Why Facility-Based, Not In-Home
We ran traditional in-home estate sales for more than twenty years. We know that model from the inside. It opens private homes to the public for several days at a time and creates real, measurable problems — particularly for properties that are vacant, transitioning, or already listed for sale.
We found a better way.
Our facility-based model removes those risks entirely:
- No public foot traffic through the residence
- No theft or damage exposure from open access
- No on-site liability for slips, falls, or property damage
- No price haggling at the door
- No multi-day weekend disruption for the family
Instead, our team comes on-site to select and inventory items, then coordinates moving them to our facility. From there, we handle photography, cataloging, online auction marketing, payment processing, and supervised buyer pickup or shipping. The home stays private until you decide otherwise.
Who We Work With
Most projects fall into one of three categories. The process is the same; the priorities differ.
Downsizing & Relocation
Moving to a smaller home or care community
You're keeping what you want and selling the rest. We handle inventory, transport, sale, and cleanout so the move stays on schedule. Common situations: assisted living transitions, post-retirement downsizing, out-of-state relocation.
Estate & Trust Administration
Executors, trustees, and attorneys
You have a fiduciary duty and a timeline. We provide written contracts, itemized settlement documentation suitable for estate accounting, and clear communication with all named parties. Coordination with probate attorneys and real estate listings is routine.
Business Liquidations
Closures, asset sell-offs, and commercial estates
Retail fixtures, equipment, inventory, vehicles, and tools. We handle commercial liquidations on the same facility-based auction model — competitive bidding, fast turnaround, no on-site disruption.
Individual high-value items, too. You don't need a full estate to consign with us. We routinely sell single vehicles, jewelry pieces, coin collections, fine art, and specialty items on their own. If you have one significant piece to move, that's a conversation worth having.
Our Process
Every project starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. From there, the workflow is consistent and predictable.
1. On-site selection
We meet at the home or business, identify items for sale, and discuss timeline and any reserves.
2. Transport & cataloging
Items move to our facility under coordinated logistics. Each lot is inspected, photographed, and listed under controlled conditions.
3. Online auction
Sales run on our auction platform, typically over a one-week bidding window. Marketing reaches local and out-of-area buyers.
4. Pickup, shipping & settlement
Buyers pay and pick up at our facility under supervision — or ship out-of-area through our coordinated shipping. You receive itemized settlement statements with weekly payouts.
Fees, Timeline & Payout
How we're paid. MVES is paid a commission on items that sell. No upfront cost to consign, no photography fees, no listing fees. Commission rates depend on the size and nature of the consignment — for example, vehicle consignments start as low as 15%. Specifics are documented in a written contract before any work begins.
How long it takes. Timeline depends on scope, scheduling, and current demand — we book out and don't shortcut quality to fit a queue. During the consultation we'll give you a realistic window for your project and commit to it in writing.
When you're paid. Consignors are paid out weekly — itemized settlement statements show each lot, hammer price, fees, and net proceeds, suitable for estate accounting or business records. Most auction houses pay out monthly or longer; we don't hold your money.
Unsold items. If something doesn't sell, the decision is yours — return, donate, or relist. It's your property. We'll execute whatever you want.
Contracts. Every project is governed by a written consignment agreement signed before any items leave the property. The agreement names the commission structure, timeline, settlement terms, and responsibilities of both parties.
What We Handle
Full estates, partial estates, business liquidations, individual high-value items, and ongoing consignments. We have depth in the categories below — particularly Southwest and Native American material, where attribution and authentication matter.
Specialty & high-value
- Native American jewelry, pottery, and textiles — Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Pueblo, and related
- Southwest and Western art, including signed paintings, sculpture, and bronzes
- Fine jewelry — gold, platinum, diamonds, colored stones, signed pieces
- Coins, currency, and bullion — U.S. and world, graded and raw
- Sterling silver, flatware, and hollowware
- Collector and classic automobiles, motorcycles, RVs, and trailers
- Antiques, period furniture, and estate furnishings of recognized value
Estate, household & commercial
- Complete estate contents — full or partial liquidations
- Quality furniture, lighting, and rugs
- Mid-century and designer furnishings
- Fine art and prints
- Decorative objects, china, glassware, and crystal
- Tools, shop equipment, and outdoor gear
- Business inventory, fixtures, and commercial equipment
Not sure if what you have fits? Call James — if it's not the right match for us, we'll tell you and refer you to someone who is.
Notable Sales
A selection of what we've sold, by category — drawn from our higher-hammer results. Prices reflect competitive online bidding: no reserves, no minimums, market-driven outcomes.
