How it Works

Estate transitions don’t have to be complicated. At Cornerstone Estate Auctions, we keep the process simple, transparent, and stress-free — for both buyers and sellers. Here’s how it works:

For Buyers

Buyer FAQs

We’ve partnered with EstateSales.org to host our online auctions. Registration is simple and secure. Create an account on our auction platform and provide a valid credit card. Your card must be on file before you can bid.

Click Here to Register

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Once registered, you can place bids online from your phone, tablet, or computer. Watch the auction countdown clock — you can increase bids until the auction closes.

At the close of the auction, the winning bidder’s credit card on file is automatically charged.

Currently, Cornerstone does not add a buyer’s premium. (If this changes, it will always be clearly stated in the auction listing.)

No. Cornerstone auctions are local pickup only. Buyers are responsible for picking up their items during the listed pickup window.

Pickup dates, times, and locations are clearly listed in each auction. Bring help, tools, or equipment if you’ve purchased large or heavy items.

For Sellers

Seller FAQs

We meet at the property, walk through your needs, and create a clear plan. You keep what matters most, and we provide services for everything else.

Depending on your needs, Cornerstone provides clean-out labor, dumpster rentals, and professional photography to prepare items for auction.

Costs include:

  • Labor: $30/hour (owner), $35/hour (per helper)

  • Dumpster: $475/week (includes 1 dump; $275 each additional dump)

  • Commission: Sliding scale of 30–35% depending on total sales

How does the commission scale work?

  • $0–$10,000 in sales = 35%

  • $10,001–$20,000 = 33%

  • $20,001–$30,000 = 32%

  • $30,001+ = 30%

100% of auction proceeds first go toward reimbursing labor and dumpster expenses. If sales do not fully cover these costs, the client agrees to pay the difference out of pocket.

After the auction closes, we deduct labor, dumpster, and commission fees. The remaining proceeds are then paid directly to you.

 

Unsold items are either donated to local charities, returned to the family, or responsibly disposed of. Sellers choose the option that works best.

Most estate auctions take about 2–3 weeks from consultation to pickup, depending on estate size and scheduling.

Ready to Get Started?

Take the next step toward a simple, stress-free estate transition. Whether you need an auction, clean-out, or dumpster rental, our team is here to help.

Get a personal consultation.