How to Hire the Best Estate Sale Company Near You

If you're faced with liquidating the contents of a home, you might be wondering how to hire an estate sale company you can trust. Estate sale companies, like Mile High Estate Sales, handle the pricing, marketing, and sale of personal properties – often during emotional and logistically complex life transitions.

You might need estate sale help when downsizing, relocating, handling an inheritance, settling a probate, or preparing a home for sale. In this guide, we walk you through the steps of finding reputable companies that do estate sales, knowing which questions to ask, and common mistakes to avoid.

Step 1: Start With Research (Don't Skip This)

Estate sales are largely unregulated, with no standardized oversight. For this reason, doing your research and compiling a list of estate sale companies is crucial.

Start your search with:

• Online searches for “best estate sale company near me” or “estate sale brokers near me”
• Browse estate sale marketplaces and company websites
• Get professional referrals from estate attorneys, realtors, or financial planners
• Learn about industry associations and estate liquidation groups
• Talk to friends and family who have hired local estate sale companies

Step 2: Evaluate Online Reviews the Right Way

Reviews of estate sale companies matter, so check multiple platforms, such as Google, Yelp, Facebook, Angi, and the Better Business Bureau. When reading online feedback, look for seller reviews rather than shopper reviews to understand how an estate sale company communicates and manages the process.

Step 3: Confirm They Are Insured, Bonded, and Legitimate

Before you hire an estate sale company, ensure it is bonded for protection in the event of items going missing and insured to cover any theft, damage, or accidents. Ask companies for proof of their insurance, bonding documentation, and business credentials or affiliations.

Step 4: Attend One of Their Estate Sales in Person

If possible, attend another estate sale of the company you're considering before hiring them.

Here's what to look for during your visit:

• Clear, consistent pricing
• Professional, organized staging
• Visible staff interacting with customers
• Buyer traffic and engagement
• Security and theft-prevention measures

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions Before You Hire

These are helpful questions to ask companies that do estate sales to make a hiring decision:

• How long have you been in business, and how many sales do you run annually?
• What's your commission, what services are included, and do additional fees apply?
• Can you share details about your setup, sale days, pricing, and discounts?
• How do you track sold items and secure valuables?
• Can family members attend the sale?
• How do you handle cleanup, donations, disposals, and payment?

Step 6: Review the Contract Carefully

An important component of learning how to hire an estate sale company is getting a written contract upfront rather than relying on verbal agreements. When reviewing the contract, check for the commission percentage, services included, cancellation terms, and liability language.

Step 7: Trust Your Instincts (But Back Them With Facts)

As you search for estate sale help, notice your level of comfort and communication with prospective companies. Red flags to avoid include pressure to sign a contract quickly, vague or elusive answers, and an overall lack of transparency that leaves you feeling unsettled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Estate Sale Company

These are common mistakes we've seen people make when hiring an estate sale company:

• Skipping in-person sales visits
• Not verifying bonding and insurance
• Hiring a company without a contract
• Relying on only one review platform
• Choosing the lowest commission without understanding the services included

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring an Estate Sale Company

How much does an estate sale company charge?

Many estate sale companies charge a commission based on total sales, often ranging from 30% to 50%, depending on the services and scope.

Are estate sale companies regulated?

In most states, no, which is why due diligence is essential to hire an estate sale company.

How long does the estate sale process take?

From initial consultation to final payout, the estate sale process often takes about two to four weeks.

Do I need to be present during the estate sale?

Typically, no, and some companies prefer family members not to be present at the estate sale to avoid disruptions.

What happens to items that don't sell?

For unsold items, common options are donation, disposal, or consignment, depending on your agreement.

How are valuable or high-end items handled?

Reputable estate sale companies may secure valuables in locked displays or sell them through specialty channels.

Can I remove items from the home before the sale?

Yes, but make sure to communicate to your estate sale company what you plan to remove to avoid any pricing or marketing impacts.

How do estate sale companies prevent theft?

Common security measures include in-person staff monitoring, controlled customer entry, and secure displays for valuables.

What's the difference between an estate sale and an auction?

Estate sales usually involve specific, on-site pricing and multi-day sales. In contrast, auctions operate through competitive bidding and off-site platforms.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to hire an estate sale company and encourage you to contact us for an estate sale consultation. Our consultations are free and can be scheduled online or by phone at (303) 204-4464.