Estate Sale FAQ

How long will it take to complete my estate sale?

The length of time it takes to conduct an estate sale can vary based on a number of factors, including the size of the estate and the number of items being sold. In general, the process of sorting and setting up for the sale can take less than a week, while the actual sale itself typically takes two to four days. However, these timelines may be shorter or longer depending on the specific circumstances. At Estate Greats, we are willing to work with our clients to accommodate their needs and time constraints and will do all we can to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

Do I need to be present for my estate sale?

It is not necessary for you to be present before or during the sale. In fact, many of our clients find it easier to be absent during the process as it can be unsettling to watch your family’s items being sold. Additionally, having the client present during the sale can sometimes intimidate buyers and hinder their willingness to make purchases. Allowing our staff to work without your presence allows them to do their job more efficiently and professionally. However, if you do prefer to be present, we are more than happy to accommodate your request. Ultimately, the decision to be present or not is entirely up to you and what makes you feel most comfortable.

How much will estate sale services cost?

The cost of our estate sale service will vary based on your specific needs and will be taken as a percentage of the gross sales. This fee includes all advertising costs. After the sale is complete, you will receive a detailed list of items that sold and your sale proceeds within ten business days. The percentage of the gross sales that you will be charged as a service fee will be discussed and agreed upon before the start of the sale. This allows you to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with our services and helps you make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the sale.

What is the process for determining the prices of items at an estate sale?

Our team at Estate Greats uses our expertise and knowledge of the current market and local area to price each item for sale. We also conduct additional research on unique, highly collectable, antique, or rare items to ensure that they are accurately valued. In general, items are not discounted on the first day of the sale. However, if you have specific pricing preferences, these can be included in our contract with you. This allows you to specify how aggressive you would like the pricing to be and ensures that your needs and preferences are taken into account. Overall, our goal is to ensure that items are accurately and fairly priced to maximize profits and meet the goals of our clients.

What are the options for unsold items after an estate sale?

If there are items that do not sell during the estate sale, there are a few different options for what can happen to them. One option is to donate the unsold items to a charity or nonprofit organization. This can be a great way to give back to the community and help those in need. Another option is to hold a private sale or sell the items online through platforms such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Alternatively, you may decide to keep the unsold items or give them to family or friends. The specific course of action will depend on your personal preferences and the circumstances of the estate sale.

Are negotiations and discounts offered during the estate sale?

Yes, negotiations and discounts are offered during the estate sale. Our goal is to ensure a successful and complete sale, and we believe that pricing items fairly and considering all fair offers is an important part of achieving this goal. We do not want to give items away, but we are willing to negotiate and offer discounts to help facilitate sales and make sure that as many items as possible are sold.

To help us price items fairly and make informed decisions about negotiations and discounts, we ask our clients to provide a list of non-negotiable items before the sale. This allows us to focus on items that are open to negotiation and helps us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Ultimately, our goal is to work with you to find the right balance between maximizing profits and making sure that items find new homes with buyers who will appreciate them.