frequently asked questions

• What services do you provide?

 Estate sale companies provide a range of services, including organizing, staging, and conducting estate sales. They handle tasks such as item pricing, marketing, staffing the sale, and managing the overall process. 

• What is your commission?

 The commission charged by estate sale companies varies but typically ranges from 20% to 50% of the total sales proceeds. The specific commission rate should be discussed and agreed upon with the company you choose to work with. 

• What's your experience in estate sales?

We have been in the reselling industry since 2018. We have done sales for over 500 homes and counting.

• How will you price my items?

 Estate sale companies determine item prices based on factors such as market value, condition, rarity, and demand. They may also consult with appraisers or specialists to ensure accurate pricing. 

• Will my estate sale be advertised?

 Estate sale companies use various advertising methods to promote the sale, such as listing it on their website, advertising in local newspapers, utilizing social media platforms, sending email newsletters, and using signage at the sale location. 

• What is the pre-sale process?

 The pre-sale process for estate sales involves evaluating and organizing the items, setting up the sale location, pricing the items, and preparing the space for the sale. This may also include conducting any necessary research or appraisals. 

• What is the post-sale process?

 The post-sale process typically involves settling payments with the estate sale company, providing a sales summary or report, and managing any unsold items. Some companies may also offer additional services like clean-out or donation coordination. 

• Do you have a contract?

 It is advisable to sign an estate sale contract with the company you choose. The contract outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including commission rates, responsibilities, dates, and any specific agreements or arrangements. It helps protect both parties and ensures clarity and transparency throughout the process.

Are estate sale prices negotiable?

Estate sales can be an excellent place for significantly discounted items. However, the only way you'll know if the prices are negotiable is by asking. 

How do estate sales work in Texas?

Estate sales can be held as “tag” sales or auctions.
In a tag sale, every item in the home is priced prior to the sale, and buyers pay the marked price. In an auction, an auctioneer accepts bids on items, and the items sell for the highest bid. In most states, auctioneers must be licensed. 

How does pricing work at estate sales?

During an estate sale, prices are usually marked on the items or on tags attached to the items. The prices may be negotiable, but it ultimately depends on the estate sale company's policies. You can typically rely on prices being cut 40-60% on the last day of a sale, but don't expect to negotiate on the first day. 

What is the sales tax on estate sales in Texas?

The state of Texas does not have an estate tax, however residents may still be subject to federal estate tax laws  

How much does an estate sale cost?

(Commission on a sale grossing $5,000-$10,000 could be 50%; $10,000-$20,000 could be 40%, for example.) More likely, the commission will be set by the company.

An estate sale and a garage sale are both types of sales events where personal belongings are sold, but there are key differences between the two:

1. Scope: An estate sale typically involves selling the entire contents of a home, often due to major life events such as a death, downsizing, or relocation. It includes a wide range of items, including furniture, appliances, antiques, collectibles, artwork, and more. In contrast, a garage sale typically involves selling a smaller selection of items, usually from the garage or yard of a home.
2. Professional Involvement: Estate sales are often organized and managed by professional estate sale companies. These companies have expertise in valuing, pricing, and organizing the items for sale. On the other hand, garage sales are typically organized by the homeowners themselves, without professional assistance.
3. Pricing and Preparation: Estate sale companies typically research and assess the value of items to ensure appropriate pricing. They may consult appraisers or specialists for high-value items. In a garage sale, items are generally priced by the homeowners based on their own judgment or through informal negotiation with buyers.
4. Advertising and Promotion: Estate sale companies typically employ various marketing strategies to reach potential buyers, such as online listings, advertisements in local newspapers, and targeted mailing lists. Garage sales are typically promoted through simple signs placed in the neighborhood or through local classified ads.
5. Duration: Estate sales typically last for multiple days, often over a weekend, to accommodate a larger inventory and attract more potential buyers. Garage sales are usually held for a single day or a few hours.
6. Profits: Estate sales generally aim to maximize the profits for the estate or individuals involved. Professional companies charge a commission based on the total sales proceeds. In contrast, garage sales are often conducted to declutter and get rid of unwanted items, with the primary goal being to make some extra money rather than maximizing profits.

Overall, estate sales are more extensive, professionally managed events that handle a larger inventory of items, while garage sales are typically smaller-scale and organized by homeowners themselves.