How much do estate sale companies charge?
Most estate sale companies charge a commission of 30% to 40% of what the sale brings in. We've found 25 companies across eight cities that publish their pricing, and 14 of the 24 that publish a percentage list 40%. Some add a minimum fee of $1,000 to $3,500. Here's every published rate we've found, and what decides what your family actually keeps.
Every published estate sale rate we've found
Each rate comes from the company's own website (checked Sep–Oct 2026; San Antonio, Cleveland and Dallas–Fort Worth checked Nov 2, 2026). Most companies don't publish a rate at all, so this list is short on purpose. Fees change, so confirm before you sign.
| Company | City | Commission | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Estate Sales | Denver | 40% of total sale | $3,500 or 40%, whichever is greater |
| Colorful Colorado Estate Sales | Denver | 40% of net sales (online auction) | $6,500 minimum net value |
| Vintage Value Estate Services | Denver | 40% of sale proceeds | — |
| Centennial Estate Sales | Denver | 30% to 40%, set at the walkthrough | No minimum |
| History Repeated Estates | Denver | 40% of total gross sales | $1,000 |
| AZ Integrity Estate Liquidations | Phoenix | 30% to 40%, by size of sale | No minimum |
| Bonjour Estate Sales | Phoenix | 35%; 50% for heavy-content homes | $3,500 or 35%, whichever is greater |
| AZ Elegant Estates | Phoenix | 35% to 60% | — |
| East Valley Auction & Liquidation | Phoenix | 40% for an auction held at your home | — |
| Bertha and the Babes Estate Sales | Tucson | Starts at 40% of the gross sale | — |
| Diane Hudec Estate & Liquidation Sales | Chicago | 30% of gross sales | $2,000 |
| Smith & Joans | Chicago | Flat fee, not a percentage | — |
| EZ Texas Treasures Estate Sales | Houston | 30% to 50%, by level of service | — |
| Margie Beegle Estate Sales | Houston | Typically 35% of gross sales | — |
| From Trash To Treasure | San Antonio | 40% of total sales | No minimum |
| Dragonflies Vintage Items & Estate Sales | San Antonio | 40% | — |
| Southern Charm Estate Sales | San Antonio | 40% of the total sale | — |
| Soulshine Estate Sale Co. | San Antonio | 30% to 50% (online auctions) | — |
| Sunshine Estate Sales | Akron (Cleveland area) | 40% of gross or an agreed base fee, whichever is more | Base fee set at the walkthrough (about $2,000 on average) |
| James Major Estate Sales | Dallas–Fort Worth | 40% (you keep 60%) | — |
| Four Seasons Estate Sales | Dallas–Fort Worth | 40%; 50% out of town | — |
| Emeric DeGaul Estate Broker | Dallas–Fort Worth | 35% standard; 40% minimum for challenging estates | — |
| EstateHound | Dallas–Fort Worth | 40% (you keep 60%) | — |
| Dallas Estate Sellers | Dallas–Fort Worth | 40% of the sale; cars 20% | — |
| Bright Side Flips | Dallas–Fort Worth | 20% sale only; 30% assisted clear-out; 50% full-service clear-out | — |
What percentage do estate sale companies take?
Usually 30% to 40% of everything the sale brings in, taken out of the proceeds before you're paid. Forty percent is the single most common published figure. Rates go higher (50% to 60%) for heavy-content homes, hoarding situations, or when the company hauls items to its own facility. A company quoting 30% isn't automatically the better deal: what matters is what's left for the family after the minimum and every extra fee.
How much does an estate sale cost? Worked examples
There's usually nothing to pay upfront. The company takes its fee from the sale. Here's what the family keeps at common rates:
| Sale brings in | 35% commission | 40% commission | 40% or $3,500, whichever is greater |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | $1,750 (you keep $3,250) | $2,000 (you keep $3,000) | $3,500 (you keep $1,500) |
| $10,000 | $3,500 (you keep $6,500) | $4,000 (you keep $6,000) | $4,000 (you keep $6,000) |
| $20,000 | $7,000 (you keep $13,000) | $8,000 (you keep $12,000) | $8,000 (you keep $12,000) |
| $40,000 | $14,000 (you keep $26,000) | $16,000 (you keep $24,000) | $16,000 (you keep $24,000) |
The last column shows how a minimum fee bites on a small sale: at $5,000, a "40% or $3,500" contract costs 70% of the sale. Run your own numbers →
Gross or net
A percentage of gross is taken from everything the sale brings in. A percentage of net is taken after sale expenses (advertising, card fees, supplies) are subtracted.
The minimum
Many companies have a minimum fee. If the percentage comes out lower than the minimum, you pay the minimum. Published minimums we've found: $1,000, $2,000 and $3,500 for a standard sale; $5,000 for a heavy-content home; and one online-auction company that needs $6,500 in net value to take the job. Several companies say they have no minimum.
Estate sale fees to ask about
- Cleanout after the sale — some include a donation clear-out; one San Antonio company charges $200 plus 40% of a final discount sale.
- Hauling and dumpsters — often billed to the family.
- Card-processing fees — some companies split them, some absorb them.
- Setup, staging and advertising — usually inside the commission, but ask.
- Buyer's premium — online-auction companies often charge bidders 15% to 17% on top. You don't pay it, but bidders factor it into what they bid.
Ask for every fee in writing before you sign.
How estate sale companies get paid
The company keeps its commission out of the sale proceeds and pays the family the rest. Several companies we list say they pay by check about 10 business days after the sale, with an itemized list of what sold; one Kansas City auction company says five business days. Put the payment date in the contract.
Rates by city
Denver · Phoenix · Tucson · Chicago · Houston · Dallas–Fort Worth · San Antonio · Kansas City · Cleveland · Northwest Indiana
Common questions
How to choose an estate sale company: 10 questions and red flags → · Try the estate sale calculator →
8 questions to ask any estate sale company
Whether or not a company publishes its fees, ask these on the first call.
How to choose an estate sale company: 10 questions and red flags →