Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Is an In-Person Estate Sale?

An in-person estate sale is a sale held at the home (or occasionally off-site) where shoppers walk through the property and purchase items on the spot. Prices are typically set in advance, and transactions happen during scheduled sale hours—often over a weekend.

Best for buyers who want:

• To see items in person, check condition closely, and measure furniture

• To shop immediately and take purchases home the same day

• To find deals through day-two/day-three discounts (common at many estate sales)

Best for sellers who want:

• A faster way to clear a home with local foot traffic

• A straightforward sale format for downsizing, relocating, or settling an estate

• Less shipping coordination (items usually leave with the buyer)

SEO keywords naturally included: in-person estate sale, estate sale near me, estate liquidation, downsizing, relocating, decluttering, home contents sale.

---

What Is a Live Online Auction Estate Sale?

A live online auction estate sale lists estate items on an auction platform where bidders compete in real time (or during a timed window that ends with live-style bidding). Instead of walking through the house, shoppers browse photos, descriptions, and lot numbers online—then bid from anywhere.

Best for buyers who want:

• To shop estate sale items online from any location

• Access to unique items, antiques, collectibles, and specialty lots

• A competitive bidding experience—and the chance to win high-demand items

Best for sellers who want:

• Wider exposure beyond local shoppers (often more bids on desirable items)

• A structured process for selling items in “lots”

• Potential for higher prices on rare or collectible items (depending on demand)

Note: Online auctions typically include pickup days (local pickup) and sometimes shipping options, plus a buyer’s premium depending on the auction company.

SEO keywords naturally included: live online auction estate sale, online estate auction, estate sale auction, bid online, estate auction pickup, shipping available.

---

Quick Comparison: Which Estate Sale Format Is Right?

Choose an in-person estate sale if you want:

• Hands-on shopping and same-day pickup

• Easy browsing for furniture, kitchenware, and household goods

• Traditional estate sale discounts

Choose a live online auction estate sale if you want:

• To shop from anywhere and bid on curated lots

• More competition for collectibles and high-demand items

• A defined pickup/shipping process after the auction ends

---

Looking for Help with Downsizing, Decluttering, or Moving?

Whether you’re preparing for an estate sale, managing an estate cleanout, or planning a senior move/relocation, the right support makes everything easier—especially when safety, timing, and logistics matter.

Common services people look for during estate transitions:

• Downsizing and decluttering

• Estate cleanouts and hauling

• Home safety solutions (grab bars, ramps, fall-prevention)

• Relocation and senior move management

• Packing, organizing, donations, and storage coordination

 

Many estate sale companies don’t publish the exact address until closer to the start time (often the morning of the sale). This helps with:

• Home security and privacy

• Crowd control and parking

• Reducing early arrivals and disturbance to neighbors

When is the address usually released?

For an in-person estate sale, the address is commonly released 12–24 hours before the sale, or the day it begins. Check the listing again on sale day.

Why can’t I find a “location” for a LIVE online auction estate sale?

A live online auction estate sale is hosted online, so there may not be a public shopping address. Instead, the listing typically shows:

• The pickup city/area

• The pickup date/time window

• Whether shipping is available

Where do I go to pick up items from an online estate auction?

Pickup details are usually provided:

• In the listing under Pickup/Removal

• In your winning bidder invoice

• In the auction company’s checkout instructions
  Some companies only share the exact pickup address after payment.

Is it normal for the address to be “hidden” or “TBD”?

Yes—this is common for both estate sales near me and online estate auctions, especially when the sale is held at a private residence.

What should I do if I still can’t find it?

• Refresh the listing on sale day (addresses are often posted last-minute)

• Look for notes like “Address released day of sale” or “Pickup details after purchase”

• Contact the estate sale company listed on the sale for the most accurate instructions

Usually no. Most estate sale companies don’t allow pre-sales because they want a fair, first-come-first-served shopping experience once the estate sale begins.

Why do estate sale companies avoid pre-sales or reserves?

