
Summer is yard sale season! Having a yard sale gives you an opportunity to declutter while bringing in a little extra money. If you're planning on having a yard sale this year, here are a few tips from our real estate agents for making sure it runs smoothly.
- Check Your Community's Guidelines
If you've been shopping for a home, you probably know that not all Augusta homes for sale are governed by an HOA, but many are. HOAs, apartment communities, and local ordinances may set rules for yard sales, so be sure to check before you make your plans.
- Schedule Ahead
Scheduling your yard sale well in advance will ensure you have enough time to plan for a successful sale. Plan for a date at least a month out, and set a rain date as well. Monitor long-term forecasts to ensure the weather will be yard sale-friendly on your chosen weekend.
- Start Your Spring Cleaning
Once you have a date in mind, start cleaning and decluttering! Set aside several evenings or weekends for going through your belongings. Work on one room at a time, and keep a box or sturdy plastic bin next to you, where you can toss in anything you want to include in the yard sale.
- Set Your Pricing
While it may seem tempting to wait until the week or even the night before to price everything, that's a good way to set you up for an overwhelming experience and a sleepless night. Instead, decide on a pricing structure in advance and price items as you go around the house decluttering. Also, if you'll just be dropping off unsold items at the thrift store afterward, save yourself the hassle and price to sell!
- Cut Costs
The point of a yard sale is to make money, not spend it, so you'll want to cut your costs wherever you can. Don't worry about buying expensive price tags for your items when a roll of masking tape and a permanent marker will do just as well. For items that will all be priced the same, such as paperback books and clothes, you can just make a sign with the prices.
- Use Signs
One place not to cut costs is on your signs. Good signage is important, so spend a little extra to ensure you have good, eye-catching signs. Neon poster board and chunky letters are a good way to attract attention. To ensure people can follow them easily, make sure your signs all look the same and that they can be read easily from a car.
- Advertise
People are more likely now to shop community-wide garage sales or to look for yard sale notices online. For the most traffic, advertise your sale with pictures of some of your best offerings at least a week in advance on sites such as Facebook and Craigslist.
Are you planning a yard sale because you're running out of space? If your family has outgrown your current home, maybe it's time to look for a new one that better meets your needs. Contact us today, and we'll help you get your search started.