What’s The Difference Between a Garage Sale and An Estate Sale?

When the time comes to sell your belongings prior to moving  and you’re thinking to host a sale, you’ll be surprised to know there are about 10 different types to choose from. Here we show some of the differences between two of the common known sales, a garage sale and an estate sale.  

What is considered an estate sale?  

variety of items on home sale

An estate sale is the liquidation of an entire home or estate. Everything needs to be sold, and a professional company usually manages them. Reasons for an estate sale could include: death, debt, family separation, or downsizing. A garage sale is more personal, usually on a smaller scale and takes place when the host wants to sell items, not because they have to. At a garage sale there is the option to barter the price, however, can you bargain at estate sales? No, it is not common. If you are considering to offer a lower price, the last day of the sale would be the time as this is when you can find the best bargains.  

What happens to stuff that doesn’t sell at estate sales? 

The goal of an estate sale is that everything sells. However, some items are always left over. If this occurs, the items are usually donated to charity, sometimes kept, or consigned for sale by a professional. Items left over from a garage sale are also often donated to charity, given to friends, or disposed of.  

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