ESTATE LIQUIDATION

  • What Does Liquidation Sale Mean?
  • What Do Estate Liquidators Do?
  • How Much Do Estate Liquidators Charge?
  • How Much Does It Cost To Have An Estate Sale?
Call 248-266-9817Free Consultation

An estate liquidation sale refers to the selling of the personal property belonging to an estate. Estate liquidations are typically conducted after the death of a loved one in order to liquidate their personal assets. However, people also use estate liquidations in order to declutter or downsize before a move, make extra money, or help elderly parents relocate to assisted living, etc.

No matter the reason to liquidate an estate, a team of professional liquidators can play a key role in a successful liquidation process. An estate liquidation sale refers to the selling of personal property belonging to an estate. Estate liquidations are typically conducted after the death of a loved one to liquidate their assets. However, people also use estate liquidations to declutter or downsize before a move, make extra money, help elderly parents relocate to assisted living, etc. No matter the reason to liquidate an estate, a team of professional liquidators can play a vital role in a successful liquidation process.

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What Does Liquidation Sale Mean?

The individuals tasked as the estate manager will work with an estate liquidator, like the Estate Pros, to price and catalog any sellable items. In most cases, this personal property sells in an estate sale or auction-type setting, and the items go to the highest bidders. Occasionally, an estate liquidator may offer a cash buyout to purchase all estate contents. Learn more about what an estate sale is here.

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What Do Estate Liquidators Do?

Estate liquidators, like the Estate Pros, bring together and manage all the different parts of an estate sale and oversee all of the operations of the estate liquidation. We are qualified professionals whose expertise in the industry enables us the efficiency necessary to manage all estate sale liquidation services. An estate liquidator (or estate liquidation company) or professional estate sale company such as the Estate Pros will manage your estate sale and provide the estate liquidation services necessary. The process typically includes the presale, sale-day, and post-sale tasks.

Pre-Sale Tasks

During the presale, the estate liquidator carefully sorts the furnishings and other household items for sale to appraise their value. In some cases, items may be valuable antiques or family heirlooms that require a trained eye to appraise and price them correctly. When pricing estate sale items, the estate liquidator often performs Google photo and lens searches and researches eBay or other online auction “sold” listings. The estate liquidator may contact local specialists or auction houses about fine art and rare items. Like the Estate Pros, professional estate liquidators price each sale item. People often call estate sales “tag sales” or “moving sales” because almost everything across the estate sale has a price tag.

Presale duties of the estate liquidator also include organizing, setting up, and staging the estate sale items for sale. The estate liquidator attractively displays the home’s contents before opening the doors to potential shoppers.

The estate liquidator also advertises the sale as a part of the liquidation services, and they hope to promote a good turnout. The estate sale company will list the deal on their social channels and major estate sale industry websites. They will also send email notifications to their subscribers and, in some circumstances, place newspaper classified ads. They will also set up prominent street signs to attract adventurous shoppers.

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_SALE-DAY-TASKS

Sale-Day Tasks

On sale days, the estate sale liquidator monitors all aspects of the event, including handling sales transactions and customer service duties, managing traffic throughout the premises, and overseeing an onsite staff of sales associates and perhaps security personnel.

The estate sale liquidation staff answers shoppers’ questions about sale items and assists in making the actual sales. When customers are ready to pay for their items, staff members will direct them to the cashier to handle payment. The cashier records each transaction, whether cash, credit cards, or digital payments, and answers any last-minute purchase questions.

Post-Sale Tasks

It’s rare to sell every item during an estate sale. As part of an estate liquidator’s duties, they dispose of any remaining items. After closing the estate sale, the homeowner usually decides what to keep, dispose of, or donate to charity. Then the estate sale company coordinates this donation process. The estate liquidator may allow for next-day pickup when handling large, paid-for “sold” items. Staff members may also ship paid-for items to other locations.

From here, the estate sale liquidators or a hired cleaning service will clean the home and ensure it for transition to the new owner. The agreed upon estate sale service fee or commission percentage in the estate sale contract will be deducted from the proceeds to pay the estate sale company, then the homeowner gets the remaining funds. The company also draws a transaction report detailing sold inventory. That’s it, you’re done!

POST-SALE-TASKS-

How Much Do Estate Liquidators Charge?

