For Our Clients

What exactly is an estate sale?

An estate sale is a way of liquidating the belongings of a family home or an estate, typically much larger than garage or yard sale. We also provide services for those moving or downsizing. The public is invited into the home to purchase items over a two- or three-day period.

How long does it take?

Most sales take anywhere from 2 1/2 – 6 weeks from the signing of the contract to closing out the sale. This depends on the volume of goods to stage and sell as well as the exiting bookings of the company.

How many estate sales have you conducted?

Compassionate Transition has conducted more than 40 in-person sales in its first two years in Atlanta, and some online sales as well!

What do you charge?

Our services cost you anywhere from 30% – 50%, which includes a charitable donation pick-up once the sale is complete. Any additional services can be discussed during the initial consultation.

How do I get paid?

We usually send a final summary and payout within 10 business days after the sale, but it may take as long as 30 days depending on the complexity of the sales.

How do you price items?

Our expertise is at your disposal! Our team of specialists work hard to ensure every item in a home is priced to sell and make you money. Our owner verifies prices for each sale personally. We take into consideration sold prices several auction websites as well as our experience in the Atlanta market. Relationships with appraisers and specialists help us carefully evaluate rare or niche items as well.

What qualifications do you have? Are you an appraiser?

Yes! Owner Kim Hagan is PACC-certified by the Asheford Institute of Antiques and holds a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) certificate.

Compassionate Transition is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, the American Society of Estate Liquidators, the Antiques and Collectibles National Association, and a Featured Company on EstateSales.com.

Should I clear out items to help get the house prepared for you?

Leave it to us! You will be surprised at what has value that you might think is trash. We are happy to dig through and find every last sellable item from tea pots to fine art and even old screwdrivers. Focus on what you want to keep, and let us take care of the rest!

Do you have liability insurance?

Yes. It is important to us that our business and our clients are protected from mishap.

How do you advertise? Is there a charge for marketing?

Advertising is critical to a successful sale, and our marketing is tailored to each individual sale. All sale listings are posted with descriptions and images to EstateSales.net, EstateSales.com, and EstateSale.org as early as possible during our staging process. Email announcements go out to followers on these sites as well as our company email distribution list.

Sales are announced on our website once a date has been agreed, and are shared as events and through individual posts across our social media accounts.

What services can you provide after the sale?

We have great relationships with a number of other vendors and are happy to help orchestrate any clean out or cleaning services for you at an additional cost.

For Our Shoppers

Can I buy things before the sale starts?

No, we won’t do any pre-sales. Once photos have been posted online, those items are available on a first-come, first-served basis. On RARE occasions, the client/owner insists on removing an item from the sale, and we must comply. We do charge a buyback commission fee when this happens.

Do you have help to move furniture?

No. You MUST bring your own help.

Do you deliver?

All sales must be picked up by the end of the sale on Sunday or the specified “extra” day, usually the Tuesday or Wednesday after the sale.

How can I pay for my purchase?

We accept cash, card, Venmo and Zelle at all of our sales. A 3.5% processing fee will be added to all purchases using a card. State sales tax will be collected unless you provide a copy of your Tax ID Letter and proper identification. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.