In the world of estate sales, the difference between a packed sale and a quiet weekend often comes down to one thing: the listing. Your estate sale ad is your first—and sometimes only—chance to capture attention, generate buzz, and connect with the right buyers.
Whether you're a seasoned estate sale professional or just starting your company, learning how to write a compelling estate sale listing is key to your success. Here's how to do it right.
Skip the generic titles like "Estate Sale This Weekend" and go for something more descriptive and enticing. Use keywords that reflect what shoppers can expect.
Examples:
“Art Collector’s Estate Sale – Mid-Century Furniture, Ceramics & Original Paintings”
“Garage Tools, Gold Jewelry & Vintage Toys – Huge Pasadena Estate Sale!”
A strong headline grabs attention and helps you show up in online searches.
People shop with their eyes first. Listings with clear, attractive photos get more clicks and more foot traffic. Be sure to:
Take wide shots of entire rooms to give context
Snap close-ups of standout items (think: Tiffany lamps, antique clocks, signed artwork)
Group items together by theme or category for visual appeal
Pro tip: Natural daylight and a clean background can elevate your listing photos instantly.
Shoppers are often hunting for something specific. Mention top categories and brand names early in your listing.
Examples:
“Includes Ethan Allen dining set, sterling silver flatware, original oil paintings, vintage Chanel bags, woodworking tools, and a 2008 Honda CR-V.”
Bullet points work great here to keep things organized and easy to scan.
Adding a personal touch helps buyers feel more connected to the sale. A short sentence about the estate can go a long way.
“This sale features the lifelong collection of a local artist who traveled the world.”
“A designer’s personal home, filled with unique, curated décor pieces and high-end furniture.”
Stories evoke emotion—and emotion sells.
Don’t make people dig for basic info. Make sure your listing includes:
Dates and times
Full address (or cross streets if releasing the address later)
Accepted payment types (Cash, credit, Venmo, etc.)
Entry policies (e.g., sign-up sheets, line-up numbers)
Parking instructions or restrictions
Clarity builds trust and reduces unnecessary questions.
Let shoppers know they need to act fast:
“Doors open at 9AM sharp—line starts early!”
“One-day blowout sale—everything must go!”
Urgency motivates action, especially for collectors and resellers.
People are scrolling quickly—don’t hit them with a wall of text. Use:
Bullet points
Short paragraphs
Section headers
Bold text to highlight key items or categories
A well-organized listing feels more professional and gets better engagement.
Estate sales are more than just transactions—they're transitions. Whether you're helping a family downsize, settle an estate, or move into a new chapter, your listing is the first step in honoring that story.
Want more visibility for your estate sale company?
List your events on Estate Sales Near Me to reach a highly targeted audience of shoppers and families looking for trusted professionals.