How to Advertise an Estate Sale: Pro Tips for Sellers & Beginners
- Keith Jennings
- Aug 4
- 5 min read
Smart tips to advertise your estate sale, reach the right buyers, and know when to call in the pros.
Getting the word out is one of the most overlooked and important aspects of organizing an estate sale. Even a house full of beautiful antiques or unique household goods won’t draw buyers if they don’t know about it. That’s where smart promotion comes in.
In this guide, you'll learn how to advertise an estate sale from start to finish. We’ll cover trusted listing platforms, social media strategies, signage, neighborhood outreach, photography tips, and when to post for the best results. You'll also discover why many homeowners ultimately choose to work with professionals who handle every marketing detail for them.
Whether you’re hosting your first sale or refining your process, this article offers the roadmap to reach the right buyers, increase turnout, and boost your overall success.
Table of Contents
Why Advertising Ahead Matters
Early advertising gives your sale visibility and gives buyers time to plan. Listings that go live two to three weeks in advance tend to generate stronger attendance. Wait too long, and you risk losing buyers to better-publicized sales or conflicting events.
This timeline also gives you space to build interest. A well-marketed sale builds momentum as the date approaches. It becomes something buyers bookmark and plan for, not just stumble across at the last minute.
Creating a Timeline That Works
Timing your promotional efforts ahead of time makes sure you don't forget anything. Here’s a sample schedule:
2 weeks before: Post on EstateSales.net and EstateSales.org. Create a Facebook Event.
One week before: Create Craigslist listing. Share listings in local Facebook groups.
Days before: Create Facebook Marketplace listing. Refresh social posts with language like “starting tomorrow.”
Morning of sale: Update Marketplace and social listings with "open now" messaging.
Planning your rollout ensures your sale stays visible throughout the decision-making window.
Crafting a Strong Sale Listing
Your title and description influence whether someone clicks or scrolls past. Focus on clarity and keywords that matter.
Title Tips:
Include your neighborhood or town
Name two to three item categories
Example: "Estate Sale in East Asheville – Vintage Furniture, Art, Tools"
Description Tips:
Avoid vague phrases like "Huge Sale!"
Highlight item types, brands, and styles
Include dates, times, and accepted payment methods
The more specific you are, the better chance you'll appear in searches from serious buyers.
Make Your Photos Count
Photos are the most powerful part of your listing. Most people decide whether to attend based on visuals alone.
To make your sale stand out:
Use natural light
Group similar items together
Remove clutter from the background
Photograph standout items like antique furniture or rare tools individually
You don’t need professional equipment. A clear phone camera and thoughtful staging go a long way.
Use the Right Platforms
Estate sale shoppers trust specialized sites. These are essential for reaching motivated buyers:
EstateSales.net: Widely used and includes photo galleries, maps, and email alerts
Cost: Free for individuals, with paid options for professional sellers. Listings are all paid.
EstateSales.org: Strong visual listings and category filters
Cost: Free to make an account for individuals; paid options available for premium placement. Listings are all paid.
Both platforms allow you to target local audiences and collectors who are actively searching.
Facebook and Local Groups
Facebook is still one of the best places to market locally. But it takes more than one Marketplace post.
Try this approach:
Create a Facebook Event for your sale
Share posts in local buy/sell and yard sale groups
List key items individually on Marketplace with links to your main listing
Don’t forget to include searchable keywords like "mid-century furniture" or "woodworking tools."
Don’t Forget Physical Signs
Even with great online ads, good signage makes a difference. It helps those who spotted your sale online actually find you, and it attracts foot traffic from passing cars.
What works:
Bright colors with bold, black text
Dates, times, and arrows to guide traffic
Placement at major intersections and each turn leading to the home
Check city rules or HOA guidelines to avoid issues with placement or timing.
Tap Into Local Networks
Your community can be a great resource. Use every free and trusted local channel:
Neighborhood newsletters
Community bulletin boards (libraries, coffee shops)
Nextdoor posts
Word of mouth via realtors or antique shops
Even small audiences can bring big returns when they’re local and tuned in.
Craigslist Still Delivers
While it may seem dated, Craigslist is still a go-to for many buyers, especially resellers and older shoppers.
Make your listing stand out with:
A clear, keyword-rich headline
Detailed item list
Strong photos
Address and hours
It’s free and reaches an audience that may not use Facebook or specialized sites.
Refresh and Respond
One post isn’t enough. Reposting and updating is key, especially close to the sale.
Do this:
Re-share your Facebook Event the night before
Update Marketplace items with "Starting today!" language
Reply promptly to questions about directions or specific items
These small touches help keep your sale top of mind.
Consider Boosted Posts or Ads
If your sale includes high-value pieces—like designer furniture, artwork, or collectibles—a small investment in paid social advertising can go a long way.
What to do:
Boost your Facebook Event or Marketplace post
Use interest and zip code targeting to focus on likely buyers
Set a budget of $20–50 for a 3–5 day window
This tactic is especially effective in larger markets or competitive weekends.
Partner With Local Businesses
Sometimes the best exposure comes from outside your network. Partnering with nearby businesses—especially those with foot traffic or clientele who appreciate vintage or collectible items—can get your sale in front of more eyes.
Ideas:
Ask local coffee shops or salons if they’ll let you leave a small flyer
Cross-promote with antique dealers or vintage stores
Offer a sneak peek photo to entice reposting on community Instagram accounts
It’s an underused but authentic way to reach buyers who care about craftsmanship and history.
When to Bring in the Professionals
Marketing an estate sale takes time, consistency, and a lot of effort. Many sellers find that the best results come from working with professionals who know how to get buyers in the door.
At Asheville Estate Sales & Appraisals, we handle every step of promotion. That includes listings, photography, signage, digital outreach, and direct communication with interested buyers. If you'd rather focus on preparing the home, we can manage the visibility.
Final Thoughts
A well-marketed estate sale doesn’t happen by accident. It takes clear photos, thoughtful listings, a multi-channel approach, and time spent connecting with your audience. Whether you do it yourself or choose to work with professionals, advertising is the foundation of a successful sale.
If you're planning a sale in the Asheville area and want to make sure the right buyers show up, we're here to help.
