Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

We provide estate sale, cleanout and donation, and appraisal services.

How do we start?

It’s easy! It all starts with our free phone consultation where we explain the entire estate sale process: beginning with our free on-site consultation all the way through the post-sale wrap-up. From there, we will schedule a free on-site consultation.

What is the cost for the on-site consultation?

The initial consultation is free. And we mean absolutely FREE! Both our phone and on-site consultations are FREE of charge.

What happens after the phone consultation?

We will visit your home for a free on-site consultation where we determine whether there are enough items in the residence to have a sale. If so, we then determine the marketability of the merchandise and whether you need a traditional in-house sale, online sale or a combination of both. If not, we will provide alternative solutions to liquidate the contents of the home.

What if we don’t have enough for a sale?

Whether it’s just a handful of items, a small-scale estate sale ($3,000-$5,000 in value) or large scale ($50,000 and over in value), we handle the items and the sales other companies can’t and won’t. If we determine you don’t have adequate inventory for a sale, we’re happy to provide alternative solutions such as charitable donation or household clean-out.

HOW MUCH ADVANCE NOTICE DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE AN ESTATE SALE?

As soon as you might need our services. Online sales or online pre-sales can start at anytime. We can schedule your on-site sale at your convenience but it’s best to notify us of your preferred sale date three to four weeks in advance to make sure we can fit you on our schedule.

CAN I HAVE AN ESTATE SALE DURING WINTER MONTHS?

The bargain hunting season never ends. Winter, holidays, long-weekends, winter, etc… experienced deal hunters are on the prowl all year. No matter when, your estate sale is sure to be a hit.

WHAT ABOUT CONTENTS FAMILY MEMBERS WANT TO KEEP?

This can be a very sensitive topic, so we ask you and/or your family members remove all items you wish to keep prior to us coming to assess the estate. This allows us to conduct a thorough assessment of what the sale can produce. If you are unable to remove the items, we will designate them “not for sale” and asses the overall value of the contents with this in mind.

DO YOU TAKE CARE OF ALL DATA AND PERSONAL RECORDS?

We require you to please remove any sensitive personal information from the home: Personal paperwork, computers and hard drives that have not been scrubbed, birth certificates, social security cards, driver’s license, passports, military documents, bank statements, pay stubs, medical bills, etc.

THERE ARE SOME ITEMS THAT WE WANT TO KEEP BUT DO NOT WANT TO REMOVE FROM THE HOUSE. HOW IS THIS HANDLED?

If you are keeping items that will remain on-site during the sale then we have to designate “safe areas” where you can store them during the duration of the sale. We will lock off those areas from the public. Large items will be marked as “not for sale” and can remain in place, all smaller items must be placed in a safe area. However, moving these items out prior to the sale is always preferable.

WHAT IF WE ARE NOT LOCAL?

We work with out-of-state clients all the time. We handle everything through email, registered mail, phone calls and more. If you’re working with a local realtor or lawyer, we can connect with them as well.

HOW LONG DOES THE SET UP AND PRICING USUALLY TAKE?

Set up and pricing can take anywhere from 1-3 days depending on the volume and labor intensity of the inventory.

DO YOU PROVIDE ALL OF THE TABLES, SHELVING, DISPLAY CASES, ETC?

Yes, we take care of everything.

HOW LONG WILL THE SALE RUN?

The length of your sale is determined by the volume of your merchandise, with most on-site sales averaging 1-3 days.

WHAT ABOUT DONATING TO CHARITY INSTEAD OF AN ESTATE SALE?

Not looking to have an estate sale? No problem. You can always donate items for a tax deduction. Our certified appraisers can help! After evaluating your personal and/or business property, one of our expert appraisers will complete a personalized and confidential certificate of appraisal and prepare the appropriate tax forms for your tax professional to complete.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS? HOW MUCH INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?

The Estate Pros have been in business for over 15 years. Between all of our owners and staff we actually have hundreds of years of combined experience.

DO YOU TAKE ITEMS ON CONSIGNMENT?

Yes, in certain situations. It’s a case by case evaluation. We typically review the remaining inventory after the sale’s completion to determine if any items will be eligible for consignment. (Please ask your Estate Pros expert for details)

DO YOU OFFER BUY OUT SERVICES, WILL YOU PURCHASE EVERYTHING FROM MY HOUSE?

Unfortunately, we do not offer buy out services.

CAN YOU TAKE MY ITEMS OFF-SITE TO YOUR LOCATION AND SELL EVERYTHING FROM THERE?

Unfortunately, we do not offer off-site services.

DO YOU HANDLE STORAGE UNITS?

Yes, it’s a case by case evaluation. (Please ask your Estate Pros expert for details)

ARE YOU BONDED & INSURED?

Yes, we are licensed, bonded & insured. (Please ask your Estate Pros expert for details)

DO EMPLOYEES HAVE WORKER’S COMPENSATION?

Yes, our employees all have worker’s comp to make sure everyone is protected.

DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES?

Yes, we have thousands of past client references available upon request. You can also check the hundreds of 5 star reviews we have on Google as well.

