Gen Z is willing to pay top dollar at estate sales — but here's how much boomers' stuff is actually worth

This generation lived through an era of consumerism. They entertained, they collected, they valued possessions — and they bought items that were built to last. “When we go into these houses of the boomer generation, they’re packed to the rafters with stuff from the mid-century to current,” Hersh told Business Insider.

The age of cottage-core

Not only does Gen Z like the appeal of sustainability, they’re into ‘cottage-core,’ according to Business Insider. ‘Maximalism’ is back in vogue and, according to the article, popular items include tchotchkes, furs, vintage fashion, collectibles, jewelry, toys and electronics. On the other hand, Chinaware and glassware are almost impossible to sell.

Silver is especially popular. Its price rose 130% (4) in 2025, hitting an all-time high of $121 (5) in January 2026. Although it’s since fallen, JPMorgan expects it to average $81 an ounce this year, more than double its 2025 average.

This plays a role in how estate liquidators price silver, Janelle Stone, a high-end estate liquidator, told Business Insider. “We have to weigh it out. I mean, we look like drug dealers with our gram scales and baggies everywhere.”

Like most Gen Z trends, the ‘golden age of estate sales’ has attracted its share of influencers. Among these is Maddy Brannon, a stand-up comic and self-described “estate sale enthusiast” from Washington D.C. (6). She has over 85,000 followers on her Instagram page (7), as well as a YouTube channel (8), a podcast, and a Substack (9).

After Brannon and her husband bought a home, she “was just trying to figure out how people can afford to furnish houses,” she told Axios (10).

When Brannon visited her first estate sale, she posted a few photos, and a second career — showcasing estate sales and giving advice on how to shop them — was born. She told Axios that her favorite part is getting to know whomever lived in that home. “Especially if it’s from a very specific time period,” she said. “Every estate sale is like a pop-up museum to a person.”

It’s all fun and games until you talk money

There’s a more serious side to these estate sales as well. A lot of money is changing hands, particularly through the resellers that frequent them who are searching for bargains to offer at a markup on sites like eBay.

As such, it pays for both buyers and sellers to be informed. That way, buyers can find true underpriced treasures (and avoid being ripped off), while sellers can avoid leaving money on the table.