FAQs for Estate Transition Support
Explore key details that help remove uncertainty from the process
Estate Sale FAQ's – CLIENTS:
An estate sale is a professionally organized sale of personal belongings from a home. Estate sales are often held after a loved one passes away, during downsizing, relocation, divorce, or other major life transitions.
Estate sales are ideal when you need to sell a significant portion of a home's contents. Common situations include:
- Loss of a family member
- Downsizing
- Moving to assisted living
- Relocation
- Divorce
- Decluttering large collections
Our typical process includes:
- Free consultation
- Evaluation of the contents
- Organizing and staging the home
- Researching and pricing items
- Advertising and marketing the sale
- Conducting the sale
- Providing a final accounting and payment
No. We actually recommend leaving everything as it is. Valuable items are often found in unexpected places, and moving or throwing things away beforehand may result in accidentally discarding something valuable.
Preparation usually takes several days depending on the size of the home and the amount of inventory. Most sales are scheduled one to three weeks after the initial consultation.
Most estate sales run for two to three days, typically over a weekend (Thursday – Saturdays are most successful).
We research current market values using industry resources, recent sales, collector markets, and our experience to price items competitively for the local market. Sales tax is also charged, as required by New York State.
Almost anything can be sold, including:
- Furniture
- Antiques
- Collectibles
- Jewelry
- Artwork
- Kitchenware
- Tools
- Electronics
- Home décor
- Clothing
- Outdoor equipment
- Vehicles (in some cases)
Certain items may be restricted by law or company policy, including:
- Firearms (unless handled according to applicable laws)
- Hazardous materials
- Certain recalled products
We promote estate sales through a combination of:
- Online estate sale websites
- Social media
- Email subscriber lists
- Local advertising
- Professional signage
- Collector and dealer networks
No. In fact, we generally recommend that homeowners and family members are not present. This allows customers to shop comfortably while reducing stress for everyone involved.
In most cases, Legacy Estate Sales works on a commission basis (typical commission is 35% - 45%, depending upon several variables). In some cases, up front fees may be appropriate if the client requests specialized services (related to clean-out). Our commission is a percentage of the total sales and is discussed during your consultation.
You can choose from several options, including:
- Donation to a charity
- Buyout services
- Consignment/Clean-Out
- Disposal
Yes. We take security seriously by monitoring entrances and exits, controlling customer flow, and supervising valuable items throughout the event.
After the sale, you'll receive a detailed accounting of all sales, commissions, and expenses. Payment is typically issued within ten (10) days after the sale concludes.
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, we can help market and sell vehicles, boats, trailers, tractors, and other large equipment.
If a full estate sale isn't the best option, we can discuss alternatives such as consignment, clean-out services, online auctions, or referrals to specialized buyers.
Yes. Estate sales are generally open to the public and welcome anyone interested in shopping for unique items, antiques, collectibles, and household goods.
Simply contact us by phone, email, or through our website to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll answer your questions and explain the entire process.
A professional estate sale company saves you time, reduces stress, and helps maximize the value of your belongings. We handle pricing, staging, marketing, customer management, negotiations, payment processing, and cleanup, allowing you to focus on your next chapter.
Estate Sale FAQ's – CUSTOMERS:
No, we apologize but we do not ship any items from our sales.
Yes, we are a registered business in New York State, and are required to charge applicable sales tax.
No, we do not sell presale.
Yes, all major credit cards are accepted (minimum purchase is $20).
No, we do not.
A few days prior to the sale, there will be a sign-up sheet. This sign-up sheet is used to maintain order on the day of the sale. We will allow a certain number of people to go into the home to ensure safety, and organization.
