4 Top Estate Sale Companies in Madison, WI
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Alexandra Lee Associate EditorClose
Alexandra Lee Associate EditorAlexandra 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 Madison, WI, you may be facing the challenge of clearing out a home filled with belongings. Whether due to the passing of a loved one, a move to assisted living, or the decision to downsize, navigating the process can often feel overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll spotlight some of Madison’s top-rated estate sale companies, detailing their operations, what fees to expect, how long the process typically takes, and what kind of earnings you might anticipate.
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Popular estate sale companies in Madison
Here are four reputable estate sale companies serving the Madison area:
Tallulah & Stella’s Estate Sale Service
Tallulah & Stella’s Estate Sale Service is a compassionate, full-service estate liquidation company based in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded by Amy Roen-Kim, a pharmacist turned antique enthusiast, the company specializes in downsizing, estate sales, and post-sale cleanouts. The company handles every step, from organizing and pricing items to advertising and conducting sales. Afterward, they offer cleanout services and donate unsold items to local charities, ensuring a stress-free experience for clients. Highly regarded for their integrity and community focus, Tallulah & Stella’s provides personalized, empathetic support for individuals navigating life transitions.
- Website: tsestatesales.com
- Phone: 608-206-0117
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.6 stars, based on 38 reviews
Rybak’s Estate Sales
Rybak’s Estate Sales is a full-service estate liquidation company based in Madison. Specializing in both online auctions and in-person estate sales, they assist clients in downsizing, managing estate settlements, or preparing properties for sale. The company offers comprehensive services, including sorting, pricing, and marketing items, as well as complete clean-outs to ensure the property is ready for listing. With over 40 years of experience in auctions, estates, and online sales, Rybak’s Estate Sales is committed to providing compassionate and efficient support throughout the estate transition process.
- Website: rybaksauctions.com
- Phone: 608-843-6105
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB Accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.3 stars, based on 19 reviews
Best Estate Services Inc.
Best Estate Services Inc., based in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, offers comprehensive estate sale solutions tailored to families navigating significant life transitions. Their services encompass traditional and hoarder-style estate sales, complete estate liquidations, senior moves and transitions, estate cleanouts, junk removal, organizing and decluttering, and full buyouts of estate contents. With a commitment to providing clarity, certainty, and closure, their experienced and compassionate team manages every aspect of the estate sale process, ensuring a seamless experience for clients across Wisconsin. To get started, they offer free consultations to determine the best services for each unique situation.
- Website: bestestateservices.com
- Phone: 262-799-5167
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.5 stars, based on 117 reviews
Landmark Estate Sales
Landmark Estate Sales offers thoughtful, professional estate sale services aimed at reducing the stress that often comes with downsizing or managing a loved one’s estate. Their knowledgeable team handles all the details, from organizing and pricing items to promoting and running the sale. They work to help clients achieve the highest value for belongings such as furniture, art, and jewelry. With a focus on clear communication and respect, Landmark carefully preserves meaningful items while preparing the property for its next chapter.
- Website: lmestatesales.com
- Phone: 414-335-3594
- Better Business Bureau: Not rated
- Google customer reviews: 5 stars, based on 13 reviews
Working with estate sale companies in Madison
Professional estate sale companies organize public sales events to liquidate the majority of a home’s contents and belongings. They manage the valuation of items, staging, and advertising to draw in local buyers and maximize returns. Many companies offer both traditional in-person and online services, while others focus solely on digital auctions.
Unlike garage sales, estate sales typically involve selling a significant portion of household items, such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday goods. These sales typically span one to three days, with prices often reduced on the final day to clear remaining items.
After the sale, many companies offer services to handle unsold items (e.g., donation, consignment, or disposal). The goal is to empty the house, preparing it for the next steps.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
Most estate sale companies in Madison charge a commission based on the total sales amount, generally between 35% and 50%. The actual rate can vary depending on multiple factors, such as the size and complexity of the sale and the value of the items involved. In some cases, companies may propose a lower commission amount for sales with higher revenue potential.
Your commission rate will directly impact your expected earnings. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale yields between $18,000 and $20,000 in gross revenue. With an average commission rate of 35%–40%, you could net approximately $10,800 to $13,000, after company fees.
Most Madison estate sale companies opt for a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000–$10,000 before agreeing to take on a sale, though some may accept lower-value estates.
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in Madison
While we’ve shared a few trusted estate sale companies in Madison, it’s wise to conduct your own research to select one that aligns with your needs, budget, timeline, and communication preferences. Here are some resources for discovering and assessing other 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 Madison real estate agent
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 need to empty a house before selling it. In fact, some real estate agents suggest holding onto certain furniture and decor for staging purposes. If the home is already vacant, your agent may recommend virtual staging instead.
If you’re seeking a swift, seamless sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with reliable cash buyers who accept homes in virtually 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 Madison real estate agent
After completing an estate sale, the next important step is often liquidating the property itself. Whether you’re managing an inherited property, downsizing, or moving on to your next chapter, collaborating with a top Madison real estate agent can help you sell faster and for a higher price.
Using HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with Madison’s top-performing real estate agents based on actual sales data. Our research shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
Header Image Source: (Vincent Yuan @USA/ Unsplash)
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