What an estate liquidation includes
The work starts with a walk-through, not a price sticker. We discuss furniture, art, antiques, collections, everyday household goods, storage areas, and any items that must stay with the family. We then recommend an appropriate sale format and identify what may need a separate donation or cleanout plan.
A written scope should make the sequence clear: preparation, photography and cataloging where appropriate, sale or auction management, buyer pickup, and the handling of unsold contents. You should know which parts are included before work begins.
Choose the sale around the property
An online estate auction can suit a home where public browsing is difficult, while an in-person estate sale may fit a property with suitable access and room to display its contents. The condition and mix of belongings matter as much as the size of the house.
In the Oakland hills, stairs, narrow driveways, and parking can influence pickup plans. In a condominium, building access and loading reservations may matter more. Tell us about these details early so the proposal reflects the actual property.
Understand the costs before deciding
Ask for the commission, any minimum or preparation fees, and the cost of removing unsold contents in writing. A sale estimate is not a guarantee of proceeds. The result depends on the belongings, their condition, buyer demand, and the selling method.
Cleanout costs and sale proceeds should be explained separately. We will help you understand the proposed scope so you can compare the expected work, not just a headline percentage.
Start before you empty the house
Set aside documents, medications, family photographs, keys, and the belongings the family wants to retain. Avoid donating or discarding the rest until the saleable contents have been reviewed. A house does not need to be staged, cleaned, or fully sorted before you ask for an assessment.
