For families

How long an estate sale takes from first call to your check

For families From first call to payout

An estate sale in Buford or a nearby town usually runs from a free consultation call and a complimentary walk-through (no charge), to a $650 date-hold, to staging 3 to 5 days before the first sale date, then we pay out within 7 days, starting the next business day after the sale, sometimes as quick as 72 hours, with a settlement report. Houses differ. Those two dates (staging and your check) are the ones we can pin down.

Six steps from first call to your check: free consultation call, complimentary walk-through, date-hold, staging, sale days, then the check. Staging 3 to 5 days before the first sale date. Payout within 7 days, starting the next business day after the sale, sometimes as quick as 72 hours. — Staging 3 to 5 days before the first sale date. Payout within 7 days, starting the next business day after the sale, sometimes as quick as 72 hours.

1. Free 20-minute call and consultation

You tell us what is going on. A death, a move to assisted living, a downsizing, or a house that has to be ready before a listing. We ask a few gentle questions and, if it fits, set a complimentary walk-through (no charge). Book a free consultation or call (706) 471-1740.

2. Complimentary walk-through (no charge) and a written plan

We come to the house. Commission is written after this visit. It is typically in the mid-30s to mid-40s percent. Before this visit, take out what the family is keeping, or gather it in one room we will mark and keep closed. We will also say if a sale is a poor fit, and talk about an hourly sort instead.

3. Date-hold

If we book sale dates, a $650 date-hold reserves them. It is fully credited against commission if the sale happens. No hidden costs or fees. We do not start staging until dates are held and the agreement is signed.

4. Sort, photograph, price, and stage

You take out what must not be sold. Read what to take out of the house. Staging begins 3 to 5 days before the first sale date.

5. Sale days

We staff the sale, protect the home, and check shoppers out. You do not have to be there. Shopper rules (line numbers, cards, tax) are posted on that sale’s listing when a sale is public. Check the sales page for current public sales.

6. Settlement

We pay out within 7 days, starting the next business day after the sale, sometimes as quick as 72 hours, with a settlement report. Unsold items stay yours.

That is the same path on how it works. Fees sit on the fees page. To get started, book a free consultation or call (706) 471-1740.

Questions people ask

How many days do you stage before the sale?

Staging begins 3 to 5 days before the first sale date.

When do we receive the check?

We pay out within 7 days, starting the next business day after the sale, sometimes as quick as 72 hours, with a settlement report.

Can this move faster if we are selling the house?

Sometimes the calendar can tighten. It still depends on the house, what the family is keeping, and whether dates are open. We will not start staging until dates are held and the agreement is signed. Selling the house itself is a separate real-estate matter.

What if there is no public sale?

Hourly sorting follows its own timeline on a separate agreement. See services.

Family Estate Solutions of Georgia, LLC. Buford, Georgia. We are not a law firm. This page is practical information, not legal advice.