If you’re looking for estate sale companies in Rochester, NY, you may be facing the emotional and logistical challenge of clearing out a home filled with belongings. Whether due to the loss of a loved one, a medical move, or the desire to downsize, the estate sale process can often feel overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top-rated estate sale companies in Rochester and explain how they operate, their typical costs and timelines, and what kind of earnings you can expect.
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Popular estate sale companies in Rochester
Here are four trusted estate sale companies serving the Rochester area:
Estate Sales By Colleen
With over 20 years of experience, Estate Sales By Colleen offers personalized, professional estate and household sale services throughout Rochester, the Finger Lakes Region, and Western New York. Known for high customer satisfaction, the company offers compassionate support for families facing significant life transitions, whether due to downsizing, relocation, or loss. Their services include free consultations, professional staging, complete buy-outs, post-sale cleaning, and beyond. Colleen and her team are fully insured and praised for their respectful and thoughtful approach.
- Website: estatesalesbycolleen.com
- Phone: 585-455-0844
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.3 stars, based on 110 reviews
Blue Moon Estate Sales
Serving the Finger Lakes Region, Blue Moon Estate Sales offers compassionate, full-service estate liquidation for families facing major life transitions such as downsizing, relocation, or inheritance. Founded in 2009 by Ken and Deb Blue, who are driven by a longtime passion for antiques, the company has grown into a national franchise with locations in more than two dozen states. The Rochester branch, led by Chris Merkl, provides fair market evaluations, expert pricing, professional staging, and seamless sale execution, all while upholding core values of integrity, grit, and accountability.
- Website: bluemoonestatesales.com
- Phone: 585-867-0630
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 5 stars, based on 26 reviews
Caring Transitions of Rochester
Locally owned by Karen and Dan Menachof, Caring Transitions of Rochester provides comprehensive estate sale, relocation, and downsizing services with compassion and expertise. Whether you’re coping with a family loss, moving to a smaller space, or transitioning to assisted living, their team offers comprehensive support — from 3D move planning and setup to online auctions and complete estate cleanouts. As a certified relocation specialist, Karen ensures a seamless, one-contact experience for clients in Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties.
- Website: caringtransitionsrochester.com
- Phone: 585-978-3025
- Better Business Bureau: Not rated
- Google customer reviews: 4.7 stars, based on 38 reviews
Jack Wanderman & Associates
Jack Wanderman & Associates provides expert estate and household appraisals, sales, and liquidation services throughout Rochester and Western New York. With over 35 years of experience in the art and collectibles market, the company specializes in antiques, coins, jewelry, and collectibles, supported by a strong network of private collectors, galleries, and museums. Their comprehensive offerings include market and insurance appraisals and complete estate sales. The team is fully bonded and insured, and positive reviews cite their thorough research, honest communication, and success in maximizing returns.
- Website: jackwanderman.com
- Phone: 585-643-8800 or 716-257-8080
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating, not accredited
- Google customer reviews: 4.8 stars, based on 19 reviews
Working with estate sale companies in Rochester
Professional estate sale companies organize public and private sales with the goal of liquidating a significant portion of a home’s personal items. They take care of the pricing, staging, and marketing to attract potential buyers and boost returns for clients. While some companies focus solely on online sales, most offer a blend of traditional and digital services.
Unlike garage sales, estate sales typically involve selling a wide variety of household items, including furniture, antiques, collectibles, and everyday goods. These sales usually last between one and three days, with prices often lowered on the final day to help clear remaining inventory.
After the sale, many companies also offer services to handle unsold items (e.g., donation, consignment, or disposal). The aim is to empty the house completely, preparing it for a smooth sale process.
Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds
Most estate sale companies in Rochester charge a commission based on total sales, usually ranging from 35% to 50%. The actual percentage can vary depending on the complexity and size of the sale and the value of the items involved. In some cases, companies may offer a lower commission for sales with higher revenue potential.
Your commission rate will influence your expected earnings. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale generates $18,000–$20,000 in gross revenue. With an average commission rate of 35%–40%, you could potentially net $10,800 to $13,000 after fees.
Most estate sale companies in Rochester expect a minimum gross revenue estimate of $5,000–$10,000 before agreeing to take on a sale, though some may accept smaller estates
»Learn more: Estate Sale Company FAQs
Find more estate sale companies in Rochester
While we’ve already shared some established estate sale companies in Rochester, it’s always wise to conduct your own research and choose a company that aligns with your financial goals, preferred timeline, budget, and communication style. Here are some resources to help you discover and assess more potential companies:
- 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 Rochester 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?
It’s not always necessary to clear out a house before selling it. In fact, some real estate agents suggest keeping certain furniture and decor for staging purposes. If the home is already empty, your agent may recommend virtual staging instead.
If you’re aiming for a fast and hassle-free sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with trusted cash buyers who purchase homes in virtually any condition — including those 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 Rochester agent
After an estate sale, the next important step is often to liquidate the property itself. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or offloading an inherited property, teaming up with a top Rochester real estate agent can help you sell more quickly while simultaneously locking in a higher price.
With HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with Rochester’s top-performing real estate agents based on actual sales data. According to our research, the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.
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