Estate Sale Companies: What Do They Charge and Is It Worth It?

Estate sales are the ultimate opportunity to liquidate assets when you’re facing a major life change. While most estate sales are held by surviving family members after the passing of a loved one, you might also decide to hold one if you are downsizing, facing a major residential move, or simply overwhelmed with the process. Whether you’re a senior choosing to move to a more accessible community or a young person eager to embark on the van life experience, estate sales offer you a way to capitalize on your belongings while clearing the way for new opportunities in life. 

If you’ve been searching the web for things like “estate sale service near me” and you’re interested in finding someone to assist you with this process, it’s important to understand what the estate sale process entails from the very beginning. That way, you can ensure that you hire an estate sale company that keeps the process going smoothly and working in your favor. Read on to learn more about what you should know before picking the company you want to work with.

What are the different types of estate sales?

There are several different types of estate sales including live auctions, online auctions, and estate buyouts, and it’s important to know the difference between them. Live auction estate sales are quite exciting, and the energy that an auctioneer generates can help jumpstart sales and increase the final prices of hot ticket items. A live auction has a set location and time, which increases urgency among people who want to be the first ones to gain access to an incredible find. 

Online auctions are another type of estate sale that has risen in popularity since the pandemic. While a live auction can be held virtually, an online auction varies slightly by allowing people to place bids over a longer period of time. Typical online auctions last a couple of weeks. While this isn’t the fastest option for an estate sale, it can often yield higher returns by opening access up to more people. 

Estate buyouts are another option that you might be interested in if you prefer to simplify the process of selling higher-ticket items. A buyout usually only applies to a specific category of items. For example, you might find a buyer who will take all of the firearms or collectibles that are in an estate. Many people combine this option with a live auction to ensure that they receive the best prices on collectible items that hold their value.

What are the additional services that a good company provides?

While moving the property out is important, you might not even know what to do to begin selling the items. The best estate sale companies offer assistance with creating an inventory of what exists within the estate that breaks each item down into categories that are based on their value and purpose. This includes organizing items, creating boutique-style displays, and advertising the catalog. From rearranging furniture and creating walkable paths through a room to spreading the word about your sale through different advertising and social media platforms, you should be left feeling confident throughout the estate sale process.

Are the owners knowledgeable about antiques and other valuable items?

You never know what kinds of hidden treasures you or your loved one may have gathered over the years, and there is a high chance that some of the items you want to sell are antiques, collectibles, or other items that can fetch a high price if you know who to sell them to. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the owners of the company you hire are knowledgeable about the value of all different types of items. Knowing that you are getting the best value for your treasures will allow you to relax and enjoy the estate sale experience.

How does the company price the items?

At Yellowbird, we understand that the valuation of the items in an estate sale requires a knowledgeable person who understands how to conduct thorough research on rare items while also understanding the general value of common household items. That’s why we work with a variety of experts including collectors, firearms dealers, and boutique operators to identify the right prices for select items in your estate.

What types of advertising does the company use?

Different companies use different types of advertising, and some methods are more effective than others. You want to hire a company that has a good understanding of not only the items that they’re selling but also who they are selling to. That way, they are ensuring that they are reaching the people who will be most interested in paying top dollar for your property.

What happens after the sale?

Even with the best estate sale working on your behalf, there may still be some items left behind. While a total liquidation is always the desirable outcome, you might still have some clothing or other odds and ends to deal with after the final sale is made. A quality company should work with you to determine how you want the leftover items handled. Many companies offer assistance with figuring out where to donate or dispose of unwanted leftover items for a seamless end to the sale.

What is my role in the process?

One of your biggest roles in the estate sale process is to avoid throwing out something that could hold high value. That old doll on your grandparent’s shelf might be a valuable collectible, and what looks like a piece of costume jewelry might be the real thing. Choosing a trustworthy company is your ultimate goal in figuring out the value that your estate holds, and they’ll help you determine which level of service you need to finish your house-clearing project.

Planning an estate sale requires an experienced estate sale company that knows how to keep each step of the process organized and managed with honesty and integrity. If you’ve been searching for “estate sale service near me,” look no further than Yellowbird. With locations across Georgia, we have years of experience helping people throughout the state liquidate their estates. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have. We are excited to help you with your estate sale needs.