Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about estate sales? We've compiled answers to the most common questions we receive. If you don't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us directly.
Getting Started
An estate sale is a professionally managed sale of the contents of a home. Unlike a garage sale, estate sales typically include most or all household items and take place inside the home over one or more days. They're commonly used during major life transitions like settling an estate, downsizing, or relocating.
An estate sale is typically the right choice when you have a large volume of items to sell, the home includes furniture, collectibles, or valuables, you want to maximize the value of your items, you prefer a hands-off experience, or time and emotional energy are limited. If you're unsure, we offer free consultations to help you decide.
We serve Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, Lehi, American Fork, Saratoga Springs, Eagle Mountain, Tooele, and surrounding communities throughout Utah. Contact us to confirm service in your specific area.
Simply contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation in-home consultation. During this visit, we'll walk through your home, evaluate the contents, answer your questions, and provide a customized plan tailored to your situation.
Pricing & Costs
Most professional estate sale companies, including ours, work on a commission basis, a percentage of total sales. This means there are no upfront fees, and we only get paid when you do. Commission rates vary based on the size of the estate, volume of items, and services required. We provide custom quotes after seeing your property.
No. We do not charge upfront fees. Our commission-based model means we're invested in maximizing your sale results because our compensation is directly tied to your success.
We research current market values, consider item condition, assess local buyer demand, and apply our extensive experience to price items competitively. Our goal is to maximize your total proceeds while ensuring items sell.
You receive payment shortly after the sale concludes, typically within 5-7 business days. We provide a detailed settlement report showing all sales, our commission, and your net proceeds.
The Estate Sale Process
From consultation to completion, the process typically takes 2-4 weeks. This includes time for sorting, organizing, pricing, marketing, the sale itself (usually 1-3 days), and cleanup. Timeline can vary based on the size and complexity of the estate.
No, you don't need to be present. Many clients prefer not to be there, especially during emotionally difficult situations. Our team handles everything from setup to sales to cleanup, so you can focus on other priorities.
We handle everything: sorting and organizing items throughout the home, researching and pricing each item, staging displays for maximum appeal, setting up secure cases for valuables, and creating an inviting shopping environment.
We use multiple marketing channels including online estate sale platforms (EstateSales.net, EstateSales.org), email lists of regular buyers, social media promotion, local signage, and our established buyer network. Strong marketing is key to successful sales.
During the Sale
Most estate sales run 1-3 days, typically Thursday-Saturday or Friday-Sunday. The duration depends on the volume of items and expected buyer traffic. Larger estates may warrant longer sales.
We take security seriously. Our team uses controlled entry, staff positioned throughout the home, secured display cases for jewelry and valuables, and constant monitoring. We're experienced in managing crowds and protecting your property.
Yes, we accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Offering multiple payment options helps maximize sales by accommodating all buyers.
Since estate sales take place inside the home, weather typically doesn't affect the sale. We proceed rain or shine, though severe weather warnings may occasionally require adjustments.
After the Sale
We offer several options: donation coordination with local charities, estate cleanout services, buyout of remaining items, or leaving items for you to handle. We'll discuss the best approach for your situation during the consultation.
Yes, we provide a detailed settlement report showing every item sold, sale prices, total gross sales, our commission, and your net proceeds. Full transparency is important to us.
Yes, we offer estate cleanout services. This can include donation drop-off, hauling, and preparing the home for its next chapter. This service is available as an add-on to our estate sale services.
Special Situations
Yes, we have experience with hoarding situations and approach them with compassion and professionalism. These estates often contain hidden treasures and require specialized sorting. We can help transform overwhelming situations into successful sales.
We regularly work with out-of-state clients. Our full-service approach means you don't need to be present. We can communicate via phone, email, and video calls, and handle everything on-site on your behalf.
Absolutely. Our team has extensive experience identifying, researching, and pricing antiques, collectibles, vintage items, and specialty pieces. We know how to attract the right buyers for valuable items.
No problem. During our consultation, we'll discuss which items you want to keep, give to family members, or exclude from the sale. We clearly mark these items and ensure they're protected during the sale.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and we'll answer all your questions about the estate sale process.

