FAQ
ESTATE SALE SERVICES

Sophia's Estate Sales

Questions & Answers

 

What is an estate sale?

An estate sale is a thoughtful, comprehensive liquidation of a home’s personal property — furniture, artwork, jewelry, antiques, clothing, and the full range of household contents. Buyers are invited to move through the entire home, discovering items of all kinds. It is a distinctly different experience from a garage sale, which offers a narrow selection of everyday items to bargain-minded shoppers. Estate sale buyers come seeking something particular — a vintage piece, a family antique, a quality item they cannot find elsewhere.

 

Are estate sales only for those who have passed away?

No. An estate sale may be the right choice in many circumstances — a move, a downsizing, a divorce, a transition to assisted living. Whatever the occasion, the process is approached with the same care and discretion.

 

When is the right time to have an estate sale?

Weekends draw the broadest attendance and are the standard choice. Sales are held successfully throughout the year. We simply recommend avoiding major holiday weekends, and we will coordinate timing with your attorney or realtor as needed. 

 

How does the process unfold?

We begin with a conversation. Reach us by phone at 773/729-0638 or by email at sophia@sophiadubrul.com. From there, we arrange a quiet, no-obligation visit to your home — to meet you, walk the space, and understand what you need. We listen before we advise. Once a plan is agreed upon and a contract is signed, you identify what you wish to keep. We attend to everything else, and present you at the close with a full accounting, your proceeds, and a home left clean and orderly.

 

Must the home be vacant?

No. You are welcome to remain in the home throughout the process. We ask only for full, uninterrupted access to do our work. We have conducted many sales with clients in residence, and it presents no difficulty.

 

Is a contract necessary?

Yes, always. A signed contract ensures that every detail — scope, commission, timeline, and terms — is clear and agreed upon before any work begins.

 

Will you work with others involved in the estate?

We are glad to meet with attorneys, accountants, realtors, or family members at any point in the process. Initial consultations carry no cost or obligation, and subsequent meetings after a contract is signed are provided without additional charge.

 

Should I clear things out before calling?

Please do not. Nothing should be discarded until we have had the opportunity to assess the home. Virtually everything has value at an estate sale — household staples, cleaning supplies, old tools, everyday items. The home’s condition is of no concern to us. Organization, arrangement, and presentation are our responsibility.

 

What about items the family wishes to retain?

Ideally, those items are removed before setup begins. If that is not possible, we will set aside a secured room and clearly mark any larger pieces as unavailable for sale. As we work through the home, we will also set aside anything that may carry personal significance, for your review before the sale opens.

 

How are items priced?

With more than 20 years of experience and credentials as an ISA-certified appraiser, we bring a disciplined, research-based approach to valuation. We maintain an extensive reference library and use leading online resources to establish fair market values across all categories — from fine art and jewelry to everyday household goods. Specialists are consulted when a particular category warrants it.

 

How much time is needed for setup?

We request a three-week lead time for thorough preparation and advertising. Physical setup generally requires several days, depending on the scale and complexity of the home.

 

How long does the sale itself last?

Most sales run Saturday and Sunday, with the final day offered at reduced prices. Before the sale is open to the public, we will allow select buyers to shop by appointment; these buyers are specialty dealers, collectors and designers who value a bespoke and personal shopping experience. For larger estates, a second weekend may be warranted. We will advise you on what your particular sale requires. 

 

How do you attract buyers?

Thoughtful advertising and the integrity of the sale itself. This includes taking hundreds of photographs and showcasing the most appealing items, plus writing detailed captions and descriptions that attract collectors nationwide (we happily arrange for shipping for those buyers). We promote through estatesales.org, estatesales.net, Craigslist, Instagram, Facebook, Yard Sale Treasure Map, and Yardsale.net, plus creating a video and social media outreach and sending a custom announcement to our established subscriber list. Professional signage is placed at nearby intersections on sale days. We would also gently note that the best attended sales offer the full contents of the home — removing the most desirable pieces before the sale diminishes both attendance and results.

 

What does it cost?

Nothing in advance. Our consultation is complimentary. Our commission is drawn from the sale proceeds after the event concludes, and it covers all labor and advertising. There are no deposits, setup fees, or hidden charges. Any additional costs are identified before the sale and included in your contract.

 

What becomes of unsold items?

The decision is yours entirely. We can arrange a complete clean-out with donation of usable items or coordinate placement of significant pieces with an appropriate auction house.

 

Do you manage hazardous materials?

We do not remove or dispose of paints, solvents, pressurized containers, or any chemical, toxic, medical, or radioactive materials. Such items may be offered during the sale or given away. If they remain, we will help identify your nearest hazardous waste facility.

 

What security measures are in place?

Our staff maintains careful oversight throughout every sale. Small valuables are kept in locked cases near the point of checkout. Law enforcement is contacted without hesitation when warranted. Licensed security guards are present at sales involving high-value collections.

 

Should I be present during my own sale?

We gently advise against it. The experience of watching strangers move through a beloved home can be unexpectedly difficult, and buyers tend to feel more at ease — and negotiate more freely — when the owner is not present. We are happy to provide updates throughout the day and to meet with you at the close of each session.

 

When is payment made?

Within 5-10 business days of the sale’s conclusion, you will receive a complete accounting and payment of net proceeds, after commission, applicable Illinois sales tax, and any additional services.

 

Why engage a professional rather than managing the sale independently?

Because the result — in both outcome and experience — is meaningfully better. We bring established marketing reach, trained pricing expertise, buyer relationships, and the capacity to manage every detail with care. For most families, an estate sale coincides with an already demanding chapter of life. We are here so that the process does not add to that burden.

 

What if a public sale, even one by appointment only, is not permitted in my building or community?

We offer Curated Clean-outs as a considered alternative. Our team assesses the home’s contents in full, determines the appropriate disposition for each item — sale, donation, or removal — and manages the entire process from start to finish. This service is billed at $95 per hour plus commission and fees. Proceeds and donation receipts are provided to the client. Most Curated Clean-outs are completed within two days.