Everything you
need to know
FAQ
Estate liquidation is unfamiliar territory for most families. We’ve answered the questions we hear most often – plainly and honestly – so you can move forward with confidence.
13
Years in business
75
Years combined experience
Free
Initial walkthrough
Explore Topics
Getting Started
4 questions
When does an estate sale make sense?
Estate sales are often the right solution during major life transitions:
- Loss of a loved one
- Downsizing to a smaller home
- Relocating to another province or country
- Division of assets due to divorce or separation
On average, an on-site estate sale can return approximately $0.38 for every $1.00 of value compared to other selling methods.
Where do you provide services?
We are licensed to operate throughout Southern Alberta and are based in Calgary.
Do you handle sales in apartments or condominiums?
Yes. In these cases, approval from the building’s board is required. If you provide us with the necessary contact details, we can take care of requesting permission on your behalf.
How should I prepare before the sale?
- Remove personal paperwork and documents
- Take out family photos and sentimental items
- Set aside anything you do not wish to include in the sale
During our preparation process, if we come across valuables or personal belongings – such as cash, coins, jewelry, or photographs -we will carefully set them aside in a designated area for the family to review.
The Sale Process
4 questions
How long does an estate sale run?
- 1 day: Suitable for smaller sales with limited inventory
- 2 days: Most common format, allowing for steady traffic and optimal results
- 3 days: Recommended for larger estates with substantial contents
Final timing is determined after the walkthrough and tailored to your specific situation.
Do you discount items during the sale?
Items are typically sold at full price on the first day.
- Day 2 (morning): ~25% off
- Day 2 (afternoon): up to ~50% off
These are general guidelines and may be adjusted depending on the specific circumstances of each sale.
How do you advertise and drive traffic to the sale?
- Email subscriber list
- Company website
- Facebook and Facebook Marketplace
- Calgary Buy & Sell groups
- Kijiji
- Clear, visible neighbourhood signage
Can the home's occupant remain in the home during the sale?
It is possible, but it can be disruptive and emotionally difficult. We approach these situations with sensitivity and may be able to accommodate short-term arrangements depending on the circumstances.
Pricing & Fees
2 questions
How much does White Lily charge?
We provide a free walkthrough along with a written estimate.
Our pricing structure includes a flat fee plus a percentage of the sale:
- 50% of the flat fee is paid upfront upon signing
- The remaining portion is deducted from the sale proceeds
- The percentage varies based on the contents and scope of the sale
There are no hidden fees. Additional services, such as bin rental and disposal, are only included if needed and are itemized separately.
Do items get independently appraised before the sale?
Yes. We work exclusively with licensed, certified appraisers for:
- Fine art and antiques
- Coins and collectibles
- Jewelry
- Toys
This ensures valuable items are properly assessed and protects the family from undervaluing important pieces.
Logistics & Timing
1 question
What if only part of a home needs to be cleared?
Our services are flexible and can be tailored to your needs -whether it’s an entire household, a single floor, a storage unit, or a seasonal property. The scope is assessed during the initial walkthrough.
After the Sale
1 question
What happens to items that don't sell?
After the sale, the family or executor completes a final walkthrough. Any remaining items are typically donated to local charities.
If required, bin services can be arranged and will be itemized separately.
Our goal is to leave the property clean, cleared, and ready for its next step.
Why White Lily
1 question
What makes White Lily different from other estate liquidators?
- Over a decade of experience, with a team bringing 75 years combined expertise
- Personalized, hands-on service tailored to each client
- Use of licensed, certified appraisers only
We are fully bonded, insured, and WCB covered, and always provide a detailed written proposal before beginning any work.
Still have questions?
A free walkthrough answers everything.
The best way to understand what your estate sale will look like – and what it will cost – is a no-obligation walkthrough. We’ll assess the property, answer every question you have, and provide a written estimate with no pressure to proceed.
