Estate Sale Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of real estate, the role of an estate sale manager is often the unsung hero.

As the world moves and changes, so does the need for capable hands who can efficiently manage, organize, and execute estate sales.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an estate sale manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the ins and outs of estate sale management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable estate sale manager job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Estate Sale Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Estate Sale Managers oversee and manage the liquidation process of a person’s personal property, often due to downsizing, moving, divorce, or death.

They are responsible for organizing, pricing, and selling items.

Their specific duties and responsibilities can include:

• Evaluating, organizing, and pricing items for sale
• Researching the market value of items to ensure fair pricing
• Setting up and staging the estate sale location for optimum visibility and flow
• Advertising the sale through various channels, including online platforms, local newspapers, and signage
• Managing the sale event, including handling customer queries, overseeing transactions, and ensuring security
• Coordinating with appraisers for valuable items such as antiques, jewelry, and art
• Arranging for unsold items to be donated, discarded, or consigned
• Providing a detailed accounting and summary of the sale to the client
• Addressing any disputes or issues that arise during the sale
• Maintaining a professional and respectful approach, particularly in sensitive situations such as the death of a client

 

Estate Sale Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and professional Estate Sale Manager to oversee and manage all aspects of estate sales.

The Estate Sale Manager’s responsibilities include organizing, pricing, and selling items in estate sales, building relationships with clients, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in sales, excellent customer service skills, and a keen eye for valuable items.

Ultimately, the role of the Estate Sale Manager is to ensure all estate sales are handled professionally and profitably.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and evaluations of estates to determine the value of items
• Organize and price items for estate sales
• Manage all aspects of the estate sale, including setup, selling, and cleanup
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients
• Ensure customer satisfaction through excellent service
• Handle any customer complaints or issues professionally
• Work with a team to efficiently run estate sales
• Keep accurate records of sales and inventory

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estate Sale Manager or similar role
• Strong sales and customer service skills
• Excellent knowledge of antique, vintage, and collectible items
• Ability to manage a team and work well with others
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to handle difficult situations professionally
• High school diploma or equivalent; a degree in sales, business, or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Estate Sale Manager
• Work Environment: This role often requires work on weekends and may involve physical work, such as lifting and moving items.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Estate Sale Director or Business Owner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Estate Sale Manager Do?

Estate Sale Managers typically work for estate sale companies, auction houses, or as independent contractors.

They primarily assist individuals in the process of liquidating their properties or belongings.

Their job involves organizing, pricing, and selling items from an estate, which could include anything from household goods to vehicles, antiques, jewelry, and more.

They conduct an inventory of all items in the estate and determine the fair market value for each item.

Estate Sale Managers also handle the marketing and advertising for the estate sale, which may involve creating online listings, placing ads in local newspapers, and sending out email newsletters to potential buyers.

During the sale, they oversee all transactions, ensuring that items are sold for a fair price and handling any issues or disputes that may arise.

They may also be responsible for arranging the removal of unsold items after the sale, either through donation, disposal, or additional sales channels.

 

Estate Sale Manager Qualifications and Skills

An efficient Estate Sale Manager should possess qualifications and skills that align with the specific requirements of the role, such as:

• Exceptional organizational skills to plan, manage and execute estate sales efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of a wide range of items, including antiques, collectibles, and common household items to accurately price and sell them.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with clients, customers, and staff, and build long-term relationships.
• Creative problem-solving abilities to handle any issues that might arise during the sale, including pricing disputes or logistical problems.
• Strong communication skills to discuss the details of the sale with clients, negotiate prices with buyers, and coordinate effectively with staff.
• Customer service skills to ensure the satisfaction of both clients and customers, manage transactions, and respond to any inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stressful situations, as estate sales often involve working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Physical stamina, as the role often requires long hours of standing, moving items, and overseeing the entire sale process.

 

Estate Sale Manager Experience Requirements

Estate Sale Managers typically have around 2 to 3 years of experience in estate sales, auctions, or a related field such as real estate or antique sales.

