ESTATE SALE PRICING GUIDE 2023

  • How to Price Items
  • Pricing Resources
  • Pricing Mistakes
  • What Sells Best
Call (248) 587-8871Free Estimate

Every estate sale is different, with each estate representing an individual’s or a family’s lifetime collection of personal items. This presents a wide variety of possible inventory from estate to estate, requiring varying approaches as to how these items are evaluated.

The majority of time spent preparing an estate sale is focused on pricing. This is why it’s important to rely on professionals like the Estate Pros, who can provide you with the services of a certified appraiser. The Estate Pros have pricing down to a science. Our certified appraisers will quickly review and evaluate your items and estimate how much they will sell for.

If you’re considering trying to price items on your own, there are resources you can draw from. Most importantly, you must understand “fair current market value” when pricing items for an estate sale. Never price your estate sale items according to current retail, online, consignment store, or antique store prices. The goal is to achieve a fair sales value. If you have rare or highly desirable estate sale items, you may be able to price them at a higher-than-normal price.

With these estate sale pricing tips, you’ll be off to a good start:

HOW TO PRICE ITEMS FOR AN ESTATE SALE

Estate sale pricing is based on current “fair market value.” Fair market value is defined as “a selling price for an item to which a buyer and seller can agree.” Accurate pricing and realistic final sales price estimates are key to a successful estate sale.

In general, expect to have item pricing equivalent to that of final sold prices on eBay or other auction sites. Realistic final sale prices should come in around 30% less than the max prices you will find on these sites. Achieving the final sale prices on these auction sites may take months or even years. In most cases, your estate sale will only be a three-day weekend. The goal is to sell as much as possible on the first day and have all of the items sold by the final day.

You must also consider the condition of the items. Is the item like new? Good condition? Bad condition? Broken or destroyed? Each item’s condition will have a big impact on price. Items in poor condition might not be worth selling at all and may bring down the overall appearance and perceived quality of your estate sale. It is always better to be properly priced than priced too high or too low.

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HOW TO PRICE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS FOR AN ESTATE SALE

Staging plays a big role in final sale prices. It’s important to feature high-priced items and not have them lumped in with average everyday stuff from the garage, etc. High-priced items should be featured in nicer areas and settings within the home. You may have pulled items from closets, the attic, etc. Stage your items thoughtfully; bathroom items in the bathroom, pots, pans, and dishes in the kitchen, clothing in the bedroom, decor in the living room, etc.

Pricing items by category is also an option. Assigning a price for all items in a category is perfectly acceptable (i.e., all shirts – $3, all hats – $2, etc.) However, be sure to separate any outliers that might be of higher value.

Whether you choose a price gun, label machine, hand-lettered stickers, or paper tags on strings, good price tags matter! Make sure to attach them where they will be visible.

Is your estate sale a picker sale? Picker sales usually mean that you assign items’ prices on the spot at checkout. Resale shoppers love picker sales. Be prepared to negotiate!

DISCOUNTING PRICES AT ESTATE SALES

Estate sales typically occur over the course of several days. The highest sale prices are most often achieved on the first day. The goal is to price your items fairly. Most shoppers don’t want to miss out on their picks by waiting a day or two for the item to be discounted.

Common Discounting Schedule:

day-1

Day 1

  • Full price
  • Negotiate as needed
day-2

Day 2

  • Small price reduction across the board
  • Negotiate as needed
day-3

Day 3

  • Larger price reduction across the board
  • Negotiate as needed

ESTATE SALE PRICING MISTAKES

A collection of items might all look the same but be aware of slight differences. Limited editions and collectible versions might be mixed in with the lot. Be sure to carefully examine all items and do your research. If pressed for time, hire an appraiser like those available through the Estate Pros.

ESTATE SALE PRICING RESOURCES

  • Google (free)
  • eBay (free)
  • Live Auctioneers (free)
  • Google Lens (free)
  • Worth Point (paid)
  • 1st Dibs (free)
  • Replacements.com (free)
  • Art – AskArt, Live Art, Art Price
  • Antiques Road Show Archives (free)
  • TheSpruceCrafts (free)
  • Facebook Groups (free)
  • Specialty Sites

WHAT SELLS BEST AT AN ESTATE SALE

Best-selling estate sale items can vary depending on your location and what time of year it is, but we’ve often found the following estate sale items always tend to sell quickly no matter what the scenario:

  • Vintage items
  • Collectibles
  • Unique or rare items
  • High-end furniture and decor
  • Fine art
  • Sports memorabilia
  • Mid Century Modern items

As you can see, there is much to consider when pricing an estate sale. Estate sale pricing approaches are not all set in stone.

Using your good judgment, experience, and resources such as this guide will assist in making sure you are thorough and well-prepared!

