Frequently asked questions
General Estate Sale Questions
What is an estate sale?
An estate sale is an open-to-the-public sale of a home’s entire contents, usually held over a single weekend.
How long have you been in business?
We have been hosting estate sales in California’s Central Valley since 2008.
How are estate sales different from garage or yard sales?
Garage and yard sales are often held by house occupants and offer limited items, while an estate sale is usually held by a third-party business and includes virtually everything in the house.
How long does an estate sale typically last?
Depending on the estate’s size, sales usually last 2 full days over a weekend.
When do estate sale prices go down?
Typically, prices decrease by noon on the second day.
Are estate sales open to the public?
Yes. Sign up for our email list to know about future scheduled estate sales in advance.
Questions for Estate Sale Shoppers
Will you disassemble, load, or haul estate sale items for me?
Sorry, no. The buyer is responsible for all necessary disassembly, loading, and hauling.
Can I call or text you about sale items or prices?
Please do not call or text us regarding prices or estate sale item details. Email inquiries only: info@mgestatesales.com
Can I buy something before the sale opens?
No. All items at our estate sales are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I negotiate the price?
While we are firm on the first day, we anticipate some customers will attempt to negotiate for a lower price.
Are estate sale purchases refundable?
No. All sales of second-hand goods are final and non-refundable.
What should I bring with me?
Cash, credit/debit cards, a flashlight, bags, a tape measure, friends, and a positive attitude.
Questions for Estate Sale Clients
How do I know if an estate sale is right for my situation?
If you’re looking to sell the entire contents of your home, then an estate sale is the right option for you. If you aren’t on a tight schedule, you can hire an estate sale company to handle all aspects of the process.
What is your service area?
Our service area mainly includes these California Central Valley counties:
- Stanislaus
- San Joaquin
- Calaveras
- Tuolumne
- Fresno
- Madera
- Placer
We are available in other areas as well. Call us for more information. (209) 818-2249.
How far in advance should I contact MG Estate Sales?
During a busy year, we are typically booked out 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Please contact us as soon as you start considering an estate sale. We usually need you to complete a few tasks before we can conduct a walkthrough.
What services are included?
- Free initial on-site consultation
- Appraisals (as needed) with experienced and certified appraisers
- Advertising on our website, in local newspapers, on Craigslist.com, Facebook.com, GSALR.com, estatesales.net, and through our extensive e-mail list
- Photography of entire estate for ad & web placement
- Online sales of key items (by special request)
- Donation of unsold items to local charitable organization
- Licensed & Insured Estate Sale Company with a knowledgeable and friendly liquidation team.
Do you also handle commercial liquidations?
Yes. Commercial liquidations are sales held on site at a business being liquidated. When a business is ready to close, we will sell all remaining inventory and equipment, office furniture and supplies, fixtures and displays, and anything else being left behind.
Commercial liquidation sales usually take much longer to prepare and advertise than residential estate sales. Please contact us well in advance if you are considering one for your business.
Do you offer free on-site consultations?
What do you do with the leftover items?
We usually donate reusable leftovers to local charitable organizations. Items that are not reusable will be removed from the sales site and disposed of.
How long does it take to prepare an estate sale?
The absolute minimum turnaround time is 3 weeks. Two weeks to set up and run the sale, and another week to vacate the property. During a busy season, we require and beg for more setup time.
Should I clean out the house before an estate sale?
No. Do not throw anything away. It’s incredible what people will want to buy. We can decide what to throw away and what to sell.
Do I need to be present during the estate sale?
No, you should avoid being anywhere near the sale when it happens, and you’re contractually required to stay away.
Do you appraise items?
We can be hired to appraise anything, but we prefer collections or large lots. We are in no way certified appraisers, just experienced.