This ensures they have a clear understanding of valuation principles, negotiation skills, and the ability to manage logistics effectively.

Many Estate Sale Managers start their careers in assistant roles or junior positions, learning the intricacies of the business from seasoned professionals.

This provides them with crucial hands-on experience and familiarity with the industry.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often considered for managerial roles, given they have gained significant expertise in organizing and conducting successful estate sales.

They might also have experience dealing with legal and tax implications related to estate sales, as well as managing a diverse team of assistants, movers, and appraisers.

Those with more than 5 years of experience have likely developed strong customer service skills, honed their ability to accurately appraise items, and gained proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

These seasoned professionals are equipped to handle complex and high-value estate sales, often being trusted with the responsibility of leading a larger team and handling a broader range of clients.

 

Estate Sale Manager Education and Training Requirements

Estate Sale Managers typically need at least a high school diploma, however, a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, real estate or related fields can be advantageous.

They need to have knowledge in a variety of areas including real estate, antiques, collectibles and everyday items.

This is necessary to properly price items for sale.

Many Estate Sale Managers gain experience through working in related fields such as antiques dealing, retail, or auction houses.

While not strictly necessary, certification from an organization like the American Society of Estate Liquidators can enhance credibility.

These courses cover topics like ethics, contracts, pricing, marketing, and other important aspects of estate sale management.

In addition to formal education and training, strong organizational skills, customer service experience, and an understanding of market trends are vital to success in this role.

Continuing education is important in this field, as estate sale managers need to stay updated on trends, values of items, and legal regulations in their area.

A number of professional organizations offer workshops and seminars to help estate sale managers keep their knowledge current.

 

Estate Sale Manager Salary Expectations

An Estate Sale Manager earns an average salary of $48,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary depending on factors such as the manager’s experience, the geographical location of the estate, and the size and complexity of the estate sale itself.

Additional income might also be earned from commission based on the total value of the estate sale.

 

Estate Sale Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Estate Sale Manager need?

Estate Sale Managers should have strong organizational and project management skills to coordinate and run successful sales.

Excellent communication skills are essential to interact with clients, buyers, and staff effectively.

They should also have a good understanding of valuation and pricing for a wide range of items, as well as the ability to conduct research to identify and price rare or valuable items.

 

Do Estate Sale Managers need a degree?

While there isn’t a specific degree requirement for becoming an Estate Sale Manager, a background in business, marketing, or a related field can be beneficial.

Additionally, knowledge and experience in appraising or dealing with antiques, artwork, or other common estate sale items can be a significant advantage in this role.

 

What should you look for in an Estate Sale Manager’s resume?

The key elements to look for in an Estate Sale Manager’s resume include experience in running sales, knowledge of item valuation, and strong organizational skills.

Customer service experience can be a bonus, as it demonstrates the ability to interact positively with clients and buyers.

Certifications in appraising or related fields can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Estate Sale Manager?

A good Estate Sale Manager is organized, reliable, and able to handle the logistics of large sales.

They should be knowledgeable about a wide range of items and their value, and able to research and price items accurately.

Good Estate Sale Managers should also be excellent communicators, able to interact effectively with clients, staff, and buyers, and handle any disputes or issues that arise during a sale.

 

What are the daily duties of an Estate Sale Manager?

On a typical day, an Estate Sale Manager might meet with clients to discuss upcoming sales, organize and price items for sale, coordinate with staff, and oversee the sale itself.

They may also spend time researching rare or valuable items, handling paperwork, and ensuring that all transactions are recorded accurately.

After a sale, they will be responsible for clearing the property and providing an accounting of the sold items to the client.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being an estate sale manager.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about selling items.

It’s about orchestrating a successful sale, one valuable item at a time.

With our reliable estate sale manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to make your move.

But why limit yourself?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or perfecting your resume to the finest detail.

Remember:

Every item sold is a part of a bigger journey.

Let’s navigate this voyage. Together.

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