Estate liquidators: what they do, what they charge, and how to pick one

An estate liquidator is a company that sells the contents of a house for a family: furniture, dishes, tools, jewelry, the whole lot. "Estate liquidator," "estate liquidation company" and "estate sale company" are different names for the same kind of business. Some run in-person sales in the home, some run online auctions, and many will also buy the contents outright or clean the house out when the sale is over.

Most families hire one after a parent passes away, when someone moves into assisted living, or when a house needs to be empty before it's sold. You don't need to be wealthy, and there doesn't need to be anything fancy in the house. If you need a house emptied and want the contents turned into money, this is who does it.

What estate liquidation services include

Most estate liquidators offer some mix of these:

• An estate sale in the home. They sort, price and set up everything, advertise the sale, and run it, usually over two or three days. This usually brings in the most money.
• An online auction. Items are photographed and sold to online bidders, then picked up from the house. Good for smaller estates or homes where a public sale isn't practical.
• A buyout. The company makes one cash offer for the contents. You get less than a sale would bring, but it's fast and simple.
• A cleanout. After the sale, they haul away or donate what didn't sell so the house is empty. Some include this; others charge for it.
• Consignment. Higher-value pieces go to their shop or auction house, and you're paid when they sell.

What estate liquidators charge

Most charge a commission: a percentage of what the sale brings in, taken out before you're paid. There's usually nothing to pay upfront.

We've found 25 companies in eight cities that publish their pricing on their own websites. Here's what they show:

• 30% to 40% is the usual range. 40% is the single most common figure (14 of the 24 companies that publish a percentage).
• 50% to 60% shows up for heavy-content homes, hoarding situations, or extra services.
• Minimum fees of $1,000 to $3,500 are common. On a small sale, the minimum can take a much bigger share than the percentage. One Akron company, for example, charges 40% of the gross or an agreed base fee, whichever is more, and says the average fee is about $2,000.
• Extras can include advertising, dumpsters, hauling and the final cleanout. Some companies include all of it; others bill it separately.

See every published rate, company by company → · Run your own numbers in the calculator →

Estate sale or buyout?

A sale almost always brings more money. A buyout is faster: one offer, one check, and the house is empty. A buyout can make sense when there's a closing date coming, when the contents are modest, or when the family simply can't face a two-week process. If you're offered a buyout, it's fair to ask what the company thinks a full sale would bring, and to get a second offer.

How to find a good estate liquidator

Call at least three. Most offer a free walkthrough. On the first call, ask:

• What's your commission, and is it on the gross or the net?
• Do you have a minimum fee?
• What else will I pay for: advertising, hauling, cleanout?
• What happens to the things that don't sell?
• Are you insured and bonded?
• When and how do I get paid, and will I get an itemized list?

Get the commission, the minimum and every extra fee in writing before you sign. The full list of 10 questions and red flags →

To see who works in your area and what they charge, start with our city lists: Denver, Phoenix, Tucson, Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas City, Cleveland, Northwest Indiana.

Common questions

What does an estate liquidator do?

An estate liquidator sells the contents of a home for a family, through an in-person estate sale, an online auction, or a cash buyout, and often clears out what's left afterward. It's the same kind of business as an estate sale company.

How much do estate liquidators charge?

Most charge a commission of 30% to 40% of what the sale brings in, and 40% is the most common published rate. Some charge 50% to 60% for heavy-content homes, and many have a minimum fee of $1,000 to $3,500.

Is an estate liquidator the same as an estate sale company?

Yes. The names are used interchangeably. Some companies lean toward in-home sales and others toward online auctions or buyouts, so ask how they'd handle your house.

Do I have to pay an estate liquidator upfront?

Usually not. Most take their commission out of the sale proceeds and pay you the rest. A few charge an advertising fee when you sign, so ask.

See every published estate sale rate → · Estate sale calculator →