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Imagine diving into a sea of vintage treasures, where every corner holds the potential for unique finds. Estate sales are the ultimate playground for those who thrive on the thrill of discovery, especially for young, curious shoppers looking to add character to their spaces. It’s not just about finding a cool lamp or an antique vase; it’s about the adventure and the stories hidden behind each item. As Lauren Caron, the founder of Studio Laloc, puts it, “Estate sales are like real-life treasure hunts.” You never know what you’re going to find, and that’s part of the fun!
What are estate sales?
For those new to the concept, estate sales are organized sales where all the contents of a home are available for purchase. These sales can last a day or stretch over a weekend, offering everything from furniture and artwork to personal mementos. Unlike online auctions, where items are meticulously cataloged and photographed, estate sales often surprise you with their eclectic mix. Rodney Lawrence, a principal at Rodney Lawrence Inc., emphasizes that there’s a certain excitement in going without expectations. “Sometimes you’ll go home with an unexpected treasure,” he says. So, whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just starting your journey, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered.
Finding estate sales near you
Now, how do you find these magical sales? Thankfully, a plethora of websites and apps have emerged to help connect homeowners with eager shoppers. A favorite among many is Estatesales.net, which features a handy app that maps out local estate sales. “You can easily ‘favorite’ sales for the weekend, which adds them to a map that makes it easy to sale hop,” Caron explains. Similarly, Lawrence recommends Estatesales.com and Estatesales.org, both of which allow you to filter searches by location. It’s also wise to keep an eye on local newspapers, where sales can be advertised.
Building relationships with local antiques dealers can also pay off. These insiders often know about upcoming sales before they hit the mainstream listings, giving you a head start on the competition. Plus, if you really hit it off, they might even invite you to exclusive sales!
The thrill of the hunt
Unlike the curated selections at antique shops, estate sales offer a delightful randomness. Picture this: you walk into a home that hasn’t changed in decades, and suddenly you’re surrounded by a treasure trove of items that tell a story. It’s all about those “instant collections,” as Caron puts it, where previous owners have already done the hard work of curating beautiful pieces. “You can purchase a set of sofas, collections of art, dinnerware, glassware, books, and more,” she adds. Lawrence looks for properties that have been in the same family for generations—those are often the best spots for hidden gems.
Tips for successful estate sale shopping
Before you rush out the door, it’s essential to do a bit of homework. If the sale has an online listing, check for photos. “I often check the furniture, art, and rugs in the listing photos first,” Caron shares. If there are standout pieces, like antiques or designer items, it’s a good indication that the sale is worth your time. I remember once stumbling upon a sale in a home designed by Parish-Hadley—it was like walking through a museum!
Timing is crucial. “Get there as early as possible. The early bird definitely gets the worm in these situations,” Lawrence advises. Caron suggests arriving an hour before the doors open if you have your eye on something specific. However, if you can hold off, arriving towards the end of the sale can yield some fantastic deals as sellers look to clear out remaining items.
Understanding the pricing game
Unlike retail stores, prices at estate sales aren’t typically listed upfront. So, it pays to do your research ahead of time. If you spot a piece you like, check online for its average price. For instance, Marcel Breuer’s iconic chairs are fetching upwards of $500 these days—knowledge is power! Caron also suggests asking the sale host if they accept bids on items. “If so, I will place a bid on an item that is out of my price range on the first day. On the second day, if it hasn’t sold, then I will ‘win’ the item,” she explains. Smart, right?
The checkout process
Once you’ve gathered your treasures, you’re almost there! Check out your “purchase pile” (as Caron affectionately calls it) and any tickets you’ve collected. While cash is usually preferred, many sales are starting to accept digital payment options like Venmo or PayPal, but it’s always wise to bring a checkbook or credit card just in case. Just a heads up: some sales might charge a small fee for credit card transactions, so keep that in mind.
In estate sales, the excitement lies in the unexpected. Who knows? You might just find that perfect piece that transforms your space. So grab your tote bag and your adventurous spirit—it’s time to dive into the world of estate sales!