Typically, sellers do not pay the estate liquidator directly, and instead, estate liquidators take a portion of the estate sale’s gross proceeds. Estate sale service fees, or commissions, usually range from 25 to 50 percent. As a result, the estate liquidator and the seller benefit when the estate items sell at the highest possible prices. Learn more about estate sales. See a detailed breakdown on how much Estate Liquidators Charge.

Common Estate Sale Commission Structures

Estate liquidators use several methods to determine an estate sale commission percentage.

Most commonly, estate liquidators use a set commission percentage for all of their estate sales. Some estate liquidators will use a sliding scale commission structure (i.e., higher-grossing sale incurs a lower commission percentage, and vice versa).

While structured and consistent, these methods of commission percentage need to account for the size or complexity of the estate sale. Sometimes, the estate liquidators evaluate the estate to determine how much work is involved in preparing for and conducting the deal before deciding their commission percentage. For example, a well-organized home will require less presale prep work than a house full of clutter, resulting in a lower commission rate. At the same time, the liquidator evaluates the return they’ll likely get for their time investment. Consider these factors before arriving at a percentage commission.

Many estate liquidators will provide add-on services for an additional fee, including donation services, post-sale house clean-up, junk removal, etc. When considering estate liquidators, make sure you have clarity on any extra estate sale-related fees.

How Much Does It Cost To Have An Estate Sale?

As previously mentioned, most Estate Sale Companies usually charge a commission of 25% to 50% of the Estate Sale. However, if you decide to run an Estate Sale on your own, you must pick up all the costs yourself. Here are some of the typical expenses you may incur::

Supplies

You will likely need a way to organize and price your estate sale items and their buyers. Folding tables, shelving units, boxes, sorting containers, etc., are typically purchased. You will also need to identify what each item will cost. Sellers typically buy price tags, stickers, and a pricing gun. Consider buying floor protection or shoe covers as well. Advertising signs are also helpful when placed at the end of the street and in your driveway. Be mindful that these supply costs will start to stack up.

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Advertising

How will people know about your Estate Sale? You’ve got to advertise! You can advertise for free on social media, Craigslist, NextDoor App, etc. If you’d like to spend a few bucks, you can even spring for some ads on estate sale industry websites such as EstateSales.net and EstateSale.com. These sites cater to individuals looking to shop at Estate Sales. It may cost you $100 or so to list on each site, but it’s well worth it. The ads serve as highly targeted marketing to individuals looking for Estate Sales

Labor

Hopefully, you’ll have friends and family available to assist you in running your Estate Sale. Otherwise, you may have to pay a few people to help out. Consider the need for the following roles:

  • Cashier.
  • Door person for greeting and security.
  • A few people walk around and assist shoppers.
Cashier

Permits

Check with your city, township, county, and other governing groups to see if permits are required and how much they will cost.

Feeling overwhelmed yet?!? It’s ok! Hiring an estate sales professional like the Estate Pros can maximize your profits while minimizing your involvement. These services may be absolutely priceless when dealing with a death, divorce, or downsizing.

Go with the Estate Pros!!!

The Estate Pros are consistently ranked amongst the top estate sale companies in America, as recognized by EstateSales.net, EstateSale.com, and others. We specialize in assisting families and individuals who require residential liquidation, donation, clean out, and personal property appraisal services.

The Estate Pros is an estate sale industry authority with hundreds of years of combined experience amongst our ownership and staff. Our owners, sales teams, and support staff hold the highest professionalism and experiential service standards, treating our clients and shoppers with the utmost care, compassion, and respect.

The Estate Pros pay meticulous attention to detail as we handle every aspect of the estate sale process from start to finish. Our experts will work with you from the initial free consultation to the complete execution of your event and everything in between. You don’t need to lift a finger; we take care of everything for you!s Contact the Estate Pro!!! Learn more about hiring an estate sale company.

Thinking about hiring an Estate Sale Company?

Contact the Estate Pros!!!

Call 248-266-9817Free Consultation

The Estate Pros are the most professional estate sale company in the area serving homes like yours all across southeast Michigan. We are consistently ranked amongst the top estate sale companies in America, recognized by EstateSale.com and other industry authorities.

We pay meticulous attention to every detail as we handle each aspect of the estate sale process from start to finish. Our experts will work with you from the initial free consultation to the complete execution of your event and everything in between. You don’t need to lift a finger; the Estate Pros will take care of everything for you!

