Here is a week-by-week look at the typical three-week estate sale, from the day you call us to the day you receive your check.
Week 0 — The Consultation
- Phone call, 15 minutes: we understand the basics and schedule a walkthrough.
- On-site walkthrough, 45–60 minutes: we view every room, the basement, the attic, the garage, any outbuildings.
- Written proposal within 48 hours: scope, timeline, commission, services, and contract language.
Week 1 — Setup and Staging
- Days 1–2: Bring in tables, display pieces, lighting. Inventory and triage begin.
- Days 3–4: Pricing research on all items above ~$100 estimated value. Hallmark checks on metalware, signature checks on art.
- Days 5–6: Full staging — rooms are re-merchandised like a small retail boutique. Signage and checkout areas built.
- Day 7: Final pricing sweep and photography for the listing.
Week 2 — Advertising Window
- Monday: Listing goes live on EstateSales.net with 25–40 photos.
- Tuesday: Email blast to our 4,000+ buyer list with featured items and a neighborhood hint (exact address on Friday).
- Wednesday: Facebook and Craigslist promotion.
- Thursday: Response to buyer questions; holds confirmed for a few high-value items.
- Friday: Address releases at 8:00 AM publicly.
Week 3 — The Sale
- Friday 8:30 AM: Sale opens. First 90 minutes account for roughly 45% of total revenue on most sales.
- Saturday: Steady traffic, families, browsing buyers. Furniture and larger items typically clear today.
- Sunday: Half-price day. Volume day. Everything that can go, goes.
- Sunday 2:00 PM: Sale ends. Leftover items prepared for pickup, donation, or cleanout per your plan.
Days 8–10 after close — Settlement
- Detailed settlement report delivered by email (PDF): gross sales, commission line items, expenses if any, net to client.
- Check mailed or EFT transferred.
- Tax-receipted donation confirmation provided if applicable.
Reality: Some estates require four to six weeks because of volume, legal complexity, or out-of-state coordination. We never rush a sale past the point of good preparation — but we also respect your timeline when it is firm.