4 Top Estate Sale Companies in Fort Wayne
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- 10 min read
- Alexandra Lee Associate EditorCloseAlexandra Lee Associate Editor
Alexandra is an associate editor of HomeLight.com. Previously, she served as a writer and social media manager at Santa Barbara Life & Style Magazine, in addition to interning at the nonprofit honors society Phi Beta Kappa. Alexandra holds a bachelor's degree in communication and global studies from UC Santa Barbara, and she has three years of experience reporting on topics including international travel, luxury properties, celebrity interviews, fine dining, and more.
If you’re looking for estate sale companies in Fort Wayne, you may be navigating the emotional challenge of clearing out a home filled with a lifetime of belongings. Whether due to a recent loss, a major life change, or the need to downsize, the process of emptying a property can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the top-rated estate sale companies in Fort Wayne, explaining their services, potential fees, how long the process typically takes, and how much you might earn from a sale.
Popular estate sale companies in Fort Wayne
Here are four reputable estate sale companies serving the Fort Wayne area:
Blue Moon Estate Sales
Blue Moon Estate Sales of Northeast Indiana—Fort Wayne, led by John and Christina Brown, offers compassionate and professional estate sale services throughout the region. Specializing in assisting individuals during life transitions such as downsizing, relocation, or managing a loved one’s estate, their team provides comprehensive services, including free consultations, meticulous inventory and pricing, expert staging, targeted marketing, and day-of-sale management. Post-sale, they also coordinate cleanout or donation services. With a focus on minimizing stress and maximizing returns, Blue Moon Estate Sales ensures a seamless experience for its clients.
- Website: bluemoonestatesales.com
- Phone: 574-377-2196
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 5.0 stars out of 5, based on 20 reviews
Schrader Real Estate & Auction Of Fort Wayne
Schrader Real Estate & Auction of Fort Wayne offers professional estate sale services to help clients manage the liquidation of personal property. With a team of licensed auctioneers and real estate professionals, they provide comprehensive assistance in organizing and conducting estate auctions. Their services include appraising items, marketing the sale, and facilitating the auction process to ensure maximum value for the estate. Serving Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Southern Michigan, Schrader Real Estate & Auction of Fort Wayne is committed to delivering efficient and effective estate sale solutions.
- Website: schraderfortwayne.com
- Phone: 260-749-0445
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.5 stars out of 5, based on 26 reviews
Ness Bros Realtors & Auctioneers
Ness Bros Realtors & Auctioneers is a family-owned company with over 60 years of experience in estate sales, serving northeastern Indiana. They specialize in both live and online auctions, offering personalized services to help clients manage estate liquidations efficiently. Their team provides comprehensive support, including appraisals, inventory management, and marketing, ensuring a seamless process for clients. With a strong reputation for professionalism and client-focused service, Ness Bros is a trusted partner for those looking to conduct estate sales in the region.
- Website: nessbros.com
- Phone: 260-459-3911
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.9 stars out of 5, based on 340 reviews
Scheerer McCulloch
Scheerer McCulloch Auctioneers, Inc. offers comprehensive estate services, specializing in auctions, real estate sales, and senior relocation. With over 30 years of experience, they assist individuals and families in managing estates, downsizing, or relocating by providing services such as packing, moving, and auctioning personal property. Their team is dedicated to delivering professional and compassionate support throughout the entire process. Clients have praised their efficiency and attention to detail, making them a trusted choice for estate transitions.
- Website: scheerermcculloch.com
- Phone: 260-441-8636
- Better Business Bureau: A- rating, BBB accredited
- Google customer reviews: 3.9 stars out of 5, based on 127 reviews
Working with estate sale companies in Fort Wayne
Professional estate sale companies organize public sales to liquidate most of a home’s personal belongings. They manage pricing, staging, and marketing to draw in potential buyers and maximize returns. Some companies focus on online sales, while others provide a mix of traditional and digital services.
Unlike garage sales, estate sales usually involve selling a significant portion of household items, such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday items. These sales typically span one to three days, with prices often reduced on the final day to clear remaining stock.
After the sale, many companies offer services to handle unsold items (e.g., donation, consignment, or disposal). The objective is to empty the house, preparing it for sale.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
Most estate sale companies in Fort Wayne charge a commission based on total sales, generally between 35% and 50%. The commission rate can vary based on the complexity of the sale and the value of the items involved. For instance, a company may propose 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 yields $18,000–$20,000 in gross revenue. With an average commission rate of 35%–40%, you could potentially net $10,800 to $13,000 after paying the estate sale company fees.
Most estate sale companies in Fort Wayne prefer a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000–$10,000 before agreeing to manage a sale, though some may accept lower amounts.
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in Fort Wayne
While we’ve listed some established estate sale companies in Fort Wayne, it’s advisable to conduct your own research to find one that aligns with your needs, budget, timeline, and communication preferences. Here are some ways to find and evaluate potential companies:
- EstateSales.org and EstateSales.net
- BBB ratings and reviews
- Google Local Services Pro List and reviews
- The National Estate Sales Association
- The American Society of Estate Liquidators (search directory)
- Ask a top Fort Wayne real estate agent
Do you need to empty a house before selling it?
You don’t necessarily have to empty a house before selling it. Some real estate agents suggest leaving certain furniture and decor for staging purposes. If the home is already vacant, your agent may recommend virtual staging.
If you’re seeking a quick and convenient sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect 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 Fort Wayne real estate agent
After your estate sale, selling the home is often the next significant step. Whether you’re dealing with an inherited property, downsizing, or moving on to a new chapter, collaborating with a top Fort Wayne real estate agent can help you sell more quickly and for a better price.
Through HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with Fort Wayne’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.
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