Just a few weeks ago I found myself in a small bedroom filled with ceramic swans. I attended an estate sale where the owner of a house not only loved romantic statues, but her wardrobe was filled with furs from Paris, lingerie slips and lots of stained glassware. The walls were covered with Regency-style art in ornate frames, and I almost bought one to take home—if only the price was right. (I’m not sure I have room for it in my house, anyway.) When it comes to real estate sales techniques for beginners, this is a risk you take. It’s easy to fall in love with decor and furniture you can’t find anywhere else.
It has become my whole personality to keep a low profile in real estate sales. You can usually find me hunting for treasures at these Saturday sales, but if it weren’t for an estate sale popping up near my house last year, I’d have no idea what they were. These auctions are great for collectors, dealers, designers and anyone looking for a bargain as well as the rising It girls. I’ve met a lot of cool girls in my estate selling adventures and we are all looking for antiques and one-of-a-kind items that you can’t find on LTK.
If you’ve never been to an estate sale, it can be intimidating. However, if you’re ready to start poring over these sales like a pro, I’ve rounded up some of the best real estate selling tips for beginners below!
Featured image taken from our interview with Claire Zinnecker, written by Michelle Nash.
What is an estate sale?
First, what is an estate sale? Estate sales usually take place on the weekends, and just about everything in the home is for sale. Most of the time, these sales occur as a result of a major life event, such as a big move, downsizing, or the death of the homeowner. The goal is to sell as many products as possible in a short period of time. These sales include everything from clothing, furniture, home décor, jewelry, art and accessories.
Estate sales not only provide the opportunity to purchase incredible antique pieces, but they also give you the chance to walk into someone else’s home. I’ve been to estate sales of luxury homes and homes that seemed untouched for decades. I’ve explored some communities that I would never have noticed without the sale itself. In short, it’s fun! Even if you don’t end up buying anything, they are truly a feast for the senses.
How do you find real estate sales?
Perhaps the best real estate selling tip for beginners is to bookmark Estatesales.net. No matter where you live, this is the premier place to browse real estate sales. You can find sales near you by searching for a zip code or city. Once you see the results, you can click on the sale you’re interested in, and many sellers will provide preview images of the items they’ll be selling. Pro Tip: Sellers often wait until a day or two before posting their sales address, so don’t worry if it doesn’t post right away.
Another way to stay informed is through social media. There are definitely content creators out there sharing real estate sales, it’s my favorite way to learn about sales in my neighborhood. If you’re in the DC area, be sure to follow @maddytheb – she shares upcoming sales every Wednesday and even provides video previews!
What should I know before going?
Every real estate sale is different and every city definitely has its own vibe, but there are a few things I wish I knew before shopping for the first time.
How to enter
Depending on the size of the sale, there may be a wait to get in. In my city, most sales have a notepad at the door for you to log into. It’s hard to know which sales will be popular, but from experience I know that if you have a home filled with designer items, there will be a wait. It’s also always helpful to check if there’s a list when you arrive, especially if there’s a long queue. I’ve seen people get upset because they just jumped to the back of the line without signing in first, wasting their precious time. I should also note that if you see this happening, please let them know to log in!
holding snacks
Every time I go to a sale, I’m tempted to stop in early and grab a Starbucks! But I always say no because food and drink are usually not allowed at these sales. Also, it’s worth mentioning that there are usually no public restrooms either. Leave home with a full stomach, and don’t forget to use the bathroom!
Parking spaces and barrier-free facilities
I always check if a property has parking restrictions or accessibility instructions. I like to know about parking no matter what, but it’s especially helpful to know if there are community rules and regulations. (You don’t want to get towed!) Some listings will also note things like hills or stairs required to enter the home, which is important for anyone who may have specific accessibility needs. This is great information if you are planning to purchase furniture or larger items.
Bulky item logistics
Every sale I’ve been to has made it very clear that the seller will not help you move furniture or large items to your car. If you want to buy a chair or sofa, be sure to shop with a friend who can help you load it into your car! Real estate sales companies can often also recommend moving services to help you. Since these sales are short-lived, you usually have to get your purchase out of the door within 24 hours.
Do I need to bring anything?
You won’t need much, but there are a few things you may want to bring with you to set yourself up for a successful estate sale.
- Multiple payment methods. Payment depends on the company making the sale. Some may only bring cash, while others may swipe cards, Venmo, Cash App, etc.
- tape measure. If you know you’re looking for furniture or art, know your measurements. All sales are final, so having a tape measure on hand can make all the difference. I also measured my luggage just to make sure my items would fit in the car!
- Comfortable clothes. So, to be honest, I don’t always follow this rule and just dress it up a bit at estate sales just because it’s fun. But in general, you’re probably going to be in an environment with dust, a lot of people, and if it’s an older house, maybe there’s no air conditioning. You want to be able to move freely and comfortably!
Shopping strategy depends on whether you know what you want or if you’re just reading. Here are some real estate sales tips for beginners that work for both.
If you know what you want, act quickly
If you are interested in a specific item, I recommend shopping early on the first day of the sale. This way, you can be sure it’s available. After entering, find the item first to avoid it being snatched by others. If you’re not sure where it is, ask the person in charge of sales. They are always available to assist you and point you in the right direction.
Wait for the offer until the last day
As the day goes by, many salespeople discount everything in an effort to sell. You’ll get the best deals on the last day of the sale!
Keep your favorite items
If you’re just browsing an estate sale, take the time to browse the entire house thoroughly. If you prefer smaller items, keep them as you continue browsing. You can always put items back where they belong, but keeping them ensures they’re yours.
Quickly protect large items
When it comes to furniture, most sales will have a “Sold” sign that you can put on when purchasing. If you know you want to purchase a piece of furniture, let the salesperson know. They can help by putting a sold sign on your items and you can continue browsing at your leisure.
Use retention table
Many sales offices have a waiting table, usually next to the front door where you check out. You can place your items here so you don’t have to carry them with you when you go shopping.
Are there any rules or etiquette I should be aware of?
There is no need to fear here, estate sales etiquette is mostly common sense. Since you’ll be shopping in someone else’s home, it’s obviously important to respect the space. It also pays to be kind and polite to others – don’t jump in line, don’t take other people’s belongings, avoid small spaces if there’s a crowd, etc.
What should I buy?
The amazing thing about these sales is that they are all unique and unique to each shopper. I personally love unique home decor items (I got two ceramic swans from the first auction mentioned!), frames, and art. I also bought a blue plaid wingback chair from a Nancy Meyers movie I love, and I’m looking for an espresso machine.
I’ve seen shoppers leave with boxes of discounted homewares such as detergents and all-purpose cleaners, vintage clothing, designer bags, costume jewelry and bedding. A woman I met in line the last time I attended a sale said she had created an entire home gym using items she found at an estate sale. The world is indeed your oyster! The most important thing is to buy what you like. That’s the fun thing about browsing estate sales, you never know what treasures you might find.
