5 Top Estate Sale Companies in Santa Barbara

Working with estate sale companies in Santa Barbara

Professional estate sale companies in Santa Barbara help organize public sales in order to liquidate the majority of a home’s contents and belongings. These professionals handle the pricing, staging, and promotion to attract buyers and boost returns. While many companies focus on in-person events, others offer a combination of online auctions and traditional on-site estate sales.

Unlike a typical garage sale, estate sales often involve selling a broad range of household items — ranging from furniture, antiques, collectibles, and art to everyday goods. Most estate sales run for one to three days, with discounts often applied on the final day to help clear remaining inventory.

Many companies also offer post-sale services, including donation coordination, consignment, or disposal of unsold items. The goal is to empty the home completely, preparing it for an eventual sale.

Estate sale costs and estimated proceeds

In Santa Barbara, estate sale companies typically charge a commission based on total sales, usually between 35% and 50%. Rates can vary depending on the size and complexity of the sale, as well as the estimated value of the items involved. For instance, sales with higher-value items may warrant a reduced commission rate.

Your net proceeds will largely depend on your commission structure. According to EstateSales.net, the average estate sale generates $18,000-$20,000 in gross revenue. With an average 35%-40% commission rate,you could potentially net $10,800 to $13,000, after fees.

Most Santa Barbara estate sale companies look for 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 Santa Barbara

While we’ve highlighted a few reputable estate sale companies in Santa Barbara, it’s always wise to conduct your own research and choose a company that suits your unique needs, budget, timeline, and communication style. Below, we’ve shared some helpful resources for finding and evaluating other potential companies:

Do you need to empty a house before selling it?

Not always. Some agents recommend leaving key pieces of furniture and decor in place to help with staging. If the home is already vacant, virtual staging can be an effective alternative.

If you’re aiming for a faster, low-effort sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with cash buyers who purchase homes in almost any condition — even those that haven’t yet been cleared out.

You don’t necessarily need to clear out a house before selling it. In fact, some real estate agents recommend holding onto certain furniture and decor for staging purposes. If the home is already empty, your agent may suggest virtual staging when it comes time to list.

If you’re aiming for a fast, hassle-free home sale, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with reputable cash buyers who purchase homes in virtually any condition — including those still 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 Santa Barbara real estate agent

After the estate sale, the next major task is often selling the property itself. Whether you’re handling an inherited home, downsizing, or preparing to relocate, working with a top Santa Barbara real estate agent can help you sell faster — and often for a better price.

With HomeLight’s free Agent Match platform, you can connect with Santa Barbara’s top-performing real estate agents based on actual transaction data. Our research shows that the top 5% of agents sell homes for up to 10% more than the average agent.

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