Do I need to be present during my family's estate sale?

Most estate sale companies prefer that the family not be at the sale. Shoppers may haggle or make comments about belongings, which can be hard to hear, and family members sometimes feel pressure to change prices or pull items mid-sale.

Staying away also lets the staff do their job without confusion over who is in charge. A professional company will keep you updated and answer questions by phone or text.

That said, you should stay involved before and after. Walk through the home with the company, make decisions about what is being sold, and review the final accounting. If you do want to stop by, it is often best to visit near the end of a day, when the crowd has thinned.