How an Estate Sale Works, Start to Finish

An estate sale is a public sale held right in the home, where nearly everything inside is priced and sold over a few days. A company like ours handles the sorting, pricing, advertising, and selling. Whatever's left gets hauled away, and you get your proceeds. Here's how it goes with 180 Estate Sales.

I've loved the treasure hunt my whole life. What I've learned is that families going through this usually aren't looking for treasure. They want somebody they can trust to take the job off their plate. So here's exactly what happens.

1. The first call

You call (775) 683-1965 or send us a message. We'll ask where the home is, roughly what's in it, and what your timeline looks like. If you're dealing with a death in the family, take your time. There's no pressure.

2. The walkthrough

We come to the house and walk through it with you, or with your realtor or a family member if you live out of town. We look at what's there and talk through what you want to keep, your deadlines, and how we'd run the sale. The walkthrough and consultation are free, and we can do it by video if you can't be there. If you decide to go ahead, you'll sign a written agreement, online or on paper.

3. Keep what you want first

Family should take the things they want before we start. We'll tell you what not to throw away, too. (See before your estate sale.)

4. Sorting, setup and staging

This is the big job. We go through every room, closet, garage, and shed. We sort, clean up, and display items so buyers can find them. Things you'd never guess have value often turn up in a junk drawer or the back of the garage.

5. Pricing

We price each item based on what similar things are actually selling for right now, not on sentimental value or wishful thinking.

6. Advertising

We advertise every sale on Craigslist and Facebook, post it with photos on the 180 Estate Sales website, and send it to our mailing list. Early-access shoppers get in one day before the public.

7. Sale days

Our crew runs the sale: crowd control, answering questions, checkout, and loading. Most sales run two to three days, and hours vary by sale (each listing shows its own). Day 3 is discount day. Clients can't be at the house while our team is working or during the sale.

8. Vehicles

If there's a car, truck, trailer, or RV, it can usually be sold as part of the sale, handled in accordance with applicable laws.

9. Haul-away of leftovers (included)

Once the sale ends, we donate what we can, giving as much as possible directly to people who need it. Whatever's left gets cleared out by our sister company, Dunk The Junk, and that's included. Want the house cleaned too? Just ask. See estate cleanouts.

10. Getting paid

We pay you by cashier's check or wire transfer. The cost of the check or wire is deducted from your final payout.

How long does it all take?

Setup takes at least three days, most sales run two to three days, and the cleanout afterward takes at least two days. Exact dates depend on how full the house is and on our calendar.

What does it cost?

Our fee is simple: a percentage of total sales or a flat rate, whichever is greater. For sales more than an hour from Carson City, a travel charge is added to the minimum fee. We'll walk you through it all during your free consultation. See what an estate sale costs.

What if there isn't enough for a sale?

Not every home needs a full estate sale. If there isn't quite enough for a sale, our sister company, Dunk The Junk, can handle the cleanout for you.

Ready to talk?

Call (775) 683-1965 · Email 180estatesales@gmail.com · See our services

Related: What does an estate sale cost? · Estate sale vs. auction vs. other options · FAQ

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