How to choose a reputable estate sale company: 10 questions to ask and the red flags to watch for

Most families hire an estate sale company once, usually at a hard time, and usually in a hurry. The company you pick decides how much of the sale your family keeps, how the house is treated, and how long the whole thing takes. Here's how to choose an estate sale company well, even if you're doing it for the first time.

Start with three, not one

Call at least three. Most companies offer a free walkthrough, and it costs you nothing to compare. You'll learn more from how each one answers the questions below than from any website.

To find 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. Companies that publish their prices are shown first.

The 10 questions to ask on the first call

1. What is your commission, and is it on the gross or the net?

Among companies that publish their rates, most charge 30% to 40% of what the sale brings in. Some go to 50% or more for heavy-content homes or extra services. "Gross" means the percentage comes off everything sold; "net" means it comes off after sale expenses. On the same percentage, net leaves more for the family. See every published rate we've found →

2. Do you have a minimum fee?

Published minimums we've found run from about $1,000 to $3,500 for a standard sale. On a small sale, the minimum can mean the company takes a much bigger share than its percentage. Example: at "40% or $3,500, whichever is greater," a sale that brings in $6,000 costs $3,500, not $2,400. The family keeps $2,500. Run your own numbers in our estate sale calculator.

3. What else will I pay for?

Ask about advertising, card-processing fees, dumpsters, hauling, cleanout and setup. Some companies say all of that is inside the commission. One Houston company, for example, says it covers advertising, security and workers out of its 35% and charges nothing else, except possibly trash hauling. Others bill extras separately. Get the list in writing.

4. What happens to things that don't sell?

Options include donation (ask for the receipt), hauling away, or leaving them for you. Know who pays for each.

5. Do you offer a buyout or a cleanout?

If the house needs to be empty fast — for a closing, or because it's a rental — a buyout or a full cleanout can matter more than squeezing out the last dollar.

6. Do you let dealers in early?

"Early entry" — letting dealers shop before the public — is one of the most common complaints families have. Ask directly.

7. Are you insured and bonded? Can I see proof?

A company that works inside your family's home, with the public walking through, should carry both. Ask for the certificate.

8. How do you price things, and do you research valuable items?

Ask how they handle jewelry, art, collectibles and anything that might be worth more than it looks. Some companies say research and authentication come at no extra charge; others refer you to an outside appraiser.

9. How soon can you hold the sale?

Some companies are booked weeks out. If you have a closing date or a lease ending, say so on the first call.

10. When and how do I get paid, and what paperwork comes with it?

Several companies we list say they pay within about 10 business days, with an itemized list or receipts. Get the timing in the contract.

Red flags

• They won't put the commission, minimum and fees in writing.
• They ask for money upfront. Most companies we list say there's no upfront cost; their fee comes out of the sale.
• They won't say whether the commission is on gross or net.
• They pressure you to sign at the walkthrough.
• They can't show proof of insurance.
• They plan to let dealers in early and won't change that.

Before you sign

Read the contract for these, in writing: the commission and whether it's gross or net; the minimum; every extra fee; what happens to unsold items and who pays; the sale dates; how and when you're paid; and how either side can cancel.

The short version

Call three companies. Ask the same ten questions. Run each quote through the calculator so you're comparing what the family actually keeps, not just the percentage. Pick the one that puts everything in writing.

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