4 Top Estate Sale Companies in Pasadena
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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 searching for estate sale companies based in Pasadena, you might be gearing up to clear out a home filled with personal belongings. Whether you’re navigating the loss of a loved one, helping a parent transition to senior living, or simply looking to downsize, finding a professional, compassionate company to handle the process is key.
In this article, we’ll spotlight some of the top-rated estate sale companies in Pasadena, including how they operate, what to expect in terms of timing and costs, and how much you might earn from the sale.
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Popular estate sale companies in Pasadena
Here are four trusted estate sale companies serving the Pasadena area:
Howe Estate Sales
Howe Estate Sales, based in South Pasadena, has been a trusted provider of estate liquidation services since 2013. While the company has shifted away from an in-person approach, its model focuses on sourcing items and selling them via their exclusive online platform. Howe Estate Sales offers expert appraisals, professional staging, and shipping throughout the U.S. and specializes in fine china, crystal, silver, and collectibles. Their streamlined digital approach ensures clients obtain maximum reach for high-value items without the complexity of traditional in-person estate sales.
- Website: howeestatesales.com
- Phone: 626‑755‑8950
- Better Business Bureau: Not rated
- Google customer reviews: 4.3 stars out of 5, based on four reviews
Arroyo Estate Sales & Liquidations
Arroyo Estate Sales & Liquidations serves all of Southern California with personalized estate liquidation services. Their skilled team, run by co-owners Kari Smith and Kyle Deise, handles every detail, from in-home consultations and pricing to professional staging, cataloging, marketing, and sale execution. They offer traditional estate sales, complete buyouts, and auction placements with no upfront fees. The team at Arroyo Estate Sales brings over 15 years of experience in the vintage and antique space, with attentive service tailored to each family’s needs.
- Website: arroyoestatesales.com
- Phone: 626-699-6199
- Better Business Bureau: Not rated
- Google customer reviews: 5 stars out of 5, based on three reviews
Grasons Estate Sales & Business Liquidations
Grasons is a national franchise with a local team serving Pasadena and surrounding areas. With over 2,000 liquidations conducted and over 35 years of combined experience, they offer comprehensive services from free in-home consultations and detailed research to professional staging, cataloging, and advertising. They also handle business closures, downsizing, and relocations. Their well-trained franchise model brings consistency, marketing resources, and deep industry networks, aiming for integrity, seamless execution, and maximum returns for clients.
- Website: grasons.com/pasadena
- Phone: 818‑634‑6117
- Better Business Bureau: Not rated
- Google customer reviews: 4.3 stars out of 5, based on six reviews
Vander Molen Estate and Liquidation Sales
Vander Molen Estate and Liquidation Sales is a family-owned company specializing in full-service estate liquidation across Southern California. Led by Ron and Susan Vander Molen, who have over 20 years of estate liquidation experience, their team manages every step, including free in-home consultations, item research, professional staging and photography, marketing, and multi-day sales. They also handle cleanouts, donation coordination, and after-sale home cleanouts — all without upfront fees. Clients appreciate their transparent communication and respectful, efficient process that maximizes results while easing the stress of life transitions.
- Website: vandermolenestatesales.com
- Phone: 626‑354‑2523
- Better Business Bureau: Not rated
- Google customer reviews: 4.4 stars out of 5, based on 13 reviews
Working with estate sale companies in Pasadena
Professional estate sale companies coordinate public sales in order to liquidate the majority of a home’s personal belongings. They take care of the pricing, staging, and marketing to attract buyers and maximize returns for each item. While some companies specialize in online auctions, others offer a combination of in-person and digital options.
Unlike garage sales, estate sales typically feature a broad selection of household items, ranging from furniture and antiques to rare collectibles and everyday goods. Most sales usually run for one to three days, with price reductions often offered on the final day to help clear remaining inventory.
After the sale, many companies also offer services to handle any unsold items, such as donation, consignment, or disposal. The ultimate goal is to leave the home empty and ready for its next steps.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
Most estate sale companies in Pasadena charge a commission on the total sales amount, usually ranging from 35% to 50%. The exact percentage often depends on the size and complexibity of the sale, as well as the overall value of the items sold. In some cases, companies may propose a lower commission if the sale is expected to generate higher revenue.
Your commission rate will directly impact your net proceeds. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale generates between $18,000 and $20,000 in gross revenue. With a typical commission of 35% to 40%, sellers can expect to take home around $10,800 to $13,000 after covering company fees.
Many Pasadena estate sale companies also expect a minimum projected gross revenue of $5,000-$10,000 before taking on a sale, though some may be flexible with smaller estates.
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in Pasadena
While we’ve already shared a few established estate sale companies in Pasadena, it’s strongly advised to conduct your own research and choose a company that fits your financial goals, timeline, and communication preferences. Here are some resources for finding 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 Pasadena 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 always need to clear out a home before selling it. In fact, some agents recommend keeping select furniture and decor in place for staging purposes later on. If the home is already empty, your agent might suggest virtual staging when it comes time to list.
If you’re hoping for a fast, convenient home sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform connects sellers with reputable cash buyers who purchase homes in nearly any condition — even those still 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 Pasadena real estate agent
After your estate sale, selling the home itself is often the next significant step. Whether you’re handling an inherited property, downsizing, or preparing for your next chapter, working with a top Pasadena real estate agent can often help you sell faster and for a better price.
With HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with Pasadena’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: (Xavier Messina / Unsplash)
At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.
