Understanding Estate Sale company costs & services

Most people only have one estate sale in their lifetime, making it crucial to find the right company. Take the time to research industry norms regarding commission structures, services provided, and any additional fees. This effort will be well worth it, ensuring a smooth and successful estate sale experience. Read on for some tips on hiring the right estate sale company.

How much do estate sale liquidators charge?

Estate sale companies typically do not charge upfront fees; instead, they take a percentage of the sale's gross profits.
For example, if a company charges a 45% commission and your sale generates $30,000, the company will keep $13,500, and you will receive the remaining $16,500.
On average, estate sale companies charge between 35% and 60% for their services.
The commission rate is determined by three main factors:

1. Work Involved: More work requires a higher commission.
2. Value of Items: Higher value items generally result in a lower commission.
3. Service Scope: More comprehensive services demand a higher commission.

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The price of professionalism & peace of mind

The estate sale industry lacks licensing and regulation, allowing new companies to enter the market with minimal effort—often just a few card tables and a yard sign. To attract clients, these new or limited-service companies typically offer the lowest commission rates. However, a low commission doesn’t guarantee a profitable sale. Evaluating a company's track record, strengths, and capability to maximize your sale profits is crucial.

To help you choose a professional, high-quality estate sale company, we've compiled a comprehensive guide.
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Additional Estate Sale Company Services & Fees

When evaluating estate sale companies, it’s crucial to understand what their services include and if there are any additional fees. A key goal of the estate sale is to empty, clean, and prepare the house for the new owners.

Here are three critical aspects to clarify with any company you interview:

1. Do they remove all unsold items and manage donations after the sale?
2. Do they handle all trash removal after the sale?
3. Will they leave the house in a cleaned condition after the sale?
4. Are there any additional fees for these services?

Many companies leave unsold items and trash for homeowners to deal with, which can be a multi-day project for larger sales. Ensure you know if these tasks are included in the service when hiring a company.

Different estate sale companies charge extra fees for various services. According to a 2021 national survey of estate sale companies, the seven most common additional fees are:

• Trash removal
• Advertising
• Professional cleaning
• Credit card fees
• Disposal fees (chemicals, electronics, etc.)
• Moving fees
• Consignment moving

There’s nothing wrong with an estate sale company charging extra fees for certain services, as long as the fees are clearly explained and you understand how they work.

If you’re interested in having a licensed appraiser from Santa Fe Treasures conduct a free in-home consultation to see if we’re a good fit, you can explore our estate sale services here.