top of page
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is an estate sale?An estate sale is a method of liquidating the belongings of a household. It involves selling the personal property of an individual who is downsizing, moving, or has passed away. Estate sales are typically held over one or more days and are open to the public.
-
How is an estate sale different from a garage sale?Estate sales typically involve a larger volume of items, including high-value antiques, collectibles, and household goods. They are professionally organized and marketed to attract a broader audience, including collectors and serious buyers.
-
What services do you offer?We can provide a comprehensive range of services, including: Free initial consultation Sorting and organizing items Professional appraisal and pricing Marketing and promotion Full management of sale days Post-sale wrap-up and cleanup Secure handling of payments Click to learn more
-
How much does an estate sale/liquidation service cost?Our fees are typically a percentage of the total sales, ensuring that our interests align with maximizing your profits. The exact percentage varies based on the size and complexity of the sale. We’ll provide a clear fee structure during the initial consultation.
-
Is there a cost for a consultation?Absolutely not! Give us a call today for a phone consultation to determine if we should come out for an evaluation.
-
Are we insured?Yes! We have specialized insurance for estate sale companies that covers both us and our clients.
-
How long will it take to set up my sale?Setup time depends on the quantity of items, type of items, and cleanliness. Most sales can be set up within a week, but each situation varies.
-
How do we price your items for the sale?We use our knowledge of past sales, extensive research, and decades of experience to price items at current market value.
-
How do we advertise our sales?We utilize our website, Facebook, upcoming sales sheets, estatesales.net, specialty groups, and we offer choices of many other platforms. Most of all, our established company also has a large, devoted following who attend and share upcoming sales.
-
Do we have any hidden fees?No, we are transparent with our fees, which include our commission (competitive with industry standards) and advertising. Additional fees, such as further advertising, clean-out, or dumpster rental, may or may not apply and are clearly marked in our contracts. Any agreed upon services or fees are clearly marked in our contracts prior to our clients signatures.
-
What types of payment are accepted?We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and in certain situations, checks.
-
How do we staff our sales?Staffing is determined on a sale-by-sale basis, considering the size, type/size of items, and security needs. We ensure enough staff are on-site to thoroughly answer and assist customers and help with moving items.
-
How do you ensure the security of my property?We prioritize security and privacy during the entire process. Our professional staff is present at all times during the sale to oversee transactions and monitor the property. We also offer secure storage for high-value items if needed.
-
Do we have presales?Yes and no. Families may request a presale for family members before the public sale. We do not presell to dealers or other individuals. Making sure everyone has a fair chance to buy has given our company a devoted following of customers who consistently attend and purchase items at our sales.
-
How soon after the sale can we list the house on the market?In many cases, the home is listed for sale as soon as we get it organized and looking good for the estate sale. If you don'thave a realtor, we work with top realtors in the Metro Detroit area and can handle the complete liquidation of the home's contents and the home itself quickly.
-
How and when will I receive my payment?We process payments promptly after the sale and provide a detailed sales summary. You can expect to receive your payment within 5-7 business days following the conclusion of the sale.
-
Do I need to be present during the sale?No, you do not need to be present. Our experienced team will manage all aspects of the sale, allowing you to focus on other matters. However, if you prefer to be involved, you’re welcome to be present.
-
What happens to items left over after the sale?Typically, 80-90% of items sell at the sale. Remaining items still belong to the owner. We offer a clean-out service for a separate fee and can coordinate the donation of leftover items.
-
What areas do you serve?We proudly serve Metro Detroit and further suburbs. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, please contact us for more information.
-
How do I get started?Getting started is easy! Simply contact us to schedule your free consultation. We’ll discuss your needs, explain our process, and develop a customized plan for your estate sale.
FAQ Anchor
bottom of page