DO YOU HAVE A CONTRACT? WILL IT INCLUDE ALL OF MY REQUESTS?

Absolutely! We can send you a copy of our agreement for your review at any time.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT OUR PRIVACY? DO YOU DISCUSS THE DETAILS OF OUR SITUATION WITH SHOPPERS?

Maintaining your privacy and keeping your identity and situation confidential is of the utmost priority to us. We never discuss your identity or personal situation with anyone. Client confidentiality and security are strictly maintained at all times.

CAN WE BE IN THE HOUSE DURING THE ESTATE SALE?

We certainly understand your concerns and sensitivity in this situation. We know moving and entrusting your home to someone else can be a very stressful situation. However, it’s become industry standard for the homeowners to vacate the property during the hours of the sale. (Please ask your Estate Pros expert for details)

CAN WE ATTEND ONE OF YOUR UPCOMING ESTATE SALES?

Yes, absolutely! You can always view a list of our upcoming sales with addresses, etc. at GoEstatePros.com so you can visit prior to hiring us.

WHO HANDLES CITY PERMITS, HOA RULES AND REGULATIONS, ETC?

We handle all permits, local laws, zoning, etc including the acquiring all of the appropriate applications and permissions for any HOA, etc scenarios. However, any permit fees or related costs will be assessed to the client.

DO YOU CHARGE SALES TAX? WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR REPORTING IT?

Yes, in some states. We handle the collecting and reporting of all applicable sales and use tax.

WHEN WILL YOU SCHEDULE MY SALE?

We typically like to secure our client’s sales at least 3 – 4 weeks in advance in order to ensure we can get you on the schedule, properly advertise and allow for enough time for set up, staging, pricing etc.

SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY SALE BEFORE OR AFTER WE SELL THE HOUSE?

It depends on what your goals are and what your realtor suggests. Most people will leave the house staged while it is listed and have the estate sale right before the closing or move out date.

HOW DO YOU ADVERTISE?

We advertise on our site, all estate sale industry websites, as well as, social media and other online outlets. Between all our platforms, we have a subscription base in the thousands. Are sales are extremely well attended.

HOW BIG IS YOUR FOLLOWING / CUSTOMER BASE?

We have an enormous following. Usually around 50,000 subscribers locally, as well as, a national and international customer base within our franchise network.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU THINK WILL ATTEND THE SALE?

We have an extremely large shopping base. An average sale can generate anywhere from 200-500 people per day. Over 500 per day for larger sales.

HOW ARE ITEMS PRICED?

Everything is based on fair market value. We scour the internet searching for sold prices, auction results, etc. to determine current sold prices for each item. As a general rule of thumb, most items will sell between 20%-40% of what was paid at retail. However, there are always outliers – items that have appreciated in price, and items that have lost most of their value. Our certified appraisal staff will ensure accuracy in evaluating your items.

WILL YOU PROVIDE AN ITEMIZED INVENTORY AND PRICING BREAKDOWN BEFORE THE SALE?

Yes, but it is considered a separate service and will require an additional fee. (Please ask your Estate Pros expert for details)

CAN I SET PRICES OR PUT RESERVE PRICES ON ANY OF MY ITEMS?

Our certified appraisal staff determines pricing but we certainly welcome your input. We can discuss reserves on certain items as we want you to be comfortable with the pricing of your sale. We can always call or text you during the sale to clear any final sale prices if necessary.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE HIGH PRICED OR FRAGILE ITEMS?

We keep all high priced, delicate, etc items under lock and key at our cash station.

DO YOU SELL HIGH END OR UNIQUE ITEMS SUCH AS JEWELRY, GUNS, CARS, BOATS, ETC.

Yes, we sell everything. There isn’t anything we can’t handle.

IS YOUR COMMISSION FEE NEGOTIABLE ON LARGER ITEMS?

Yes, in certain situations. It’s a case by case evaluation.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT EVERYTHING SOLD FOR?

We will provide you with an comprehensive itemization report of all sale transactions.

HOW AND WHEN DO YOU DISCOUNT ITEMS?

We typically stay close to the asking price on the first day. It’s become industry standard to discount approximately 30% on the second day and 50% on the last day. However, we will follow your direction should you seek an alternative approach. (Please ask your Estate Pros expert for details)

DOES THE ESTATE PROS STAFF EVER BUY ITEMS FROM SALES?

Absolutely not, it’s a conflict of interest.

CAN SHOPPERS BUY ITEMS BEFORE THE SALE STARTS?

Yes, we can make that option available if you’d like. We have a pre-sale section available on our website that gives shoppers the opportunity to buy items in advance.

IS THERE A PENALTY IF I REMOVE ITEMS BEFORE THE SALE?

We ask that you clearly identify any items that will be removed from the home/sale prior to the execution of the sale agreement. If items are removed once the agreement is executed you may be charged a fee for those items.

DO YOU CLEAN THE HOUSE PRIOR TO THE SALE?

