FAQs
Haggling or negotiating is a common and expected practice at estate sales. It's completely normal to try to get the best deal possible, and the seller is likely expecting it.
What is the top sellers at estate sales? ›
Below are the top-selling items at estate sales that consistently attract buyers:
- Antique Furniture. Antique furniture is often the centerpiece of any estate sale. ...
- Jewelry and Watches. ...
- Fine Art and Collectibles. ...
- Vintage Clothing and Accessories. ...
- Books and Manuscripts. ...
- Kitchenware and Home Decor.
What is an estate sale in Texas? ›
While “estate sale” might sound like a phrase used in high society, it's simply a large, organized sale of someone's possessions, typically held after they've passed away or moved. Unlike your typical garage or yard sale, an estate sale is far more extensive, often covering the entire contents of a household.
Where is best place to post about estate sale? ›
Social Media. Setting up social media networks on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat in order to build your online presence is another good way to build a following. Since a lot of the fun of estate sales is getting to window-shop and browse, you can really show off finds using photos and video on social media!
What percentage do most estate sale companies take? ›
What Percentage Do Estate Sales Take? Estate sale companies generally charge a standard commission rate between 30 to 40 percent of sales. Before they agree to take on a client, they'll typically provide a gross sales minimum. This means that the total value of all the items to be sold must meet or exceed that value.
What is the best day for an estate sale? ›
Hold Your Estate Sale on a Weekend Day.
And never hold an estate sale on Christmas or Thanksgiving, no matter what day of the week they happen to fall on.
How to spot valuable items at estate sales? ›
Evaluating Condition And Rarity
Condition and rarity greatly impact the value of estate sale treasures. Whether it's a vintage painting, a piece of antique jewelry, or a mid-century furniture set, the better the condition, the higher the value.
How to make money off estate sales? ›
- Here's how to turn your estate sale finds into profitable inventory:
- Scope out the estate sale companies in your area. ...
- Study the pictures of the items that are for sale. ...
- Show up at the sale early. ...
- Come prepared to shop. ...
- Don't be afraid to look around. ...
- Go back to the sale near the end.
What is the best price for selling a house? ›
Most home sellers will get the best results if they set their asking price within 5% of what target buyers would consider to be the fair market value of the property.
Do you have to pay taxes on an estate sale in Texas? ›
The state of Texas does not have an estate tax, however residents may still be subject to federal estate tax laws. If you live in Texas and are thinking about estate planning, this guide will walk you through what you need to know.
The executor has until the end of probate to sell the house — which could be a couple of months or even a year, depending on whether or not beneficiaries are contesting the will.
How do I organize my house for an estate sale? ›
Go through each room of the home and methodically inventory your items. We recommend including items that you don't plan to sell, as you'll still want to keep a record of what you decided to donate or give away. Be sure to note down the condition of each item, as it will help you determine prices later.
What is the best way to advertise for an estate sale? ›
Choose your advertising channels
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great ways to reach a large audience and create buzz about your event. Additionally, classified websites like Craigslist and local event calendars can also be effective for reaching potential buyers.
What is the best day to post a house for sale? ›
When it comes to days of the week, Thursday is the sweet spot for listing your home for sale. This is mainly because house-hunters tend to plan their in-person home tours for the weekend, when they're not at work, and pre-weekend listings are fresh in their minds.
How do you negotiate with an estate agent? ›
When you are discussing fees, be firm, be open to discussion, and be polite. Ask your estate agent exactly what you get for those fees and stand your ground if you think the fees are too high. It's worth thinking about it like this – the fee structure is there as a first point for discussion.
How do you negotiate a real estate purchase? ›
If you're looking to buy a home, use these tips to put yourself in the best position to negotiate the price.
- Get an inspection ASAP. ...
- Ask the seller to pay closing costs. ...
- Offer earnest money. ...
- Add an escalation clause. ...
- Make a larger down payment. ...
- Write a house offer letter. ...
- Limit requests for contingencies. ...
- Be flexible on dates.
Should you always counter-offer real estate? ›
The major benefit of a counter-offer for buyers is the potential to secure the home for less money and on better terms. However, if you really want the house, it's not a great idea to go back and forth too many times with counter-offers.
How do you negotiate a real estate commission split? ›
Treat your commission split like any other expense, how much are you willing to pay, and what are you getting in return for that amount of money? If you have a 50/50 split but also have large office fees and monthly dues, then you may want to re-negotiate for better terms or to find a different brokerage to work under.