WHEN PIGS FLY ESTATE SALES & AUCTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and Beyond
How do you determine pricing?
Pricing is informed by thoughtful identification, market context, condition, and buyer behavior. Our focus
is placement and process rather than urgency, with the goal of positioning items where they are most
likely to be understood and purchased.
Do you appraise items?
We provide strategic guidance on placement and execution. Our role is advisory and focused on how
and where items should be sold rather than providing formal appraisals or guarantees.
Are descriptions guaranteed to be exact?
Descriptions reflect informed opinion based on available information at the time of sale. Not all details
are always knowable, particularly with older or previously undocumented items.
Do you assist with partial estates?
Yes. Partial estates and select consignments are accepted when they strengthen an overall liquidation
or placement strategy.
Do you offer private or restricted sales?
Yes. Certain assets benefit from controlled environments, privacy, or limited exposure, and we manage
those placements when appropriate.
What percentage or fee do you charge?
Our fees are based on multiple factors, including the scope and complexity of the estate, location,
timing, level of difficulty, and specific services required. Because every estate is different, fees are
discussed transparently after an initial review and tailored to the needs of the estate.
What happens to unsold items?
While most items will sell, the final handling of unsold items is always up to the client. Clients may
review what remains and manage removal themselves, or we can assist with coordinating donation or
appropriate disposition when requested.
Why are clients asked not to be onsite while your team is working or during sale events?
We ask clients to allow our team to work uninterrupted for several important reasons. Estate sales and
auctions are labor-intensive, time-sensitive events that require focus, efficiency, and clear
communication with buyers.
When clients are onsite, our team is naturally interrupted by conversation, questions, and emotional
moments, which can slow the process and reduce our ability to engage buyers effectively. Buyers are
less comfortable and less likely to spend when a home feels like a family gathering rather than a
professional sale environment.
Our goal is to sell property and work with buyers — not to host a family reunion. Emotional presence,
while completely understandable, can unintentionally reduce buyer confidence and diminish overall
results.
Additionally, our team needs unrestricted access to the home to stage, price, manage traffic, and
execute safely. Ongoing occupancy by people or pets can create logistical conflicts and limit our ability
to do our work properly.
This policy is in place to protect value, maintain professionalism, and deliver the strongest possible
outcome for the estate.
What size estate or consignment do you accept?
Our business model focuses on higher-value estates and valuable consignments, whether handled as
complete estates, partial estates, individual items, or curated collections. Each opportunity is evaluated
individually to ensure it aligns with our process, buyer base, and ability to deliver strong results.
What should we do to prepare before you begin?
Before discarding, donating, or removing any items, please speak with us first. Many times, items
believed to be trash or donation are unintentionally removed when they should not have been.
Hiring an estate sale company means relying on experienced professionals to distinguish between
trash, donation, and sellable property. Allowing us to handle those decisions protects value and
prevents unnecessary loss. We recommend leaving the estate intact when possible and allowing our
team to manage sorting and sale-related decisions while clients focus on other responsibilities.
Is it always about what you know?
Not always. In many cases, it is also about who you know.
Beyond our internal experience, we maintain a broad network of specialists, dealers, auction houses,
and subject-matter experts across unique markets and collecting categories. When appropriate, we
leverage those relationships to assist with identification support, provenance research, authentication
consultation, outsourcing, and placement in the most suitable market.
How do we begin?
To get started, please call or email to schedule an initial online or verbal meeting. By learning more
about your estate and overall needs, we can determine whether an on-site visit is the appropriate next
step, whether we are the right fit for your situation, or whether alternative options may better suit your
unique estate needs.
Our goal is to provide clarity early in the process so you can move forward with confidence.
How long does the process typically take?
Timelines vary depending on estate size, complexity, location, and selling method. Some estates move
quickly, while others require additional preparation or alternative placement. Timing expectations are
discussed early and adjusted as needed based on estate goals and circumstances.
Do you work directly with attorneys, executors, and fiduciaries?
Yes. We regularly work directly with attorneys, executors, trustees, and fiduciaries and understand the
documentation, communication, discretion, and reporting required in those roles.
How are payments handled and when are proceeds distributed?
Payment structure and distribution timing are discussed in advance and documented clearly. Proceeds
timing may vary depending on selling method, auction settlement periods, and estate-specific
requirements.
What if an estate includes sensitive or personal items?
We understand that estates often include personal, confidential, or sensitive items. These are handled
respectfully and in accordance with client direction, with discretion prioritized throughout the process.
Do you guarantee results or sell-through?
No. While our goal is always responsible and effective liquidation, outcomes can vary based on market
conditions, buyer demand, available information, weather conditions, location, and broader world
events that may impact buyer behavior. Our focus is on thoughtful process and appropriate placement
rather than guarantees.
Do you handle estates outside of Texas?
Yes. We manage estates throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and beyond, including
multi-property estates across different cities and states, coordinating logistics, timelines, and oversight
as needed.
DISCLAIMER
All descriptions, categorizations, opinions, and statements regarding age, origin, attribution, condition,
provenance, or authenticity are offered as informed opinion based on available information at the time
of review or sale.
When Pigs Fly Estate Sales & Auctions does not provide formal appraisals, certifications, or
guarantees. Information presented is intended to guide understanding and market placement only and
should not be relied upon as definitive authentication or valuation.
Clients and buyers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence when appropriate. Conditions,
details, and conclusions may change as additional information becomes available
