St. Louis Estate Sale Guide
Understanding Estate Sales, Auctions, and the Alternatives with Expert Tips and FAQs
Estate Sales in St. Louis
In the St. Louis area, estate sales are used when a family is downsizing, selling a home, or settling an estate after the passing of a loved one.
Estate sales are most effective for selling a large number of everyday household items such as kitchenware, dishes, cleaning supplies, garage and garden items, clothing, basement items, and holiday decor. They are also appropriate for lower-end, dated, or much-used furniture and home decor.
Before the sale, an estate sale company will sort and organize the contents of the house, price items, and prepare the home for public shoppers. Estate sale companies price items to sell during two or three days. In most cases, 50% off discounts are offered on the second or third day of the sale.
Estate sale companies may use “clean out” services to move unsold items. The estate sale company will earn a commission on all sold items. There may be an additional cost for the clean-out service.
Estate Sales vs. Auctions
Auctions are another option to sell the contents of a home. Auction houses in St. Louis rely on competitive bidding rather than fixed pricing and may take place in person, online, or through a combination of both formats.
Online auctions reach national and international buyers who are actively seeking and willing to pay a premium for specific types of items, therefore, unique, luxury, or high-end items such as antiques, art, jewelry, coins, rare books, high-end furniture, and specialty collections are appropriate for auctions.
At an auction, the seller may place a “reserve” or minimum selling price so that items are not sold below market value.
Estate Sales vs. Consignment
Some items from a home may sell at a higher price through a furniture consignment store rather than at a traditional estate sale. Individual pieces are often priced higher in a retail environment and are available for sale for a longer period of time than in an estate sale.
This approach can be particularly effective for designer and high-end furniture, luxury decor, art, designer decor, and well-made furnishings that appeal to buyers willing to pay market value for distinctive pieces.
When evaluating a home’s contents, understanding which items might perform well through a luxury furniture consignment store can help sellers make more informed decisions about the best way to handle their personal property to obtain the best results.
Determining if an Estate Sale is Your Best Option
Estate sales can be an effective way to sell a large number of everyday items. However, other items such as: antiques, original art, collectibles, jewelry, coins, rare books, designer furniture, and specialty collections, may sell at a higher price at an auction house or consignment store.
For this reason, it is important to begin with a professional evaluation of the home's contents before deciding on a selling method. Reviewing items individually will determine whether they are best suited for an estate sale, an auction house, luxury consignment, or another resale market where interested buyers are more likely to pay market value.
Questions to Ask an Estate Sale Company
There are many types of estate sale companies in the St. Louis area. For best results, you want a professional company that can answer these questions:
What is your method for pricing items
How many employees are on-site for security and traffic
How do you sell the pieces that do not sell
Do you prepare an itemized inventory for me
Do you conduct background checks on all of your employees
What is your plan for selling my high-end furniture, art, collectibles, jewelry, antiques and specialty items
How do you protect my home from damage from the public
How much does the clean-out cost
What happens if there is a weather event the weekend of my sale
FAQs
What percentage do estate sale companies usually charge?
1
Estate sale companies in St. Louis generally charge a commission based on the total sales from the event. The percentage can vary from 30% - 50% depending on the size of the estate, the amount of work required to prepare the home, and the expected value of the items being sold. Because each situation is different, it is common for companies to review the home before proposing a commission structure.
Should I have my items appraised?
2
A written appraisal is not legally required, but an evaluation by an expert appraiser is helpful to identify assets, to determine their value, and to best decide the appropriate sales strategy. An evaluation is an informational assessment, whereas an appraisal is a formal written review that is used for insurance replacement and legal purposes. For high-value assets such as art, an official assessment by a certified appraiser communicates quality and provides an assurance to the new buyer.
How long does an estate sale take?
3
Estate sales generally require a 3-5 week window to properly arrange, organize, properly market, and both perform and conclude. Owners with a need for a faster option are well advised to contact an auction house or consignment store for assistance.
Need Help Evaluating Your Estate?
If you are moving, downsizing, or settling an estate in St. Louis County, including Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Frontenac, Chesterfield, and Town & Country, as well as other nearby St. Louis neighborhoods and municipalities., a professional evaluation can help you determine the best approach for selling the contents of your home.
