Your questions, answered.

Every transition is different, and thoughtful decisions begin with clear information. Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive from clients and buyers.

If your question isn’t addressed here, we’re always happy to speak directly.

For Clients Considering Our Services

  • Magnolia & Co. specializes in estate and content sales, supported by thoughtful advisory guidance and coordination during periods of transition.

    Our services include:

    • Estate & Content Sale Management

    • Estate Transition Advisory

    • Downsizing & Move Coordination

    Some clients engage us solely for an estate or content sale. Others begin with advisory support and move into a sale once a clear plan is in place. Each engagement is tailored to your situation, timeline, and priorities.

    Read more about each of our Services.

  • An estate or content sale is a curated, time-bound sale of household contents, hosted either in-home or online, and managed end-to-end by Magnolia & Co.

    The process generally includes:

    • On-site assessment and planning

    • Reviewing and preparing items for sale

    • Researching, valuing, and pricing items

    • Presentation, photography, and marketing

    • Managing the sale days and buyer transactions

    • Post-sale reconciliation and reporting

    Depending on the project, sales may take place over one or multiple days, in person, online, or through a hybrid approach.

    Learn more about how Our Process works.

  • Most estate and content sales require advance planning to ensure thoughtful preparation and strong results. Lead times vary depending on the scope and complexity of the contents, but projects typically require several weeks of preparation prior to sale.

    Timelines are confirmed during the consultation phase once we understand your needs and constraints.

    Contact us to schedule a consultation and get the process started.

  • Because no two estates or transitions are alike, Magnolia & Co.’s fees are structured based on the scope and nature of each engagement.

    • Estate & Content Sale Management is priced on a commission basis, calculated as a percentage of total sale proceeds. Commission rates are determined based on project complexity, preparation requirements, and overall scope, and are confirmed in advance in your Service Proposal. A deposit is required upon booking and is applied toward the final commission.

    • Estate Transition Advisory engagements are structured as project-based or hourly services, depending on the level of guidance required. When advisory support leads into an estate or content sale, Magnolia & Co. may credit all or a portion of advisory fees toward the sale engagement.

    When downsizing or relocation support is required, Magnolia & Co. coordinates trusted affiliated professionals. Any third-party services are quoted separately and paid directly to the provider.

    All fees, deposits, and payment terms are confirmed in writing through your Service Proposal and Client Agreement prior to commencement.

  • Items are researched and priced based on market demand, condition, provenance where relevant, and the specific context of the sale. This includes evaluating furniture, décor, art, collectibles, and household goods.

    With several years of experience sourcing, valuing, and selling vintage furniture and decorative objects, Magnolia & Co. is well positioned to price the majority of items within a home accurately and thoughtfully.

    For items of particular value, rarity, or complexity, we may recommend consultation with qualified third-party appraisers or specialists. Any such recommendations are discussed in advance and coordinated with care to ensure appropriate handling and valuation.

  • Unsold items are handled according to your preferences and the terms of your agreement.

    Depending on the situation, options may include:

    • Retaining items for personal use

    • Donation to charitable organizations

    • Responsible disposal or recycling

    • Consignment or resale through other appropriate channels

    • Coordination of storage, removal, or pickup services

    Our goal is always to minimize waste while respecting your wishes, timeline, and the nature of the estate. Any coordination beyond the sale itself is discussed in advance and handled through trusted affiliated providers, with costs quoted separately where applicable.

  • Not necessarily. Estate and content sales are typically scheduled to align with broader transition milestones — such as a move, downsizing, or property sale. In many cases, sales take place after a home has been vacated or once personal items have been removed.

    Once access arrangements and key decisions are in place, Magnolia & Co. is able to manage the sale process independently while keeping you informed at agreed-upon stages. Clients are always welcome to remain as involved as they wish, and communication preferences are established in advance.

For Buyers & Sale Attendees

  • Accepted payment methods are communicated clearly in advance of each sale. Depending on the format, payments may include cash, electronic transfer, debit, or other specified methods.

  • Yes. All items are sold as-is, and all sales are final. We do not offer refunds, exchanges, or returns.

    As we operate within private homes and time-sensitive transitions, we encourage buyers to inspect items carefully and ask questions prior to purchase.

  • For online sales, pick up details such as location, dates, and times are provided clearly at the time of purchase and in follow-up communications. For in-person estate sales, items are picked up on-site upon purchase.

    Buyers are responsible for:

    • Picking up items within the designated pickup window

    • Bringing appropriate tools, packing materials, and assistance — Magnolia & Co. does not provide any of these

    • Transporting items safely from the property

    Due to strict timelines, items not collected within the designated pickup period will be forfeited without refund.

  • Any items not collected within the designated pick up period will be forfeited without refund.

    Magnolia & Co. does not provide storage or delivery services directly. In some cases, we may be able to recommend third-party providers, but all arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer, and must occur during the designated pick up time.