Estate sale calculator: what will the family actually keep?

Enter what the sale might bring in and the company's terms. See the company's fee, the effect of any minimum, and what's left for the family. Pick a company below to load its published terms.

Load a company's published terms (optional)

What the sale brings in ($)

Total sales before any fees. Ask companies for an estimate at the walkthrough.

Commission (%) Commission is taken from

Gross (everything sold)Net (after expenses)

Minimum fee ($, 0 if none) Sale expenses paid from proceeds ($)

Advertising, card fees, supplies — only if the contract says the family pays them.

Other charges ($)

Cleanout, dumpster, hauling unsold items, setup fees.

FAMILY KEEPS

Sale brings in

Company's fee

Sale expenses

Other charges

Share of the sale that goes to costs

This is an illustration, not a quote. Real results depend on what sells and the exact contract. Get every fee in writing before you sign.

Common questions

How do I estimate what my estate sale will bring in?Ask two or three companies for an estimate at the free walkthrough. Most sales of an average household bring in a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars; antiques, collectibles, jewelry and vehicles move the number most.

What does 'whichever is greater' mean?The company takes either its percentage or its minimum fee, whichever is the larger dollar amount. On a small sale, the minimum usually wins, so the company's real share of the sale is higher than its percentage.

Gross or net: which is better for the family?On the same percentage, net is better for the family, because the commission is taken after sale expenses come off. Ask which one, and ask who pays the expenses, before you sign.

Published rates by city: Denver · Phoenix · Tucson · Chicago · Houston · How estate sale fees work

8 questions to ask any estate sale company

Whether or not a company publishes its fees, ask these on the first call.

What is your commission, and is it on the gross or the net?40% of gross and 40% of net can be very different amounts.

Do you have a minimum fee or minimum estate size?Some companies won't take estates under a set value.

What other fees will I pay?Setup, advertising, dumpsters, cleanout and card-processing fees add up.

Do you let anyone in before the sale?Early entry for dealers is one of the most common complaints families have.

What happens to items that don't sell?Donated, hauled away, or left for you, and who pays for it.

Do you offer a buyout or cleanout?Useful when a house needs to be empty fast.

Are you bonded and insured?Ask for proof.

How soon can you hold the sale, and when do I get paid?Some companies are booked 6–8 weeks out.

How to choose an estate sale company: 10 questions and red flags →