Before you call an estate sale company
- Confirm who has legal authority to sell the belongings (executor, trustee or power of attorney).
- Remove and secure important papers: wills, deeds, titles, tax records, bank statements and photos.
- Let each family member set aside items they want to keep, and label them clearly.
- Do not throw things away yet — items that look like junk can have resale value.
- Check whether your HOA or village has rules about signs, parking or sale hours.
Questions to ask any estate sale company
- What commission do you charge, and are there any extra fees?
- How do you price items, and who handles the sale days?
- How and when will we be paid after the sale?
- What happens to items that don't sell?
- Do you carry insurance and applicable licensing where required?
After the sale
- Walk through the home with the company and review the final accounting.
- Arrange a cleanout for remaining items so the home is ready to list.
- Consider donation for usable leftover items.
- Schedule a final cleaning before showings or closing.
Want help with this?
EMC Services offers Estate Sales & Estate Services across Naperville and Chicagoland.