Need help pricing your estate sale items?

Contact the Estate Pros!!!

Call (248) 587-8951Free 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!

How the Pros Do It.

The Estate Pros tailor every estate sale to fit the specific needs of each of our clients. Our process is comprehensive and easy. Once your estate sale is scheduled, we will: professionally photograph and advertise your items, provide boutique-style staging, evaluate and price your valuables with one of our certified appraisers, professionally manage and execute your sale, then donate and clean-out the remaining unsold items. It’s that simple!

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Free Consultation

The Estate Pros process begins with a free consultation in which one of our team members will tour your home to determine the viability of an estate sale. We will carefully examine your items, discuss our process and talk about your needs as it relates to your goals and expectations. Additionally, we can assist you in determining what to sell and what to keep. With over 15 years of industry experience, the Estate Pros have the expertise necessary to help guide you with your valued possessions.

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Pre-Sale

Prior to the estate sale, the Estate Pros will meticulously and carefully sort through the items being considered for sale. All of your items will be staged, merchandised and set up in the various shopper approved areas of your home. Our boutique, retail approach to staging will really set your estate sale apart! From there, our certified appraisers will evaluate and price each estate sale item. When pricing estate sale items, our appraisers complete a thorough search of all comparable markets and online auction “sold” listings.

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Day(s) Of Sale

On sale days, your dedicated Estate Pros sales team monitors all aspects of your estate sale including: providing five star customer and sales service to all guests in attendance, making sure your home is secure, managing shopper traffic, recording all transactions and payments, and making arrangements to have all sold items removed from the premises.

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Post-Sale

Once the estate sale is completed, the Estate Pros will: issue settlement payment, provide a detailed sales report of all items sold, schedule customer pick ups, and schedule charity donation & trash removal of any unsold items (if requested). From there, the estate sale home is left broom / vacuum clean and empty – ready for the new residents. Our estate sale process is easy and hassle-free, that’s the Estate Pros difference!

