The only experience I've had is when a friend of mine had professional auctioneers come to her dad's house. Unfortunately, it was not the best event or the best people involved. The auction company hardly did any advertising for the event and most of the people who showed up were their "regulars". A lot of the more valuable items were auctioned at the end of the day (lots of folks had left) and the auctioneer employees bought them for a pittance! And there was a ton of stuff left over.

I like the idea of advertising for an "open house yard sale". If your not worried about people stealing stuff, all the better! (although I do believe the majority of people are/will be honest. LOL)

Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck!!!