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  • Writer's pictureNunneley Estates and Appraisals

Why Do People Have Estate Sales? The "Four D's" of the Industry.


Life Transition & Changes

Due to the fact that the "Four D's" (Death, Divorce, Downsizing, and Debt) are what drive the industry, an estate sale is often a turning point for the person who elects to have one. This may be the first, and only, time that they will be in an estate sale situation. A professional estate sale organizer should be able to offer sensitivity and confidentiality on behalf of the client.


Historically, the most common reason to liquidate a home has been the death of a loved one. One would find "estate sales" or "personal property sales" advertised in the local paper by family heirs, the estate executor, administrator, or other professional who would conduct the sale onsite.

(Above: A fun read! Newspaper clippings gathered from the archives at the Library of Congress, 1868 through 1920 in America)

Estate sales held for reasons other than the passing of a loved one are considered "living estates". Living estate sales help to liquidate property due to a life change like divorce, moving, downsizing, or bankruptcy.

Today, the majority of estate sales are managed by professional companies who take care of the sale and send the seller financial payment after the sale is complete.

Micah & Sebastian Nunneley (Father & Son)

At Nunneley Estates and Appraisals, we take care of your items as if they were our own, and handle each sale with professionalism. Hiring a liquidator like us can help to relieve some of the stress during a challenging time and increase the sale's overall success!


Want to learn more, or need advice for your potential estate sale? Don't hesitate to contact us to see how we can help.

Areas Served:

  • Sacramento & surrounding (Elk grove, Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Orangevale)

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  • Sonoma County

  • Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and more!

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