What Our Clients are Saying

Estate Love was very helpful and professional. Will use them again.
One of the most amazing companies we've ever worked with. My wife needed somebody to help her with her mother's estate, and these gentlemen and ladies create a protective environment for her in her fragile time; they did everything and went over and above to make it seamlessly stress free. I recommend them with the highest degree of confidence.
Great company, great service, great people, great job! The Estate Pros are best in class! Thanks folks!
The Estate Pros are top notch! We were working on a very limited time schedule and they were able to come in and get everything done quickly, efficiently and professionally. Everything went very smoothly, great work!
My brother in law passed away earlier this year and we were having such a difficult time with everything. Especially dealing with his house, his personal belongings, etc. We approached the concept of an estate sale with great trepidation, not knowing what to expect but Jonathan and the team at the Estate Pros put us at ease and made the process seamless and stress- free. They are very compassionate and professional. Thank you Jonathan!
Jonathan was great to work with in helping to prepare my father's townhome for sale. He recently moved into an assisted living facility, and anything from the townhome that couldn't go with him was meticulously catalogued and valuated, then arranged for pickup and donated to charity. Highly recommend for anyone in southeast Michigan!
It was such a pleasure working with Estate Love. They made everything so easy. It was an emotional experience for me but Estate Love made me feel so comfortable and at ease about the entire thing. Payment was super easy. Same day! I was very impressed and would absolutely recommend them to family and friends!
Incredibly professional. Understands antiques which I found many estate sales people don’t. Answers any questions in a timely manner. Massively patient with customers & his clients alike. He just knows what he is doing. He has excellent relationship with Habitat & the junk man if you need everything gone. It can be an emotional experience for the client & he makes you feel good about the experience. Follow up paperwork is excellent too.
Excellent and professional, Jonathan and his team went above and beyond to protect my home and items and to get the best possible prices for me. I highly recommend Estate Love!!
We had a wonderful experience with Jonathan and his staff. They made us feel secure, comfortable and informed throughout the entire process of holding an estate sale after the death of my parents. From the initial meeting to the final clean up, Estate Love treated us with the upmost respect and professionalism. Our sale was wildly successfully. If you are looking for an estate sale PRO, then Jonathan is your man...go ahead and hire him! Thank you!
Had a great experience with Jonathan and the team at Estatelove! Very polite, caring, truly professional and efficient. We trusted him with our home and possessions and he cared for it as though it was his own. Our sale and experience couldn’t have gone any better! We highly recommend EstateLove and would definitely use them again. You’ll be in good hands, and we can’t stress that enough!
Awesome company. Did everything top notch. I would recommend them to anyone.
Jonathan and his team were amazing. From the start, Jonathan was responsive, professional, and a pleasure to work with. His marketing is the best in the area. Our house was packed with wanting buyers all three days. His team was sympathetic to what we were going through and gave us found precious items that were missed. I highly recommend him and his team if you are shopping around for an estate sale company.
Johnathan was the best! He explained the Estate Sale process very clearly, set up and priced every item, was present on the property for the entire sale, arranged for donation pickup of unsold items, and of course was very courteous and helpful. We were extremely pleased with the results of the sale and would highly recommend him and his team for your Estate Sale!! Julie &Sami Akroush
great work!!
Estate Love is a business with a heart. Jonathan and the Estate Love team are fantastic. This is an interesting industry. It is important to trust the Estate Sale company you choose. Thankfully, out of the many companies I interviewed and researched, the choice was obvious. Jonathan stood out positively from the very start. He was easy to work with and had some great ideas which made a super successful sale. Jonathan is extremely responsive, knowledgeable and professional. He gained my trust and I would highly recommend his company.It is always emotionally difficult to sell your prized possessions and family heirlooms but Jonathan was there for me every step of the way.Knowing he was caring for my home in the same way I would while the sale was in progress allowed for me to breathe easier. Jonathan, Jay and the other Estate Love personnel were polite and very willing to help in all areas of the sale. After the sale was completed, I had several shoppers tell me how wonderfully they were treated during the sale. This is the other very important part of having a successful sale (and one most people don't think about until it's too late). Jonathan has a great following of fans that frequent his sales and it is obvious that number grows with each new estate sale he runs. Honesty, trust and integrity are extremely important qualities which were all demonstrated by Estate Love.
Very good peoples and nice honest service.You can buy with confidence and trust .Sells very nice and appropriate products at good price and in friendly environment
Estate Love is just want you want from an estate sale company. Jonathan made what could be have been a stressful time into something positive and worry-free. Estate Love is professional, provides great follow-through and communication throughout the process, and ultimately got top $$$ for our items. If you are looking for an estate sale company, don’t hesitate to hire Estate Love. They will do a wonderful job for you!
Amazing company. Very social and helpful. Would so recommend for anyone needing help.
Jonathan and the Estate Love team are best in class. From our initial meeting it was apparent I had made the correct choice selecting them to handle our estate sale. Jonathan along with Jay and the other Estate Love personnel were knowledgeable, polite and very willing to help in all areas of the sale. A significant number of the furnishing were sold by Jonathan prior to the start of the sale. The sale was exceptionally well organized and promoted which ultimately resulted in exceeding our sales expectations. Additionally we were provided with a charity that was willing to take unsold pieces and a junk removal company to dispose of the unwanted items. Honesty, trust and integrity are extremely important qualities which were all demonstrated by Estate Love. At the end of the sale we received a spread sheet of the sold items. Base on my personal experience I highly recommend Estate Love to handle your estate sale.
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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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  • Auburn Hills
  • Berkley
  • Beverly Hills
  • Bingham Farms
  • Birmingham
  • Bloomfield Hills
  • Bloomfield Township
  • Brighton
  • Canton
  • Clarkston
  • Commerce
  • Commerce Township
  • Dearborn
  • Dearborn Heights
  • Farmington
  • Farmington Hills
  • Ferndale
  • Franklin Village
  • Grosse Pointe
  • Grosse Pointe Farms
  • Grosse Pointe Park
  • Grosse Pointe Woods
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  • Lake Angelus
  • Lake Orion
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  • Livonia
  • Macomb County
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  • Novi
  • Oakland
  • Oakland County
  • Oak Park
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  • Ortonville
  • Oxford
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  • Roseville
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  • Shelby Township
  • South East Michigan
  • Southfield
  • South Lyon
  • St. Clair County
  • St. Clair Shores
  • Sylvan Lake
  • Troy
  • Walled Lake
  • Warren
  • Washington Township
  • Washtenaw County
  • Waterford
  • West Bloomfield
  • West Bloomfield Township
  • White Lake
  • Wixom

Upcoming Estate Sales

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BLOOMFIELD HILLS MICHIGAN ESTATE SALE

1045 Timberlake Dr.
Bloomfield Hills , MI, 48302
March 24, 2023
March 25, 2023
March 26, 2023
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CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP MICHIGAN ESTATE SALE

To Be Announced
Chesterfield Township, MI, 48047
April 1, 2023
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2fccb928-e001-471d-9062-8cc415e1a057

ROCHESTER HILLS MICHIGAN ESTATE SALE

2254 Flanders Dr.
Rochester Hills , MI, 48307
March 26, 2023
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ROCHESTER HILLS MICHIGAN ESTATE SALE

To Be Announced
Rochester Hills , MI, 48307
April 7, 2023
April 8, 2023
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AUBURN HILLS MICHIGAN ESTATE SALE

To Be Announced
Auburn Hills, MI, 48326
April 15, 2023
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