4 Top Estate Sale Companies in Wilmington, NC
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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 Wilmington, NC, you might be going through a major life change — such as the passing of a loved one or a move prompted by health or lifestyle needs. Sorting through a house full of belongings can feel overwhelming, but estate sale professionals can help lighten the load.
Below, we feature some of Wilmington’s top estate sale companies and explain what to expect in terms of services, costs, and timelines.
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Popular estate sale companies in Wilmington, NC
Here are four reputable estate sale companies serving the Wilmington area:
Caring Transitions Southeast NC
Caring Transitions Southeast NC provides compassionate, full-service support for estate sales, online auctions, downsizing, decluttering, home cleanouts, and senior relocations. Serving Wilmington and nearby areas, their team offers thoughtful, personalized solutions based on each client’s unique situation. Their exclusive online auction platform helps reach a wider pool of buyers, helping families find new homes for treasured belongings while making major life changes less stressful.
- Website: estatemoveswilmingtonnc.com
- Phone: 910-270-1200
- Better Business Bureau: Not listed or accredited
- Google customer reviews: 3.9 stars out of 5, based on 20 reviews
Port City Auctions
Port City Auctions is a Wilmington-based estate and business liquidation company with over 30 years of auction and real estate experience. Licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, their team offers on-site and online estate auctions, tag sales, and personal property appraisals. They also accept consignments and buy estates — making it easier for clients to sell valuable belongings with confidence.
- Website: portcityauctions.com
- Phone: 980-581-1622
- Better Business Bureau: Not listed or accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.8 stars out of 5, based on 5 reviews
Auction Orange
Auction Orange, based in Wilmington, offers estate auction services designed to simplify the often overwhelming task of settling an estate. As the only local company with a Certified Estate Specialist designation, they’ve helped hundreds of families and executors quickly and fairly liquidate household assets. Their auction process efficiently turns entire estates into cash, reducing stress and ensuring equitable results for all involved. Auction Orange also offers business liquidation, consignment, and appraisal services.
- Website: auctionorange.com
- Phone: 704-258-4751
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.6 stars out of 5, based on 27 reviews
Bearcreek Estate & Auction Services
Bearcreek Estate & Auction Services provides tailored solutions for personal property sales, estate liquidations, downsizing, senior transitions, and commercial clear-outs. Whether through on-site or online auctions, direct sales, or buyout options, their team works to meet each client’s needs. Known for their flexible approach and hands-on support, Bearcreek strives to make major life changes easier to manage.
- Website: bceas.com
- Phone: 704-985-5610
- Better Business Bureau: Not listed or accredited
- Google customer reviews: Not yet rated
Working with estate sale companies in Wilmington, NC
Professional estate sale companies clear out homes by organizing public sales of personal items. They handle pricing, staging, and promotion efforts to attract buyers and maximize returns. Some Wilmington companies operate through online sales or auctions, while others offer a mix of in-person and digital services.
Compared to a garage or yard sale, estate sales usually involve selling a wider variety of items, such as furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday goods. These sales typically last one to three days, with price reductions common on the final day to clear remaining items.
After the sale, many Wilmington companies offer services to take care of unsold items (e.g., donation, consignment, or disposal). The goal is to empty the house for a smooth sale process.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
Most estate sale companies in Wilmington, NC, charge a commission based on total sales, generally between 35% and 50%. This percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the sale and the value of the items involved. For example, a company might offer a lower commission for sales that have higher revenue potential.
Your commission rate will affect how much you make from the sale. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale yields $18,000 to $20,000 in gross revenue. With an average commission rate of 35% to 40%, you could expect to take home between $10,800 and $13,000 after fees.
Most Wilmington estate sale companies require a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000 to $10,000 before agreeing to manage a sale. However, some may accept lower amounts or offer direct buyouts.
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in Wilmington, NC
While we’ve highlighted a few trusted estate sale companies in Wilmington, NC, it’s a good idea to research on your own to find one that works for 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 Wilmington 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 have to clear out a home completely before putting it on the market. Some Wilmington real estate agents recommend leaving select furniture and decor to help with in-person staging, while others may suggest virtual staging if the property is empty.
If you’re looking for a fast and convenient home sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can match you with reputable cash buyers who purchase Wilmington homes in nearly any condition — even if the home still contains belongings.
»Learn more: Skip repairs, clean-up, and showings with a no-obligation cash offer
Next step: Sell the home with a top Wilmington agent
Once the estate sale is complete, selling the home is often the next big move. Whether you’re settling an estate, downsizing, or preparing to relocate, working with a top-performing Wilmington real estate agent can help you sell faster and potentially earn more.
HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform connects you with Wilmington’s best agents based on real sales performance. Our data shows the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
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