How much do estate liquidators charge?

Updated May 2025. Estate liquidators typically work on a commission fee basis, taking a percentage of gross sale proceeds from your estate sale. In some instance they may charge a flat fee for added services such as set-up or cleaning out your home out after an estate sale. Read: what happens to estate sale leftovers?

The commission rate that an estate liquidator charges will likely be affected by a number of factors: 

• The quality of service they offer 

• Rates among local competitors 

• The revenue potential of your estate sale (the higher the revenue potential the more competitive they can be)

• The scope of work involved for your estate sale

• The business model of that particular estate liquidator. 

As a guide. commission fees charged by liquidators are generally between 30% and 50% nationally, with the higher quality service providers being at the top end of that range. According to the 2024 survey by EstateSales.net, the largest estate sales listings website in the US, the average commission rate nationwide is 40%. Some estate liquidators may charge a lower commission fee in addition to a flat fee for set up and/or cleaning out the home afterwards. Which option is best for you will depend on your situation. 

How much do estate liquidators charge?

Commission fees charged by liquidators are generally between 30% and 50%.

Is having an estate sale worth it?

Among the key factors in deciding whether or not working with an estate sale company is right for you are the size of your estate sale and your appetite for doing the work yourself. If you are liquidating a smaller estate there may be other practical ways to sell the estate items independently, such as online marketplaces. But in the vast majority of cases liquidating an estate, even a small one, is an overwhelming burden on the estate owner and so partnering with a professional estate seller to do the heavy lifting usually makes the best sense. To understand more about the value of working with an estate liquidator read how to have an estate sale.