5 Top California Estate Sale Companies

If you’re searching for estate sale companies in California, you might be facing the difficult task of sorting through a home full of memories and possessions. You may be going through the loss of a loved one or experiencing a major life change that requires a move to assisted living.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the leading California estate sale companies and explain how they work, what to expect in terms of timing and costs, and what you might earn from an estate sale.

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Popular estate sale companies in California

To dive right into it, here are four reputable estate sale companies in California:

Estate Sale Guy

Estate Sale Guy, led by Jordan Clark Horn, has been providing professional estate liquidation and real estate services in Sacramento and nearby areas since 2008. Specializing in high-end estates, their comprehensive services include staging, pricing, marketing, advertising, and haul-away. Fully insured, Estate Sale Guy is committed to delivering honest, knowledgeable, and efficient service.

Gold Coast Estate Sales

Gold Coast Estate Sales provides full-service estate liquidation throughout Southern California, combining transparency with a personal touch. The owners are hands-on throughout the process, giving each client attentive, customized support. With more than 20 years of combined experience, the team at Gold Coast is ready to help — whether you’re downsizing or clearing out an entire estate.

SunnyCal Estate Sales & Auctions

SunnyCal Estate Sales & Auctions, a family-owned business based in Redlands, specializes in online estate liquidations throughout Riverside County, the Inland Empire, and nearby areas. Their process includes photographing, cataloging, and marketing estate items to a subscriber base of over 7,000, ensuring maximum exposure. By conducting sales online, they offer clients enhanced privacy and convenience, often selling 95 to 98% of items. With a commitment to transparency, clients can monitor auctions in real-time and receive detailed accounting within 7 to 10 business days.

Estate 360® Estate Sales & Downsizing

Estate 360® Estate Sales & Downsizing brings a fresh, streamlined approach to estate sales, making the process easier for those who need to downsize or settle an estate. Their user-friendly online platform offers a secure and transparent way to sell, boasting a 98% sell-through rate and reducing many of the risks associated with traditional estate sales. Supported by a team of local professionals, Estate 360 serves the Central Valley, Central Coast, and Riverside County. 

NorCal Estate Liquidations

NorCal Estate Liquidations specializes in estate sales, liquidations, cleanouts, senior transitions, downsizing, and online auctions throughout Northern California, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. Their professional and friendly team manages the entire process — from staging and pricing to marketing and cleanup — ensuring a smooth experience for families and individuals. They also offer free consultations and handle donations, disposal, and vehicle sales.

Working with estate sale companies in California

Professional estate sale companies organize public sales to liquidate the majority of a home’s personal items. They manage pricing, staging, and marketing to draw in potential buyers and maximize returns. Some California estate sale companies focus on online sales, while others provide a mix of traditional and digital services.

Unlike garage sales, estate sales usually involve selling a wide range of household items, such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday goods. These sales typically last one to three days, with prices often lowered on the final day to clear out any remaining items.

After the sale, many companies in California will handle unsold items (e.g., offering donation, consignment, or disposal services). The goal is to empty the house for a smooth sale process.

Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds

Most California estate sale companies charge a commission based on total sales, generally ranging from 35% to 50%. This percentage can vary based on the complexity of the sale and how much the items are worth. For instance, a company may offer a lower commission for sales with higher revenue potential.

Your commission rate will influence your expected earnings. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale generates between $18,000 and $20,000 in gross revenue. With an average commission rate of 35% to 40%, you could potentially end up with $10,800 to $13,000 after fees.

Most California estate sale companies prefer a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000 to $10,000 before agreeing to manage a sale. However, some companies may accept lower amounts.

»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs

Find more estate sale companies in California

While we’ve listed a few California estate sale companies, it’s important to find one that aligns with your needs, budget, timeline, and location within the state. Here are some help resources:

How Much Is Your Inherited Home Worth?

If you’re curious about how much your inherited property might be worth, get a preliminary estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

Do you need to empty a house before selling it?

You don’t necessarily have to empty a house before selling it. In fact, some California real estate agents suggest leaving certain furniture and decor behind for staging. If the home is already cleared out, your agent might recommend virtual staging.

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can match you with reliable cash buyers who purchase homes in nearly any condition — including those filled with belongings.

»Learn more: Skip repairs, clean-up, and showings with a no-obligation cash offer

Next step: Sell the home with a top California real estate agent

After your estate sale, selling the home is often the next major step. Whether you’re trying to sell an inherited property, downsizing, or simply moving on to a new chapter, working with a top California real estate agent can help you sell faster and for a better price.

Through HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with California’s top-performing real estate agents based on actual sales data. Our research indicates that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent — meaning you can make the most of your home sale.

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