Frequently Asked Questions

Q How do I choose an Estate Sale company?
A  You’ll find DownSizing Estates listed on the EstateSales.net website (the premier estate sale finder).  Ask for referrals. Set up an appointment for a face-to-face consultation. Check the estate sale services’ testimonials and references. Sign a professional contract.  DownSizing Estates is Bonded by the Hartford Insurance Company.

Q How much preparation work must I do before an estate sale is underway?
A  Remove all items that family members want to keep. The estate administrator should make sure this is a fair and orderly process. Remove all personal documents and papers.

Q Do I work before and during the Estate Sale?
A  No. DownSizing Estates will organize, sort, price, stage, advertise, promote and staff the sale. For emotional and professional reasons, it’s best that you not attend the sale or offer to help.   We vacuum and broom sweep the house at the end of the sale.

Q How long does the Estate Sale process take?
A  From the time you sign an Estate Sale contract, the preparation to completion spans one to three weeks, depending on the size of the project.

Q When do I need to DownSize?
A  If a loved one has passed away or moved to an assisted living facility, an Estate Sale, also known as an Estate Liquidation,  is beneficial.  With efficient estate asset management, the  heirs can quickly receive compensation and then sell the real estate property.  We work closely with your realtor, passing out realtor cards and property fact sheets.

Q Do you handle out of town Estate Sales?

A  While we specialize in local estate sales, DownSizing Estates is one of the few estate sale companies that handles estate sales outside of the Austin metropolitan area.  We also accept estates sales projects in other states.