What does it mean to “hit it big” at an estate sale? While this means something different to everybody, it typically refers to finding a killer deal.

If you want to put yourself in position for success, the first thing you need to do is simple: make a list of estate sales taking place in your area. This will ensure that you don’t miss an opportunity to find what you are looking for.

Once you know which estate sales to visit, there are three other things you can do:

1. Know your stuff. It doesn’t matter what you are searching from, from a used bike to a computer, you need to have some background knowledge of the item. This will help you make an informed decision based on quality and price.

2. Search for a “diamond in the rough.” Every estate sale has a few deals that are better than others. These are the ones you want to watch out for. To improve your chance of locating a deal, arrive as early as possible on day one. This will allow you to beat the competition to the best deals.

3. Keep an open mind. For example, you may find the perfect item but soon realize it is priced a tad higher than you were hoping. Rather than walk away, consider both sides of the sale. If you still feel like you are getting a good deal, while being fair with the seller, there is no point in walking away.

Note: you can always ask the estate sale company if you can leave a bid.

If you are interested in learning more about estate sales, including how to hit it big on a variety of items, read through our past blog posts.