What Our Clients are Saying

Excellent
4.9
Estate Pros are the best!! They did a great job cleaning out my mother’s house. Very efficient and left the place clean.
Response from the owner: Thanks Julie!!!
From start to end, Jonathan and his team were on time, professional, and did everything they promised. We are very pleased.When downsizing for a senior it’s so critical that things don’t go to the landfills. Jonathan gets your stuff donated and makes sure you get a tax write off.
Response from the owner: Thanks Brenda!!!
Response from the owner: Thanks Cyndi!
Very detailed, professional and always quick to respond. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner: Thanks Pam!!!
Response from the owner: Thanks Helen!
From the time they arrived to completion, they were very professional and helpful during the process. Would recommend to others.
Response from the owner: Thanks Mary Ellyn!!!
Had a great experience working with Estate Pros. Jonathan was fabulous to work with, very helpful and quick to respond. They helped our family clean up all the details of dealing with our mothers home. They were kind and efficient.
Response from the owner: Thanks Susan!
We used cleanout service. Very professional, helpful and thorough. Great service.Follow up, they came back to clean out the entire place and did a fabulous and thorough job
Response from the owner: Thanks Anita!
These guys were amazing. Fast, very courteous, very clean. Can’t recommend them enough!!
Response from the owner: Thanks Paul!
We just want to say, thank you to Jonathan and his crew for a smooth and effortless experience from start to finish of emptying out our Mom's condo. Incredible customer service from Jonathan, he informed us exactly how the process would go and he set us up to receive a tax credit for my mom. We just love the over all experience with Estate Pros.Thank You Jonathan,John & Sharon Huff
Response from the owner: Thanks John & Sharon!!!
Estate Pros is an excellent small business offering various estate services. Jonathan Tomlanovich knows his stuff and goes above and beyond for his customers, along with every member of his crew. From the initial consultation to scheduling, donations to clean out, Estate Pros did great and respectful work for me. The price was also very reasonable for the work performed. If you’re in need of an estate sale or other related services, I highly recommend them. 5/5.
Response from the owner: Thanks Josh!
We hired Estate Pros to facilitate the clearing out of our home. Jonathon recommended donating the goods to organizations that Estate Pros had relationships with like Habitat for Humanity and St Vincent de Paul. He said they would be able to clear the house out in one day and as a licensed appraiser would be able to help with the forms needed for tax purposes. The home was completely cleared out and spotless by the end of the day. The Estate Pros and Habitat for Humanity teams were very organized and professional and did a fantastic job. I highly recommend Estate Pros.
Response from the owner: Thanks Bob!
Estate pro's came in, moved the materials out at the time and date agreed and provided an appraisal and donation process. Key steps during a difficult period of time in which our family was exhausted and drained carrying for an elder at the end of their life. They were a big help!
Response from the owner: Thanks Kathleen!
As before, you were great and did an excellant job. Thanks for everything.
Response from the owner: Thanks Karen!
Jonathan and his crew did exactly what they said they were going to do with the house, clean out and more.I would highly recommend their services.
Response from the owner: Thanks Mark!
It was a very pleasant experience they were professional knowledgeable. They did everything. They said they would do. The house was immaculate and clean and ready for the new owner. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thanks Kathy!
Great job. Jonathan was available and helpful throughout the process of cleaning out a very large home. Very positive experience.
Response from the owner: Thanks Alex!
Fabulous service, people and efficiency! They made it easier! Great price and habitat for Humanity took many unneeded items off my hands and I got a tax write off for the donations. Best yet, they cleaned, swept and vacuumed ! Thank you!
Response from the owner: Thanks Maureen!
These guys were fantastic! Polite, respectful, hardworking and professional. I will recommend them to anyone who needs this service.
Response from the owner: Thanks Andrea!
I was amazed at what John and his team were able to accomplish! They were all kind, helpful, and removed 90% of the stuff in my father in law's 5000 sq ft home in just one day so that I could prep it for sale.
Response from the owner: Thanks Anna!
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Southeast Michigan Estate Sale Service Area

The Estate Pros have been proudly serving Oakland, Macomb and parts of Livingston, Genesee, Lapeer & Wayne counties for the past 15 years. No matter what your situation calls for, the Estate Pros are here to help!

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Upcoming Estate Sales

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Clinton Township Michigan Estate Sale

To Be Announced
Clinton Township, MI, 48035
October 5, 2024
October 6, 2024
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PALMER WOODS, DETROIT MICHIGAN ESTATE SALE

To Be Announced
Highland Park, MI, 48203
October 12, 2024
October 13, 2024
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Estate Sale Resources

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