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By Miriam Raftery
January 15, 2009 — January is the season for two kinds of yard lines—those scrutinized by SuperBowl fans and those frequented by bargain hunters at yard sales. Lots of people are clearing out clutter (not to mention unwanted gifts) after the holidays—and in this bleak economy, more and more people are selling off valuable items in an effort to bring in a little extra cash.
Their loss is your gain—provided you’re a smart shopper.
Just how good are the deals at yard sales and garage sales in East County?
My best “find” to date was a leather sofa identical to one selling at Nordstrom’s for over $1,000. A perfect match to a loveseat I’d previously bought new, the couch was in almost perfect condition—and a steal at just $150 from a military family holding a moving sale in Bonita.
I’ve also found copper cookware and utensils, vintage crystal and china, a baseball card collection, suede skirt, and an entire boxful of holiday ornaments – all for just a dollar or two.
How can you maximize your odds of “scoring” on your next yard sale outing?
READ ADS AHEAD OF TIME: Narrow your search to sales that sound the most promising, such as mulit-household sales or those offering specific items you need.
PICK RITZY AREAS: The nicer the neighborhood, the more apt you are to find high-quality items. It’s not uncommon for a mansion owner in Mt. Helix, Rolling Hills Estates or Del Cerro to be selling off a houseful of goods including antiques and yard items—and many aren’t too concerned with getting top dollar. I’ve found garden hoses, lawn furniture, and other items that can’t go with folks when they retire or downsize to a condo or retirement home.
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