Frequently Asked Questions about Our Service

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How long have you been in business?

We’ve been proudly serving clients for almost 10 years providing expert estate sale management with professionalism, care, and results.

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Do you provide references?

Absolutely. We have a list of satisfied clients and are happy to provide references upon request.

How long does the estate sale process take?

Most estate sales are completed within 4-6 weeks, from your initial consultation to your final payout.  Lengths of time depend on the amount and types of items included. We work efficiently to handle every detail so you can move forward with confidence.  

Do I need to clean or organize before you come?

No! Please do not throw anything away. We often find value in things that seem insignificant. We’ll handle all sorting and staging.

How do you determine item prices?

We use market research, previous sale data, and expert resources. For valuables like fine jewelry or art, we consult with certified appraisers when needed.

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What are your fees or commission rates?

We charge a commission based on total sales, with no upfront fees. The rate depends on the scope of the sale, and all terms are clearly outlined in a written agreement.
 

We believe in transparent pricing and fair value for both our clients and buyers. Our commission typically ranges from 30% to 40%, depending on:

• Size and scope of the estate

• Type and value of items

• Location and setup needs

• Level of clean-out or staging required
   

We handle everything—from pricing and staging to advertising, staffing, and post-sale activities.  We use a strategic pricing approach, typically reducing prices by 20% on the second day and up to 50% on the final day.

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Are there any hidden costs?

No hidden fees. If there are any optional add-ons—like junk removal or clean-out services—we’ll go over them in advance.

What are my responsibilities?

Following are the key responsibilities we ask of our clients. 

• Provide access – Allow Coast & Country access to the premises, including garages and other structures with estate items.

• Mark non-sale items – Remove or mark items not for sale before setting up. Large items that cannot be moved can be marked as “Sold.”

• Let us handle pricing and selling – Trust our team to manage the sale process. We ask that you not attend the sale or change prices or make sales directly during the event.  However, we want you to be  accessible to answer any questions that may come up.

• Execute cleanout – Handle the removal or disposal of unsold items, unless otherwise agreed in the contract.

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How is the sale promoted?

We market your estate sale through:

• Our website and mailing list

• Estate sale directories (e.g., EstateSales.net)

• Social media (Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor, Marketplace)

• Neighborhood signage​
   

How long does an estate sale typically run?

Most estate sales last 2–3 days, usually over a weekend.

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Can I attend the sale?

We recommend that property owners do not attend the sale, as it may be emotional and disrupt buyer engagement. You’re welcome to be available remotely or stop by afterward.

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What if the property sells before the estate sale?

To protect the integrity of the sale and ensure accurate pricing and promotion, we kindly ask that all agreed-upon items stay on the premises until the sale is complete. If any items are removed without prior approval, additional charges may apply.

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What happens to unsold items?  Do you offer clean-out services?

We offer clean-out services for donation or disposal if not included in your commission tier.  However, our goal is always to minimize leftover inventory. We use a strategic pricing approach, typically reducing prices by 20% on the second day and up to 50% on the final day.

After the sale, Coast & Country coordinates clean-out, donation, or disposal of unsold property—these services are included for sales over $30,000, and a $1,000 fee applies for other sales. We also offer dumpster rental, haul-away, trash removal, and heavy item transport options to ensure your property is left completely clear.

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When do I get paid?

You’ll receive a comprehensive sales report and your payment within 15 business days after the conclusion of your estate sale. Coast & Country will handle all accounting and finalize the transaction, providing you with a clear summary of sales, fees, and expenses. Once this process is complete—typically within fifteen (15) business days after the final deposit—we’ll promptly send your net proceeds (total sales minus our commission and any approved expenses) along with your detailed report.

How do we start the process?

Just contact us for a free consultation. We’ll walk through the property, explain your options, and create a custom plan that fits your needs and timeline.

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📌 Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to answer anything else!
📧 Email us at page@coastcountry.net
📞 Call us at 804.774.8381
📍 Serving Northern Virginia from Purcellville