Questions Families Ask
The questions families ask us first
If you are reading this at midnight with a house full of your parent's belongings, these are the answers we give most often. Anything we have not covered, ask us directly — call (972) 358-2298 or use the inquiry form.
What does an estate sale cost the family?
We work on commission, taken from the proceeds of the sale — there is no upfront fee for the consultation, the appraising or the staging. You see the commission in writing before we begin, and you never write a check out of pocket. If a sale would not raise more than it would cost to run, we will tell you that plainly and suggest a different path.
How long does the whole process take?
Typically three to five weeks from the first consultation to the sale weekend, then about a week to close out and settle. Large homes or collections that need research take longer. If you have a closing date or a lease deadline, tell us on the first call and we will build the schedule around it.
Do I need to be there on the sale days?
No. Many of our families are out of state, or find it easier not to watch. We staff the sale, handle the customers and the checkout, and send you a summary afterward. You are welcome to come on the first morning if you would like to see the house staged.
What happens to the things that don't sell?
You choose in advance. Some families want unsold items returned or set aside for relatives; others ask us to donate what can be donated and clear the rest. Nothing is thrown away or given away without your written direction.
How do you price my mother's things?
Item by item, against what comparable pieces are actually selling for now in North Texas — auction results, dealer prices and recent estate sales — not list prices from old price guides. High-value pieces (art, silver, watches, fine furniture, jewelry) get individual research and, where warranted, a specialist opinion.
Can family members buy or keep items before the sale?
Yes. We tag family keepsakes first and hold them aside before anything is priced for the public. Family purchases are handled the same as any other sale, so the estate's accounting stays clean and defensible for the other heirs.
Do you handle firearms, coins, jewelry or vehicles?
Usually, yes — each requires its own handling and paperwork. Tell us what is in the house during the consultation and we will confirm what we can include and what is better sold another way.
Which areas do you serve?
Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Garland, Irving, Grapevine, Southlake, Denton, Arlington and the surrounding cities across Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties, plus much of the rest of North Texas.
Not sure where to start? Begin with a single question.
