• March 03, 2023 /
  • My Estate to Liquidate

The Guide to Estate Sale Shopping for Beginners

Estate sales are one of the best ways to find unique items for discounted prices as well as antiques that are hard to find. If you haven't been to an estate sale, we’ll be more than happy to explain. You can just think of it as shopping only if you are shopping at someone's house.

The estate sale community is a friendly one and you will be welcomed with open arms. My Estate to Liquidate presents you with the beginner guide to estate sales where we answer basic questions about going to estate sales. If you have any questions we missed please feel free to let us know, but for now, enjoy the quick read below.

What is an estate sale?

An estate sale is a sale where the belongings of an entire household are liquidated. These sales often take place in the owner's home and are run over a weekend time frame. Most estate sales are typically open to the general public.

What’s the difference between an estate sale and a garage sale?

Garage sales are held to sell a limited number of items and are usually held in a garage or yard. A garage sale also is usually run by homeowners. Estate sales are held to sell all the contents of a home. They are held inside the house and have a greater selection of items than garage sales. Estate sales are run by someone educated in the liquidation service or a reputable company such as My Estate to Liquidate.

How much do people tend to spend at an estate sale?

Many factors can contribute to this question. This all depends on what you are buying and if like most estate sales what day you are buying. Many items will be priced much less than retail, especially on the last day of a sale when items drop to their lowest price. You can expect any special items such as collectibles, fine art, and vintage to pay similar prices to what you would find online.

Do estate sales accept other forms of payment besides cash?

In the era we live in, almost all professionally run estate sale companies will allow you to pay with credit cards, but some even offer the options of cash app, Venmo, Zelle, and apple pay. Though we do suggest that it is always a safe bet to have cash on hand when you go to a sale.

What kinds of content are at estate sales?

You can tend to find anything a typical household would have at an estate sale. If you think of all the rooms in your own house, you will be able to get an idea of what types of items would be sold at an estate sale. Let’s say, for example, the contents of a living room - what is usually found in a living room are couches, a coffee table, a side table, a Tv, an Entertainment stand, and much more. Estate sales are also known for having vintage, antique, and collectible items.

What would be the typical estate sale etiquette?

Most of the time laid back energy is what you come across at an estate sale. You usually can pick up items and examine them if you wish to, but it never hurts to ask. Feel free to haggle with the companies on prices if you really want an item, but most items are priced well and we recommend paying the price marked. If you have any questions about an item, My Estate to Liquidate will have helpers around that will answer any questions you have.

How do I find estate sales?

You can find estate sales in online estate sales directories by searching on google or estatesales.net for estate sales near your city. My Estate to Liquidate, also allows you to search for estate sales near you and is an easy way to preview sales we have coming up. You can even create your personalized estate sale dashboard so that you always know when your favorite company is their next estate sale.

Where should I park at an estate sale?

For most estate sales you will simply park where you find a space close to the home the sale is happening at. Some sales will be in areas with restricted parking - for these, estate sale staff are typically on hand directing shoppers to the appropriate place to park. Other times there will be signs showing where parking is restricted.

When would be the best time to shop at an estate sale?

The early bird gets the worm but honestly depends on your time preference. Is there something at the sale you want? The best thing to do is get there before the sale opens, wait in line, and try to get to the item first. If you are looking for the best deal, then on the last day many estate sale companies will discount prices on everything. Remember their goal is for everything to be liquidated so can take advantage of that on the last day.

What if I want a professional company to help me hold a sale?

You can search on google, yelp, or social media platforms to find estate sale companies near you. Another great option is to visit www.myestatetoliquidate.com

for more information on why we would be the best company to help you have a successful and stress-free estate sale.