FAQs
We aim to complete the entire process, from sorting and staging to marketing and selling, within approximately one week. However, the timeline may vary and can be as short as 2 days, depending on the size and complexity of the estate. Please note that we are often booked 1-2 months in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Yes, we do, but it depends on the specific circumstances. While we usually encounter no issues when the HOA office grants approval, we have experienced challenges when the board of directors changes their stance at the last minute. To ensure a smooth process, we prefer to work in communities where we have a history of successful sales or receive written approval from the HOA.
Mission Estate Sales places great importance on respecting your personal items and valuables. If our team comes across items that are too personal to sell without your permission or if we find hidden valuables, we’ll set them aside. You can arrange to retrieve these items or have us deliver them to you when we provide you with the proceeds from the sale.
Absolutely! Hosting an estate sale is an excellent way to showcase your property to potential buyers. Think of it as an extended open house, with numerous visitors viewing your home over several days. Many homes sell shortly after an estate sale, making it a powerful marketing tool for selling your property.
Our commission rate is based on the size and quality of your estate, as well as the condition of its contents. Mission Estate Sales covers all upfront expenses, including advertising, pre-sale preparations, sales staff, and pricing. Labor-intensive setup is often the most significant expense. We also have a minimum fee to help cover some of the initial costs. Your commission rate typically hovers around 40%, but it can vary depending on the specific situation.
While you can certainly host your own estate sale, our experience in advertising, crowd control, and determining fair market value ensures better results. Managing your sale can be overwhelming, potentially leading to undervalued or unsold items, or even negative comments from potential buyers. Additionally, our team can efficiently set up and host a sale in just a few days, saving you significant time and effort. If you still wish to host your sale, consider hiring us for a consultation to receive valuable tips and pricing advice.
You don’t need to do anything before we start working on your estate sale. Please avoid disposing of any items, except obvious trash, before hiring us, as what you may consider non-valuable items can often find buyers. We recommend not making any donations until after the sale, as some items you plan to donate might sell. If possible, provide us with a contact phone number for occasional check-ins regarding decisions on certain items.
No, it’s generally easier for us to conduct a sale when you are not present. Shoppers may feel more comfortable when family members are not around, and watching strangers explore your home can be stressful. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and the shoppers.
Before signing the contract, decide on items you and your family want to keep, and ensure they are removed from the home or placed in a secure area. Also, clarify your goals for the sale so that Mission Estate Sales can work to achieve them effectively.
We provide a check for your portion of the total sales the next business day following the close of your estate sale. You can choose to have the check hand-delivered or mailed, depending on your preference.
In the event of a sale cancellation, we will charge you for the time worked as per the contract, along with any expenses incurred, such as advertising costs.
We promote our sales through various channels, including multiple websites, Facebook groups, text message notifications to our customers, and signage (where allowed). Our goal is to ensure maximum visibility for your sale.
While we strive to sell everything during the estate sale, there may be some items left unsold. We implement aggressive pricing reductions after the first day to minimize leftover items. You have three options for unsold items: you can leave them for your discretion, we can arrange for a cleanout company to remove most, if not all, items, or you can choose to take care of the remaining items yourself if it’s cost-effective.
Our aim is to sell as much as possible and leave the premises clean. If there is excessive trash or hazardous materials, we can arrange for their removal at a reasonable cost to you. However, we do not dispose of hazardous materials, non-working appliances, or non-running motor vehicles. In most cases, cleanouts are completed within 48 hours, and there is no charge for this service.
To ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all customers, we sell selected high-value items online before the estate sale. This strategy maximizes revenue for our clients. If you have valuable items you’d like to sell online before the sale, we can discuss this option with you.
Our pricing strategy is based on a combination of factors, including our experience, sold eBay prices, Worthpoint data, Google searches, and insights from estate sale industry Facebook groups. We continually research and adapt our pricing strategy to maximize your revenue.
No, we determine our commission rate based on what is fair for both you and us. Our goal is to provide top-quality service while ensuring that our team is compensated fairly for their expertise and hard work. Keep in mind that some companies may have additional charges, such as fees for cleanout after the sale.
While there are many excellent estate sale companies in San Antonio, we continually seek ways to improve our operations and maximize revenue for our clients. We stand out by providing prompt payments, quick house clearance, and a flexible pricing strategy that benefits both parties. Our experience and commitment to delivering exceptional results set us apart from the competition.