We leave it up to the homeowner to maintain an orderly residence. However, there may be circumstances where the homeowner is unable (living out of state, disabled or elderly, etc) and in those cases, we are more than happy to assist. We want to do what’s best for our clients and the sale. However, depending on the intensity of the clean up there may be fee charged.

SHOULD WE MOVE OUT BEFORE THE SALE?

You don’t need to move out prior to the sale. We handle sales where our clients are still residing on-site. (NOTE: However, you must vacate the property during sale hours.)

SHOULD WE MOVE OUT ALL OF THE STUFF WE WANT TO KEEP PRIOR TO THE SALE?

If you are keeping items that will remain on-site during the sale then we have to designate “safe areas” where you can store them during the duration of the sale. We will lock off those areas from the public. Large items will be marked as “not for sale” and can remain in place, all smaller items must be placed in a safe area. However, moving these items out prior to the sale is always preferable.

DO WE NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO HELP PREPARE FOR THE SALE?

The only thing you have to do is determine what you want to sell and what you want to keep. If you are keeping items that will remain on-site during the sale then we have to designate “safe areas” where you can store them during the duration of the sale. We will lock off those areas from the public. Large items will be marked as “not for sale” and can remain in place, all smaller items must be placed in a safe area.

SHOULD WE DONATE OR THROW ANYTHING OUT PRIOR TO THE SALE?

Not until we have a chance to review the inventory. One person’s trash in another person’s treasure! If we determine any of the inventory is not marketable or should be disposed of we will let you know.

WHAT DOES THE SALE ITEMIZATION REPORT LOOK LIKE? DO YOU ITEMIZE EVERY SINGLE ITEM?

The sale itemization will include specific line items for all major items / transactions. Smaller items ($20 or less) such as kitchenware, housewares, etc may appear grouped together in a single line (i.e. “misc kitchenware – $15”)

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE PAYMENT FOR THE ESTATE SALE PROCEEDS?

We typically issue payment within 1-3 business days after the sale completion. It may take a few days to reconcile all of the transactions and payments for each sale especially being that our accounting staff is processing such a large number of sales per week.

HOW DO YOU ACCEPT PAYMENT?

We accept cash, debit, credit and some digital payment providers.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON STAFF FOR THE SALE?

We have as many as 10 people on staff if need be. Each sale is a case by case scenario. We like to have team members in every area of the house to assist and monitor shoppers.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE THEFT?

We mitigate theft by placing all high priced, delicate, etc items under lock and key at our cash station. We can even install security cameras if need be.

DO YOU BRING IN OUTSIDE ITEMS OR ITEMS FROM OTHER CLIENTS?

No, unless otherwise requested by you.

CAN MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, ETC BRING IN OR ADD ITEMS TO OUR SALE?

Yes, absolutely! The more the stuff the merrier! However, we ask that outside inventory must have a value of $20 or greater per item.

DO YOU HAVE PROFESSIONAL MOVERS THAT ASSIST SHOPPERS? WHO MOVES SOLD ITEMS OUT?

We move sold items out when possible. Otherwise, we contract professional movers to do so. Movers are paid for by the shopper. We don’t let shoppers move large, bulky, etc items on their own.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SALE?

We will break down and remove our equipment, as well as, tidy up any necessary areas of the home. If elected, we will then schedule charity donation and trash removal.

WHICH CHARITIES DO YOU DONATE THE UNSOLD ITEMS TO?

We use a variety of charities, including Habitat For Humanity and Salvation Army.

CAN I PICK THE CHARITY?

You can pick the charity if you’d like to handle the donation on your own. However, if you’d like The Estate Pros to coordinate it then it will have to be one of our designated charity partners.

WHAT IF THE CHARITY DOESN’T TAKE EVERYTHING LEFT AFTER THE SALE?

We try to encourage them to take as much as possible but ultimately they will only take what meets their criteria. We’ll look at what’s left over once the sale is complete and we’ll discuss any items the charity might not take and what to do with them (i.e. trash removal, etc).

DO YOU OFFER TRASH REMOVAL?

Yes. However, that is a service that falls outside of our normal commission based service fee. We outsource trash removal and service will be subject to the 3rd party vendor fee schedule.

WHAT’S THE NAME OF YOUR TRASH REMOVAL COMPANY?

We use a variety of local trash companies. Each one is licensed, bonded and insured.

DO YOU CLEAN THE HOUSE AFTER THE SALE?

We offer a complimentary sweep and vacuum.

WHAT IF SOMETHING IS BROKEN OR DAMAGED? WHAT ABOUT DAMAGE TO MY HOME?

We will take care of it unless the damage is a result of negligence on the behalf of our homeowners. (Please ask your Estate Pros expert for details)

HOW DO YOU PROTECT MY HOUSE (FLOORS, CARPET, ETC)?

We offer “shoe cover” or “shoes off” sale options as well the option to add floor cover & protection products upon request. (A fee may be assessed for these options)

ARE YOU COVID SAFE?

Yes, we follow all government and CDC mandated retail guidelines including the use of masks and social distancing, etc. We also offer gloves and hand sanitizing stations.