4 Top Estate Sale Companies in Washington DC
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Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorClose
Cheyenne Wiseman Associate EditorCheyenne Wiseman is an Associate Editor at HomeLight.com. Previously, she worked as a writer for Static Media (Mashed.com and Chowhound.com) and as an editor for CBR.com. Cheyenne holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UC Davis, where she also founded and led a literary magazine called Open Ceilings. She has four years of experience writing and editing on topics including real estate, financial advising, and pharmaceuticals.
If you’re searching for estate sale companies in Washington, D.C., it may be during a time of transition — whether following the passing of a loved one, a major life change, or the need to relocate a family member. Sorting through a home full of memories can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go it alone.
In this guide, we share information about trusted estate sale companies in D.C., including how they work, what to expect, and what you might earn from a sale.
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Popular estate sale companies in Washington, D.C.
Here are four reputable estate sale companies serving the Washington, D.C. area:
Bethesda Downsizing and Estate Sales, LLC
Based in Bethesda, MD, Bethesda Downsizing and Estate Sales, LLC, is a boutique estate sale company that operates exclusively online. They specialize in selling select estate and downsizing treasures through their online marketplace. Their team handles all aspects, including photographing, pricing, and coordinating pickups, ensuring a seamless process for clients looking to sell items from their homes in Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, and NW Washington, D.C.
- Website: bethesdadownsizing.com
- Phone: 202-431-3448
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB Accredited
- Google customer reviews: 5.0 stars out of 5, based on 63 reviews
Four Sales, Ltd.
Founded in 1972, Four Sales, Ltd. is a nationally recognized estate sales company serving the Greater Washington, D.C., Metro area. They organize approximately 125 onsite client events per year, including estate sales and auctions, at properties that include historic homes, condominiums, and townhouses. Four Sales typically sells 80 to 85% of an estate’s contents, offering experienced guidance and tailored plans for families, heirs, and those relocating or downsizing.
- Website: foursales.com
- Phone: 703-256-8300
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, BBB Accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.8 stars out of 5, based on 89 reviews
Savvy Downsizing & Estate Sales
Savvy Downsizing & Estate Sales is a professional estate and downsizing company operating in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. Fully licensed and insured, Savvy ensures that clients’ belongings are showcased in the best light, offering services that simplify the process of downsizing or liquidating estates. Their team provides peace of mind by managing the sale from start to finish, including organizing, staging, and pricing items.
- Website: savvyestatesales.com
- Phone: 240-506-6833
- Better Business Bureau: A rating, BBB Accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.8 stars out of 5, based on 21 reviews
iStuffSellers Estate Sales & Auction Services
iStuffSellers Estate Sales & Auction Services is a trusted provider of estate sale and auction services in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C. area. With over 15 years of experience, they offer comprehensive services, including estate cleanouts, buyouts, appraisals, and house cleaning. Their professional team ensures that clients receive top dollar for their items through well-organized estate sales and auctions, handling all logistics to provide a stress-free experience.
- Website: istuffsellers.com
- Phone: 301-401-6688
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.9 stars out of 5, based on 193 reviews
Working with estate sale companies in Washington, D.C.
Professional estate sale companies organize public sales to help liquidate a large portion of a home’s belongings. They typically manage pricing, staging, and advertising to attract buyers and generate strong returns. Some Washington, D.C. companies specialize in online sales, while others offer a blend of in-person and digital services.
Unlike a garage sale, estate sales often involve a wide range of household items — such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday goods — and typically run for one to three days. Discounts are often offered on the final day to help sell any remaining items.
After the sale, many Washington, D.C. companies assist with clearing out what’s left through donation, consignment, or disposal, with the goal of preparing the home for sale.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
Most estate sale companies in Washington, D.C. charge a commission based on gross sales, usually ranging from 35% to 50%. Rates may vary depending on the sale’s complexity and the overall value of the items being sold. Some companies may offer lower commissions for high-value sales.
Your final earnings will depend on the commission rate. EstateSales.net reports that the average estate sale brings in $18,000 to $20,000 in gross revenue. With a typical commission of 35% to 40%, sellers can expect to net around $10,800 to $13,000 after fees.
Many D.C.-area companies prefer a minimum sale estimate of $5,000 to $10,000 before agreeing to take on a sale, though some may make exceptions or offer buyout options instead.
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in Washington, D.C.
While we’ve listed a few trusted estate sale companies in Washington, D.C., it’s wise to conduct your own research to find one that aligns with your needs, budget, timeline, and communication style. Here are some resources to get you started:
- 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 Washington, D.C. 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 empty a home before listing it for sale. Some Washington, D.C. agents recommend keeping select furniture and decor in place to help with staging. If the home is vacant, your agent may suggest virtual staging to help buyers envision the space.
If speed and simplicity are your selling priorities, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform connects sellers with reputable cash buyers who purchase Washington, D.C. homes in any condition — including those still full of belongings.
»Learn more: Skip repairs, clean-up, and showings with a no-obligation cash offer
Next step: Sell the home with a top Washington, D.C. real estate agent
Once the estate sale is complete, selling your property is often the next step. Whether you’re managing an inheritance, downsizing, or relocating due to changing health needs, working with a top-performing real estate agent in Washington, D.C. can lead to a faster sale and stronger offer.
With HomeLight’s free Agent Match tool, you can connect with the top 5% of agents in D.C. — those who, based on real performance data, sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
Header Image Source: (Vlad Tchompalov/Unsplash)
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