Christie's auction house has run art and luxury sales since 1766. Most people assume that means it's only for museum-level pieces. It isn't. Everyday collectors buy and sell there regularly, often for far less than people assume.
What is Christie's, exactly?
Christie's is an auction house, not a real estate company. It's a separate entity from Christie's International Real Estate, the luxury real estate network I'm affiliated with, though the two work closely together. Christie's the auction house sells art, jewelry, watches, furniture, wine, and collectibles at auctions worldwide, both in person and online.
My real estate affiliation is what gives my clients a direct line to Christie's specialists, without leaving Austin.
Do you have to have something museum-worthy to sell through Christie's?
No. That's the most common misread of the brand. Say "Christie's" and most people picture a painting that sold for nine figures. That happens. A 1964 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe just sold for nearly $43 million at Gooding Christie's in Pebble Beach, the highest price ever paid for an American car at auction. Headlines like that are real. They're also not the norm.
Most items that go through a Christie's auction sell for far less than people assume, often in the low thousands rather than the millions. A single piece of jewelry, a well-made piece of furniture, or a small art collection can all be worth a specialist's opinion before you decide what to do with it.
When does this actually come up for Austin homeowners?
It comes up more often than people expect, usually around one of three moments:
- Preparing to sell a home. Deciding what happens to the art, furniture, or collectibles you're not taking with you.
- Settling an estate. Needing a straight answer on what's worth selling versus donating.
- Just being curious. Wanting to know what something is actually worth before making any decision at all.
In any of these, I can connect you directly with Christie's specialists for a real opinion, on the home or on what's inside it, before you decide anything.
What does the process look like?
It starts with a conversation, not a commitment. I connect you with a Christie's specialist, who reviews the piece or collection and gives an honest read on what it's worth and whether an auction makes sense for it. From there, the decision to consign, sell privately, or hold onto something stays entirely with you.
Why does this matter if you're just selling a house?
Because most people don't think about what's inside the house until the house is already on the market, and by then the timeline gets tight. Knowing what's worth appraising, early, gives you more room to make a clear decision instead of a rushed one.
At a Glance
Is Christie's only for expensive, museum-level items? No. Most items sold through Christie's go for far less than people assume, often in the low thousands.
Is Christie's the same company as Christie's International Real Estate? No. They're run separately but work closely together. My real estate affiliation is what connects my clients directly to Christie's auction specialists.
Do I have to sell through Christie's if I get an opinion? No. Getting a specialist's read on what something is worth doesn't obligate you to consign or sell it there.
When should I think about this? Ideally before listing a home or before finalizing decisions on an estate, so there's time to make an informed call rather than a rushed one.
Want a straight answer on what your home, or what's in it, is worth?
Reach out, and I'm happy to help.
~With Love, Katie
