Estate & Downsizing Auctions
Estate Settlements, Downsizing & Larger Auction Projects
If you’re clearing a family home, downsizing, or sitting on a collection that’s outgrown its space, we can help you turn it into a well run online auction.
How We Can Help
Rivanna Auction Co. is set up for a wide range of situations, especially larger ones. Here’s who we typically work with:
- Estate settlements
- Downsizing before a move
- Clearing a family home
- Families helping parents or relatives downsize
- Partial estates with a substantial amount of marketable property
- Significant collections
- Larger household liquidation projects
With larger projects, you don’t need to sort out ahead of time which individual items are valuable or auctionable. We can look at the overall contents of a home or collection and figure out what makes sense for an online auction.
How It Works
- Tell us about your situation: Share a bit about what you have, where it’s located, and your timeline. For larger projects, we can often get a good sense just from talking it through.
- We take a look: For estates, downsizing, and larger collections, we can visit in person to see what’s there and talk through what makes sense for auction.
- We list and auction: Items are photographed, cataloged, and offered through one of our online auctions.
- What happens then: Items with bids sell to the highest bidder. Items with no bids do not sell.
- Local pickup: Winning bidders pick up after the auction closes.
- You get paid: After buyer pickup is complete, your proceeds are paid out according to the terms we agree on at the start.
What We Typically Accept
These are examples of what we look for within estates, collections, and larger projects:
- Antiques and collectibles
- Furniture, lighting, mirrors, and artwork
- Pottery, porcelain, glassware, and decorative items
- Sterling silver, brass, metalware, and small valuables
- Vintage toys, advertising, books, paper, and ephemera
- Hobby, specialty, and estate collections
- Well-kept household items with resale appeal
What To Expect
Online auctions are market-driven. Results vary depending on condition, timing, demand, and the buyers participating in a particular auction.
- Some items sell strong: Quality antiques, collectibles, artwork, and desirable furniture can receive competitive bidding.
- Some items sell fair: Everyday furniture and household goods often bring modest prices based on demand, condition, and buyer interest.
- Some items receive little or no bidding: Market demand can vary based on timing, condition, category, and buyer interest.
If Your Item Does Not Sell
If an item does not receive bids, there is no commission on that item. You may pick it up, discuss another approach, or explore other options such as donation when appropriate.
Commission & Timeline
Our fee is a flat percentage of the final selling price, and we go over it with you before anything is listed. Payment is typically made after buyer pickup is complete.
Rivanna Auction Co. currently offers local pickup only. No shipping is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay anything upfront?
In most cases, no. There are no upfront costs to consign with Rivanna Auction Co. Our commission is simply deducted from the proceeds of items that sell.
How do I know if my items are a good fit?
For a house full of belongings, you don’t need to sort out what’s valuable ahead of time. Send us a few photos or describe generally what you have, and we’ll let you know if it’s a good fit for auction.
What happens if something doesn’t sell?
Unsold items are typically returned to you unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
Do you come to my home?
Yes, especially for larger estates and downsizing projects. We can schedule an on-site visit to see what you have and talk through whether it’s a good fit.
Do I need a full estate to work with you?
Our focus is estates, downsizing projects, and larger household liquidations. If you’re not sure whether your situation is a fit, reach out and tell us about it.
Start the Conversation
If you’re settling an estate, downsizing, or dealing with a larger group of belongings, we’d love to hear about it. A short description and a few photos, if you have them, is a great place to start.
