Anything goes at Post Falls auction

POST FALLS - You never know what's going to crop up in the swampland, and that's how Will and Emily Behar want their new auction business to be as well.

Moebius Auction House, the home of the "Swamp Auction," will hold its first auction Saturday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m.

"We want there to be an element of surprise," said Emily, adding that the Swamp Auction items will be placed behind a curtain until the sale begins.

"Swamp Auction allows for same-day auctioning. People can literally grab items from their collection, garage or basement as they head out of their house to go to the auction and have them auctioned later that morning."

Sellers can also drop off items at the business at 3002 W. Seltice Way in the former Westside Towing building from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays or by appointment.

Emily said the hope is to offer "instant gratification" of selling items the same day, which often can't be experienced via online sites, traditional auctions or yard sales.

Auctions are planned for every other Saturday at 10 a.m. to start, but they may be held weekly in the future if the events are popular. Viewing starts at 8 a.m.

Emily said most items will be accepted, but no clothes, firearms, endangered animals or anything illegal. Unique or unusual merchandise are most welcome, she said.

"We are not going to be a typical stodgy auction house, but rather a lively, fun, funky event," she said. "This is where entertainment meets auction."

Emily said Will's auto restoration work has slowed over the winter, so the couple decided to give the auction business a try.

"We are auction fanatics ourselves and are always looking for good deals," she said.

Buyers pay a 10 percent premium on top of the sale price. For selling items, the business earns 25 percent of the selling price on items up to $500. For items that sell for more than $500, the business takes home 20 percent of the price.

Sellers can get paid that day or have their check mailed to them.

There will be concessions on site. There is enough seating for 80, plus standing room.

"We want the auction house to have a vintage flair," Emily said of the building that has been renovated. "We want it to feel cozy and family-like."

For more information, call 771-5211 or visit www.MoeAuctions.com.