What is an auction?

      An auction is a way of selling the entire leftover contents of a home off-site. The auction house may offer a buy out price, which may or may not include emptying the entire house of items. Alternatively, only selective pieces may be auctioned for a percentage, which is usually at a 20%-25% rate.
      In an auction, the auctioneer has little control over the final selling price of the item. Many small and sometimes valuable items may be sold as a group, which can reduce the value received for the item.

What is an estate sale?

      An estate sale is an indoor sale of the entire leftover contents of a house including antiques and collectibles, and household goods. The work involved in advertising, sorting, pricing, cleaning, setting up and selling is done by professionals. Experts in the field usually find "forgotten treasures" that bring in more value. The estate sale manager has control over the value received for each item. The house can be left emptied and in "broom clean" condition after the sale.
      Estate sale professionals charge between 25% - 50% of the total sales, depending upon the amount of sorting, cleaning, appraising and the number of workers needed.

What is a tag sale?

      A tag sale is the sale of a variety of items that are displayed in a garage, porch area, or outside on the lawn. Lesser valued household items and furnishings such as newer furnishings (after 1970's) and ordinary household items, clothing, books, small appliances and bric-a-brac are included in the sale. Antiques and collectibles should be evaluated separately for "fair market price" and are often sold in other ways. Usually the value of a tag sale totals under $2,000 and the work of advertising, setting up and selling is done by the family.