A Complete Guide for Families and Homeowners

When families face major life transitions, such as the loss of a loved one, downsizing, divorce, or relocation, one question often comes up: What happens to all the belongings inside the home?

In many cases, the answer is an estate sale.

An estate sale is a structured way to sell most or all of someone’s possessions, typically inside the home itself. Unlike a garage sale, which usually focuses on decluttering, an estate sale is a full-scale liquidation of household contents and often includes everything from furniture and kitchen items to antiques, collectibles, and sometimes even vehicles.

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What Exactly Is an Estate Sale?

An estate sale (sometimes called a “tag sale”) is a public sale designed to liquidate a household’s belongings, usually after a major life event. These sales often occur after death, but they can also happen during downsizing, divorce, bankruptcy, or major relocations.

Unlike smaller yard sales, estate sales typically include:

• Furniture and home décor

• Jewelry and collectibles

• Artwork and antiques

• Kitchenware and everyday household items

• Tools, vehicles, or specialty items

The goal is usually to sell a large portion of the home’s contents efficiently, often to settle debts, distribute assets to heirs, or simplify a transition to the next phase of life.

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Estate Sale vs. Garage Sale: What’s the Difference?

Estate Sales

• Usually sell most or all items in a home

• Often include higher-value or collectible items

• Commonly run by professional companies

• Items priced closer to market value

Garage or Yard Sales

• Usually small-scale decluttering

• Mostly everyday items

• Typically DIY pricing and setup

• Focused on quick cash and clearing space

Estate sales are usually tied to major life events, while garage sales are more about cleaning out unused items.

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Who Runs an Estate Sale?

Many families hire professional estate sale companies to manage the entire process. These companies typically:

• Appraise items

• Price based on market value

• Stage and organize the home

• Advertise the sale

• Manage buyers and transactions

Most companies charge a percentage of total sales, often around 30–50%, though fees vary depending on services and complexity.

For many families, especially during emotional or stressful transitions, having professionals manage the process can be incredibly valuable.

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What Happens During an Estate Sale?

Estate sales usually take place over one or more days and are open to the public. Shoppers typically browse the home and purchase items at set prices, often on a first-come, first-served basis.

On sale days, you may see:

• Early lines of buyers looking for unique finds

• Professional checkout systems

• Possible discounts later in the sale

• Cleanup and donation of unsold items afterward

Depending on the size of the estate, sales can run several days until most items are sold.

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How Much Money Can an Estate Sale Generate?

There’s no universal number. The outcome depends on:

• Size of the estate

• Quality and rarity of items

• Local buyer demand

• Location of the home

Larger estates with antiques, collectibles, or designer items often generate higher returns than homes filled primarily with everyday items.

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Preparing for an Estate Sale

Before an estate sale, families should:

1. Remove sentimental items, photos, and important documents

2. Decide what will and will not be sold

3. Consider professional help for pricing and logistics

4. Plan what happens to unsold items (donation, disposal, or resale)

Taking these steps ahead of time can reduce stress and help ensure a smoother, more successful sale.

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What Estate Sales Look Like in Westchester County

Estate sales in Westchester often have unique characteristics compared to other parts of the country. Many homes here have been lived in for decades and can contain multiple generations of belongings, quality furniture, antiques, or collectibles.

Because Westchester has a strong resale and collector market, estate sales can attract serious buyers from across the Hudson Valley, Connecticut, and even New York City.

In communities like:

• White Plains

• Scarsdale

• Rye

…it’s common to see estate sales tied to downsizing after retirement, transitions into senior living communities, or families preparing longtime homes for sale.

Another local factor: timing matters. In Westchester, many estate sales happen before a home hits the market. Properly clearing and staging a home can significantly impact buyer perception and final sale price.

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Why Estate Sales Matter During Life Transitions

Estate sales are not just about selling belongings, they are often part of a bigger life transition. They can help families:

• Settle estates

• Prepare homes for sale

• Simplify moves to senior living or smaller homes

• Reduce financial pressure during difficult times

For many families, they provide closure and a practical path forward.

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Final Thoughts

Estate sales are powerful tools for managing life’s biggest transitions. Whether a family is handling a loved one’s estate, preparing to sell a long-time home, or helping parents downsize, understanding how estate sales work can make the process feel far less overwhelming.

Having the right local professionals guiding you through both the estate sale and the real estate process can make all the difference.

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