert and personal referrals: If you know someone who has recently held an estate sale, ask about the company they hired. In addition, longtime real estate agents in Manchester and probate attorneys often have trusted company contacts.
3. Understand their fee structure and ask key questions
Discuss fees upfront to avoid any hidden costs or surprises. You’ll want to have a clear understanding of the company’s commission rate structure and any additional charges you may encounter for setup, advertising, or cleanup services. It’s wise to interview multiple estate sale companies no matter how dazzling your first meeting might feel.
Below is a list of questions to ask an estate sale company:
- How many estate sales have you organized in Manchester?
- What is your commission percentage or structure?
- Do you have additional fees in addition to the commission?
- What strategies do you use for marketing the sale?
- How do you appraise and price items?
- Do you have a certified personal property appraiser on staff?
- How long does your estate sale process take?
- Can you provide references from recent clients in Manchester?
- Do you have documents showing you’re fully insured and bonded?
- How is security handled during the sale?
- How do you handle unsold items after the sale?
- How is the after-sale clean-up handled?
- How does your customer payout process work?
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.
Popular Estate Sale Companies in Manchester, NH
Here are some reputable estate sale companies serving the Manchester area:
603 Estate Sales
With over a decade of experience, 603 Estate Sales is one of New Hampshire’s longest-running and most trusted estate liquidation companies. This family-owned business handles everything from start to finish, advising clients on what has value, organizing items, researching pricing, and professionally staging sales for maximum profitability. Their team sells everything from household goods to high-value antiques, vehicles, and fine art, attracting strong buyer interest both in person and through online auctions. 603 Estate Sales is known for high revenue generation, large shopper turnout, and top-tier customer service.
Service Areas: Most of New Hampshire and select areas of Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
603 Estate Sales is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but holds an A+ rating. The company has 4.5 stars out of 5 from Google customer reviews.
Website: 603estatesales.com
Phone: 603-777-7817
Blue Moon Estate Sales (Greater Manchester and Portsmouth)
Blue Moon Estate Sales provides professional estate liquidation services designed to maximize sales while minimizing stress for clients. Whether downsizing, handling an inheritance, or relocating, their experienced team manages everything from pricing and staging to marketing and running the sale. Blue Moon’s estate sales are professionally staged to create a retail-like shopping experience, attracting strong buyer interest. With a large customer base and data-driven pricing strategies, they ensure items sell at fair market value. Clients receive a free consultation, and sales are typically completed within two days, with payment processed within 5-7 business days.
Service Areas: Greater Manchester, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas. Blue Moon also has franchise locations in 28 other states and the District of Columbia.
Blue Moon Estate Sales does not appear to have a Better Business Bureau page for its Greater Manchester location. However, there are multiple BBB pages for other cities across the U.S. The Manchester location holds a 5-star Google customer review rating.
Website: bluemoonestatesales.com
Phone: 603-377-0933
Estate Sales by Jesod
Estate Sales by Jesod is one of New Hampshire’s top-rated estate sale and online auction companies, offering a comprehensive, one-stop solution for estate liquidation. Their expert team specializes in professionally staged estate sales, maximizing buyer interest, and achieving top-dollar results. Clients can also take advantage of full cleanout services, and competitive buyout options. Bonded and insured, they are known for their professionalism, customer satisfaction, and expertise in estate liquidation. The company also offers home sale options.
Service Areas: New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts, including Manchester and surrounding areas.
Estate Sales by Jesod is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, the company holds 5 stars out of 5 on Google customer reviews.
Website: estatesalesbyjesod.com
Phone: 603-255-5737
More Manchester area online estate sale and auction sites
- MaxSold Downsizing and Estate Sales (Google reviews: 4.1 stars)
- Everything But The House (Google reviews: 4 stars)
- Denise Ryan Auction Co. (Google reviews: 3.4 stars)
- Bird’s Nest Auctions (Google reviews: 4.9 stars)
Do you need to empty the house to sell it?
You don’t necessarily need to empty a house before selling it. Your approach depends on your selling method and the home’s condition.
- If you’re working with a real estate agent: Some agents recommend leaving select pieces for staging, as furnished homes often appear more inviting to buyers. If the home is already empty, virtual staging is an option.
- If you’re selling through an estate sale company: Most estate sale professionals will handle item sorting, pricing, and selling. Many also offer cleanout services for any unsold items.
- If you want to sell as-is for cash: Some homebuyers, including real estate investors and “We Buy Houses” companies, will purchase a home as-is with leftover belongings inside.
For those who prefer a fast, convenient sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform connects sellers with a network of trusted cash buyers who can purchase homes in any condition. With Simple Sale, you can:
- Get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours
- Skip repairs, staging, and cleanouts
- Close in as few as 10 days
If clearing out a house feels overwhelming, a direct cash sale could be an efficient, stress-free solution. Here’s how Simple Sale works:
Your Simple Sale all-cash offer will also include an estimate of how much a top-rated Manchester real estate agent might be able to get for your home. To see both no-obligation options, enter a few details about the house and your selling timeline.
FAQs about estate sale companies in Manchester
It’s best to contact an estate sale company as soon as you decide you want to hold a sale. Most Manchester area companies need at least a few weeks to assess, price, and market the items effectively.
No, estate sales can happen for many reasons. While they are common when a homeowner dies, they’re also used when someone moves to an assisted living community, relocates, or needs to rapidly downsize. An estate sale can quickly liquidate the contents of a home so it’s more market-ready for sale.
Most estate sales run one to three days, typically over a weekend. Some companies extend sales for up to a week, and many offer final-day discounts to clear inventory.
Many buyers look for a variety of high-demand items at estate sales. These can include fine leather furniture, rare collectibles, jewelry, artwork, tools, kitchenware, and vintage décor. High-quality or unique items tend to sell quickly.
On average, most estate sales contain between 1,000 and 1,999 items, according to survey results from EstateSales.net. Sales with 250 to 999 items are also common. A large event can have over 5,000 items.
Yes, but policies vary. Many companies firmly price items on the first day and allow discounts or negotiations later in the sale.
Yes, many estate sale companies offer online sales or auctions, allowing buyers to bid remotely. Some will separate high-demand items and place them exclusively online for a targeted buyer audience. Other companies, such as Everything But The House and MaxSold, specialize in online estate sales.
Most estate sale companies offer donation coordination, buyout options, or haul-away services. Ask your estate sale provider how they handle remaining inventory.
Most companies focus on selling belongings, not real estate. However, some may partner with real estate agents or provide referrals, and others may have licensed agents on staff.
Next step: Sell the home with a top Manchester agent
After your estate sale, selling the home is often the next big step. Whether you’re managing an inherited property, downsizing, or moving for a new opportunity, the right real estate agent can help you sell faster and for more money.
Through HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with Manchester’s top-performing real estate agents based on actual sales data. Our research shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
If you’re looking for a fast, uncomplicated home sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform provides a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours, with closings in as few as 10 days.
Header Image Source: (Curtis Adams/Pexels)
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