Native American & Southwest
- Maria Martinez San Ildefonso pottery plate — $4,250
- Vintage Navajo Burntwater room-size weaving — $4,050
- Johnny Mike Begay Navajo squash blossom — $3,600
- JB Moore Crystal Trading Post Navajo rug, 1930s Storm Pattern — $3,050
- Charles Loloma (Hopi) sterling tufa cast ring — $2,850
- Dan Stouffer Organ Mountain watercolor — $2,750
- R.C. Gorman signed lithograph, 141/200 — $1,950
- Frederic Remington "The Mountain Man" bronze, 29" — $1,550
Fine Jewelry, Watches & Coins
- Ladies 18K Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust — $11,150
- 18K yellow gold 3.34ctw diamond ring — $6,650
- Antique 3ct natural aquamarine & diamond halo ring, 18K — $6,550
- 18K Longines Automatic Admiral wrist watch — $5,800
- 1986-W $50 American Gold Eagle Proof PF70 — $3,501
- 1851-O $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle — $2,870
- 1924 St. Gaudens $20 Double Eagle — $2,150
Collector Vehicles & RVs
- 2008 Gulf Stream Crescendo motorhome — $75,550
- 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible 2LT — $75,250
- 1961 Chevrolet Impala "Bubbletop" — $45,750
- 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 138-Code Super Sport — $45,575
- 1930 Ford Coupe Hot Rod — $40,350
- 1964 Sunbeam Tiger Street Rod — $40,200
- 1957 Ford Thunderbird Convertible, 312 V8 — $28,254
Mid-Century, Designer & Antique Furniture
- Hancock & Moore Austin leather sofa — $5,250
- Stickley Morris oak chair — $5,000
- Peter Løvig Nielsen Danish teak executive desk, 1960s — $4,100
- Antique oak 36-drawer haberdashery cabinet — $4,000
- Herman Miller Eames lounge chair, rosewood, 1970s — $3,055
- Baker Biedermeier burl dining table — $3,050
- Jens Risom mid-century walnut credenza — $2,050
Results & Reviews
Unlike most auction houses, we publish complete sold results. Anyone can review hammer prices for past lots before consigning — it's the same transparency we'd want as a seller.
Recent sold results
What clients say
"Managing the liquidation of a parent's entire estate is an overwhelming task. Mesilla Valley Estates made it very manageable and even enjoyable. They took innumerable headaches off my plate. Completely trustworthy, timely, and available." — Laura McCaslin, Google Review
"Since I was not from the area, he became my person on the ground to help prepare my item for sale. I am impressed by their professionalism, dedication to a great experience and service. Their helpfulness was above and beyond." — Pam Maxey, Google Review
4.9-star average across 220+ reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to consign with MVES?
There is no upfront cost. MVES is paid a commission on items that sell, structured in a written contract before any work begins. Rates depend on the size and nature of the consignment — vehicle consignments, for example, start as low as 15%. We discuss specifics during the free consultation.
When will I get paid after the auction?
Weekly. As lots are paid for and picked up or shipped, we issue weekly settlement payouts with itemized statements. Most auction houses pay monthly or longer; we move money to consignors as soon as we receive it.
What happens to items that don't sell?
The decision is yours — they're your items. We can return them, arrange donation to a local nonprofit, or relist them in a future auction. Whatever you want done, we'll execute.
How do items get from my home to your facility?
Every project is different. We coordinate the logistics based on what you're selling, where it is, and what kind of handling it needs. Specifics are discussed during the consultation and confirmed in your consignment agreement.
Do you ship items to out-of-area buyers?
Yes. We coordinate shipping for buyers who can't pick up locally, which expands your buyer pool significantly. This is one of the reasons our auctions attract bidders well beyond Las Cruces.
Can you work with out-of-state heirs or executors?
Yes. We routinely work with fiduciaries who live outside New Mexico. On-site visits, photo documentation, settlement statements, and remote contract signing can all be coordinated. James handles these arrangements directly.
Do you provide documentation suitable for estate accounting?
Yes. Every consignment is governed by a written contract, and every weekly payout includes an itemized settlement statement. These records are commonly used by executors, trustees, and attorneys for fiduciary accounting and tax filings.
Can I consign just one item, or do I need a full estate?
Single items are welcome. We routinely sell individual vehicles, jewelry pieces, coin collections, fine art, and specialty items on their own. If you have one significant piece you're trying to move, it's worth a call.
How quickly can you move on a tight probate or real estate timeline?
It depends on our current schedule and your project's scope. We book ahead, but we can usually accommodate tight deadlines when given enough notice. Tell us during the consultation what you're working against — we'll either commit to a workable window in writing or recommend another approach if we can't meet it.
Do you handle full-house cleanouts after the sale?
Yes. After the auction, we coordinate the removal of remaining contents so the property is ready for sale or transition. Cleanout terms are spelled out in the consignment agreement.
What's your service area?
Las Cruces, Mesilla, Doña Ana County, and surrounding Southern New Mexico. We handle out-of-area projects case-by-case, particularly for high-value or full-estate consignments.
About the Name
We're called Mesilla Valley Estate Sales, but we don't run traditional in-home estate sales. The name has been a Las Cruces fixture for more than twenty-five years, the community knows it, and it still reflects what we do — help people responsibly sell personal property during major transitions.
The method changed. The responsibility didn't.
Schedule a Consultation
Free, no obligation. We'll review your situation, walk through the process, and tell you whether MVES is the right fit. If we're not, we'll point you toward someone who is.
Call James Kanel directly at 575-639-0213 or email [email protected].