An estate sale costs 30 to 50 percent of gross sales in 2026
An estate sale costs 30 to 50 percent of gross sales in 2026 when you hire a company. HomeLight says the rate usually falls between 30 and 50 percent, and averages 35 to 40 percent. True Legacy Homes says most firms take 30 to 40 percent. EstateSales.net shows a tiered example of 50 percent on smaller sales and 40 percent on larger ones. Extra fees can apply.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| EstateSales.net | EstateSales.net shows a sliding scale example of 50 percent on sales of $5,000 to $10,000 and 40 percent on sales of $10,000 to $20,000. |
| HomeLight | HomeLight says the rate usually falls between 30 and 50 percent, with commissions averaging 35 to 40 percent. |
| True Legacy Homes | True Legacy Homes says most estate sale companies take 30 to 40 percent of gross sales for a normal sale. |
Estate sale commission by situation
| Situation | Commission | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Usual range | 30 to 50 percent | HomeLight |
| Average commission | 35 to 40 percent | HomeLight |
| Standard sale | 30 to 40 percent | True Legacy Homes |
| Sales of $5,000 to $10,000, example | 50 percent | EstateSales.net |
| Sales of $10,000 to $20,000, example | 40 percent | EstateSales.net |
| Average sale gross | $18,000 to $20,000 | HomeLight |
| Seller net after commission | $10,800 to $13,000 | HomeLight |
| Minimum sale most firms want | $5,000 to $10,000 | HomeLight |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Size of the sale | HomeLight says higher-value estates often get lower rates, and EstateSales.net shows 50 percent on smaller sales and 40 percent on larger ones. |
| Value of the items | Most firms want a sale worth $5,000 to $10,000 or more, per HomeLight, since small sales do not cover their work. |
| Company and experience | EstateSales.net says experienced firms may charge more but bring in higher total sales, so compare the money you keep. |
| Added services | True Legacy Homes says firms may charge extra for advertising, disposal of leftover items, house cleanup, and security, so ask for a full fee list. |
| Difficult homes | True Legacy Homes says hoarding, hard access, or probate needs can raise the cost of running the sale. |
What the price includes
The commission normally covers sorting, pricing, staging, running the sale, and paying you after. Advertising, trash hauling, appraisals, and post-sale cleanout may be extra. Some contracts set a minimum, so the firm covers its costs even if sales are low. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Estate sale companies work for a commission, which is a share of the money the sale brings in. There is usually no fee up front. The company sorts, prices, advertises, and runs the sale, then pays you the rest. EstateSales.net says some firms use a sliding scale, with a lower rate as sales rise. Contracts may also set a minimum, which means the firm still earns enough to cover costs. True Legacy Homes says sellers typically get paid in two to three weeks. Always ask for a written contract that lists every fee.
When you need this
People hire an estate sale company after a death, a move to a smaller home, or when they must clear a house fast. If a home holds many items of value, a pro can price them and draw buyers. If you only have a few things, a garage sale or online sales may cost less than a commission.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for the commission in writing, with any sliding scale.
- Ask what fees come on top of the commission.
- Ask if there is a minimum sale or a higher rate if sales are low.
- Ask how soon you get paid.
- Compare the fee with the rates above before you pay.
Ways to pay less
- Get quotes from several firms. Rates and fees differ, and the best deal depends on both the percent and the sales results.
- Ask what is included. Find out if advertising, hauling, and cleanout are in the commission or billed on top.
- Check the sliding scale. EstateSales.net says some firms charge a lower rate as sales grow, which helps if you have valuable items.
- Read the minimum clause. HomeLight says contracts may raise the rate if sales fall short, so ask what happens if sales are low.
- Compare net, not just percent. A higher rate at a firm that sells more can leave more in your pocket.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from EstateSales.net, HomeLight and True Legacy Homes. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much do estate sale companies charge?
HomeLight says the rate usually falls between 30 and 50 percent of sales. True Legacy Homes says most take 30 to 40 percent.
What does the average estate sale earn?
HomeLight says the average sale grosses $18,000 to $20,000. After commissions near 35 to 40 percent, sellers keep about $10,800 to $13,000.
Are there fees besides commission?
Yes, sometimes. EstateSales.net lists trash hauling and advertising. True Legacy Homes also lists leftover disposal, cleanup, and security.
Is there a minimum value for an estate sale?
HomeLight says most companies want an estimated sale value of $5,000 to $10,000 before they take a job.
How long until I get paid?
True Legacy Homes says sellers typically get paid within two to three weeks of the sale date.