Families in Bell County can choose between two kinds of company: estate sale firms, which run a sale inside the home, and auction houses, which sell items at their own location or online. Neither is always better. It depends on what’s in the house and how soon it has to be empty.
A sale at the house
Shoppers come to the home over two or three days, usually with prices on every item and discounts on the last day.
It tends to suit:
- a full household of furniture, kitchenware, linens and everyday things
- homes where people can park and walk through
- families with a few weeks for setup
An auction
Items are sold to the highest bidder, live or online. Some auctions run at the auction house. Online-only auctions let bidders buy from home and collect on a set pickup day.
It tends to suit:
- tools, equipment, vehicles, trailers and farm items
- collections, antiques and pieces with buyers outside the area
- homes that need to stay closed to the public, or that are already listed for sale
Questions for both
Ask every company the same questions so you can compare:
- What is your commission, and on what total?
- What other fees apply: hauling, labor, advertising, card processing?
- Is there a minimum, or items you won’t take?
- When and how will I be paid, and what will the statement show?
- What happens to things that don’t sell?
Call at least one of each kind. The companies on this site include both house-sale firms and auction houses. When you call, please say “Joel from Fairhaven Design sent me.”
General information for comparing services. Terms differ by company, so get every answer in writing.