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Chicago · Updated October 21, 2026

Estate sale companies in Chicago, IL, compared by what they charge

Most estate sale companies don't publish their fees. We collect them in one place so Chicago-area families can compare commission, minimums, buyouts and cleanouts side by side.

See Chicago companiesWhat an estate sale costs in Chicago
30%Commission published by Chicago-area companies on their own websites; only one Chicago-area company we found publishes a commission rate; another charges a flat fee starting at $2,495
2 of 35Chicago-area companies listed here that publish their pricing
$0 to $2,000Range of published minimum fees we found in Chicago

Chicago estate sale companies

Companies that publish their pricing come first. Every Chicago-area company we could find is listed below.

Diane Hudec Estate & Liquidation Sales

Chicago · In-person sales · dianehudec.com
Pricing published
Commission
30% of gross sales
Minimum
$2,000 minimum commission
Upfront cost
None; commission comes out of the sale proceeds
When you're paid
Proceeds, an itemized list of items sold for $50 or more, and the keys, no later than 10 business days after the sale
Source: company's own FAQ page, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Smith & Joans

Evanston · Estate sale + full cleanout · smithandjoans.com
Pricing published
Commission
Flat fee, not a percentage
Price
Starting at $2,495 for a total house cleanout
Includes
Estate sale, donation of unsold items, haul-away of everything not wanted, broom-clean
Note
Company says estate sale proceeds usually pay its fee
Source: company's own Pricing and Services page, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Minimum published, commission not yet shared

These companies state their minimum (or that they have none) on their own websites but don't publish a commission rate, so ask for it on the first call.

Sheridan Sales

Wilmette · sheridan2inc.com
Minimum published
Commission
Commission of total sales; rate not published
Minimum
No minimum
Upfront cost
None ("no upfront, minimum, hidden, or out-of-pocket costs")
Source: company's own FAQ page, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Pricing not published

These Chicago-area companies don't publish their commission or minimum on their websites (checked October 21, 2026). Most work on commission. Use the questions below when you call.

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8 questions to ask any estate sale company

Whether or not a company publishes its fees, ask these on the first call.

What is your commission, and is it on the gross or the net?40% of gross and 40% of net can be very different amounts.
Do you have a minimum fee or minimum estate size?Some companies won't take estates under a set value.
What other fees will I pay?Setup, advertising, dumpsters, cleanout and card-processing fees add up.
Do you let anyone in before the sale?Early entry for dealers is one of the most common complaints families have.
What happens to items that don't sell?Donated, hauled away, or left for you, and who pays for it.
Do you offer a buyout or cleanout?Useful when a house needs to be empty fast.
Are you bonded and insured?Ask for proof.
How soon can you hold the sale, and when do I get paid?Some companies are booked 6–8 weeks out.

How to choose an estate sale company: 10 questions and red flags →