Colorado Springs Real Estate Facts & Fun

We all know a bargain hunter, and Memorial Day weekend is the official kick-off weekend for the serious bargain hunters via garage sales. The Gazette often puts out a detailed map of garage sales with addresses and information about who is allowing early birds and not. Early birds, for those of us not garage sale gurus, means: people are allowed to come and look through the merchandise while the garage sale is being set up. Some people who host garage sales are so excited to sell everything they don’t mind pausing to make a sale mid-set up, while others don’t want to be interrupted during the task and respectfully ask you do not come early (prior to the time listed) to shop.

There are some really great bargains and finds to be had out there if you don’t mind taking the time to search. To avoid having to host your own garage sale at the end of the summer, here are a few tips to great bargain hunting:

1. Know what you are looking for. If you are out just to “look” you will likely end up walking away with something you don’t need, won’t work in your home, or turns out is downright ugly. So put together a list of what you are out to look for. It could be a couch for the den, some cookbooks, children’s clothes, etc.

2. Know the neighborhoods. If it is a brand-new subdivision, you might not necessarily find the best quality stuff and may be getting ripped off. The more established neighborhoods have typically have good quality items, and making money isn’t as big of a deal so they are more willing to bargain. Both of these of course are not always the case, but a regular enough occurance to be worth mentioning. It also pays to know the areas so you feel safe buying in these areas.

3. Plan ahead. There are a lot of garage sale classified ads online through The Gazette, The Independent. If people have spent the time (and money) to put up an ad, then there must really be something of value there. Read them over carefully, determine how much stuff there may be, and then look at the location and start times. Try to find 4-6 sales in one particular area in which you can walk to or drive short distances to each location. By having a plan, you won’t be driving all over town to save a buck. Also, knowing what time each sale starts at will give you an idea of how long you may be out for your hunt.

4. Dress right. I learned this from my grandmother. Don’t look like you are so poor you might be living out of your car. The people at the sale will treat you as such and won’t take you seriously when you make an offer. Don’t dress like you are rich, because they won’t give you a price break or bargain with you. Ladies, this means leaving your Pradas and Coaches at home. Dress “normal” so the homeowners will treat you as such.

5. Timing is everything. When going early you have the first pick of everything. Sometimes items can be a real steal, but you have to remember that someone else will think so too. Items can also be significantly marked up at the beginning as well. As the sale progresses prices may decline. The last hour or two of a sale is the time to bargain if an item you want is still available. At this point, most people are so exhausted from the sale, and desperate to get rid of everything, they are happy with just about any reasonable offer. Don’t be insulting with a late offer.

6. Be kind. Don’t trash-talk the stuff hoping to get a better price. It won’t work. You’ll only make the owner feel worse, and they won’t negotiate with you. At one time that person thought it was the coolest thing in the world and had to have it. Remember,  you are a GUEST at these people’s homes and yards. Be respectful. Be courteous. Be charming. If you are genuinely nice, chances are the seller will agree to a lower price with you because they feel the friendliness.

Good luck out there!

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