Policies vary, but common reasons include:

• Fairness to all shoppers

• Preventing no-shows and cancelled holds

• Keeping pricing and inventory consistent

• Reducing extra admin work before opening day

Do any estate sales offer pre-sales?

Sometimes yes, especially for:

• Large furniture or high-ticket items

• Specialty sales or by-company policy
  If a pre-sale is allowed, the listing usually says “pre-sale available,” “reserve,” or “call/text to purchase.”

Can I reserve items in a LIVE online auction estate sale?

Typically no, because it’s an auction. Items are sold to the highest bidder during the scheduled bidding period, not reserved ahead of time.

What’s the best way to increase my chances of getting the item?

• For in-person estate sales: arrive early, follow line/entry rules, and shop quickly

• For online estate auctions: bid early, set a max bid, and watch closing times closely

What should I do if I’m unsure about a specific sale?

Check the listing for the company’s policy, then contact the estate sale company directly, rules can differ by location and by sale.

EstateSalesNearMe.com (myESNM) is a marketplace where shoppers search estate sales near me—and where estate sale companies list in-person estate sales and LIVE online auction estate sales to get more visibility.  We are branded as the most modern and revoltionizing estate sale listing site for bringing in younger generational buyers and sellers who are looking to hire a professional estate sale company.

Will listing my sale help me reach more sellers and buyers?

Yes. A strong listing helps you get discovered by local shoppers actively searching for estate sales near me, and it also helps attract potential sellers who are looking for an estate sale company to hire.

What makes EstateSalesNearMe.com different?

Beyond easy to use platform for your listings, Estate Sales Near Me helps you grow with influencer marketing and affiliate marketing designed to increase reach, trust, and performance for both estate sales and LIVE online auctions.

How does Influencer Marketing help my estate sale company?

Influencer marketing is a powerful way to reach more customers and boost your estate sale and LIVE online auction results. It helps you:

• Targeted Reach: Get high-quality referrals through an exclusive network of affiliates, helping you secure more estate sales and attract serious buyers actively searching for estate sales near them.

• Instant Credibility: Trusted voices in relevant niches build fast trust, bringing new sellers and buyers through authentic endorsements.

• Increase Your Sales: Reach younger buyers, collectors, and business owners looking for specific items, helping drive bids, turnout, and conversions.

What types of influencer promotion are available?

• User Generated Video (UGC) / “Live” Video: An influencer visits your sale to film content (typically 1–3 hours). The video is shared on the influencer’s page, Estate Sale Near Me social channels, and affiliate partners for maximum exposure.

• Picture-in-Picture Video: Upload a video to Estate Sales Near Me, and it will be distributed through influencers + affiliate partners for added reach.

Does this help my next sale get on the calendar?

Yes, Estate Sales Near Me's targeted affiliate marketing and national brand partnerships are designed to help you attract new clients and sellers, so you can book your next estate sale faster.  (seniornicity.com)

What should I include in my listing for best results (SEO tips)?

To perform well for searches like estate sales near me and drive clicks:

• Add your city/area + sale dates/times

• Upload lots of clear photos (great cover photo matters)

• Use keywords in your description, like: estate sale, estate liquidation, LIVE online auction, antiques, vintage, collectibles, furniture, tools

• Include pickup/shipping info for online auctions and any entry/line rules for in-person sales

Absolutely not! Estate Sales Near Me was built on the belief that, as an estate sale professional, your proceeds should stay with you and your customers. We offer a simple, affordable pricing structure with one price for unlimited sales and another for single-sale listings. There are no gimmicks, no adds, and no hidden fees.  This includes your LIVE online auctions.  Simply add your pictures, an informative description of items for sale and the link to your LIVE online Auction.  Your customers stay your customers and we direct our customers to you.  

You can reach out to the support team via email at support@myesnm.com

No, Estate Sales Near Me has no long-term commitment, because we know once you join our community of local professional estate sale companies you won't want to leave.  Join all of us and enjoy being a part of the future of the estate sale industry.