Attending estate sales can be a thrilling adventure, just like a treasure hunt. You know what you like, and if something appeals to you, it may also appeal to someone else. Estate sales are also excellent places to find inexpensive, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family. Some people go to estate sales, hoping to find good deals to resell for a profit. 

Whatever your motivation, estate sales in San Diego are full of treasures.

Tips to Find Estate Sale Treasures

Show up Early

When treasure hunting at an estate sale, the first step is to give yourself the best chance of success. Arrive at a promising estate sale early. Some companies will put a sign-up sheet on the door the night before and let people in the sale in bunches. The higher up you are on the list, the better chance you’ll have of finding a deal. 

Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the first day of an estate sale. Many companies will offer a discount like 50 percent off on the last day of the sale, and you could potentially score an even better deal than those who got their first. Sometimes, the items that competent antique dealers passed on turn out to be worth a fortune.(1)

Ensure Authenticity

• Check labels on apparel, furniture, and handbags to ensure that an item is not only from the original designer but also that the label is consistent with a company’s brand.
• Another approach is to see if anything was made by hand rather than by machine or if it had been restored. You can use a black light to inspect the furniture for touch-ups or repaint the furniture, which could reduce value.
• Watch out for stains, repairs, and fabric damage when shopping for a high-priced handbag. Any of these factors can lower resale value, so only buy something you intend to use yourself.

Check Cabinets, Closets, and Garage

Examine the contents of all closed drawers and wardrobes. If they want you to look through the cabinet, they will usually open the doors, but not always. Be aware that previous clients may have locked the doors. If they don’t want you to go through closets or cupboards, they will tape shut them or clearly mark them. 

Additionally, you can find items at garage sale prices in the basement, garage, and backyard. These are the items with which the estate sale operator will be less familiar and, thus, more willing to pay you a fair price. Even if these pieces frequently necessitate a little more care or cleaning, you will never find a stunning vintage frame for a buck. 

Seek Professional Assistance

If you have no desire or do not have the time to go through treasure hunting at estate sales, you can find estate sale companies in San Diego to help you find hidden treasures for a low cost. These companies provide experience, knowledge, and a personal touch, whether you need to downsize, have a full estate sale, or sell a business. You can see the upcoming sales by visiting their website.

Estate Sale Treasures

At the average estate sales San Diego, you can find anything from antique furniture to detergent, but if you dig a little deeper, you might find the kinds of hidden treasures and antiques that could make a serious buyer some serious cash. Items that a normal person would sell for less than $20 could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars later on. When you follow all the above tips, you can be guaranteed to find the following treasures in San Diego estate sales.

Vintage Jewelry

Fine jewelry, gold or silver, is difficult to find at estate sales San Diego, CA, because it usually sells privately before the sale. However, a lot of vintage costume jewelry can be quite valuable. Look for signed pieces as well as those made of high-quality materials such as glass. The more unusual the item seems, the more valuable it may be.

Original Artwork

Famous works of art are among the most valuable items found in garages and attics. You might not find a Picasso sketch, but any original piece of art with a sign is worth investigating. Look for oil paintings, marketing posters, and drawings.

Old Toys

Vintage and antique toys can be collected and can give the right buyer a high amount of money. When these items reach the right market, they do well in online auctions. When old toys go unnoticed at an estate sale, you have a chance to score a steal. Look for toys made of metal and wood that are in good condition.

Collectible Coins

At times, the coin market is hit or miss. Because so many people collect coins, you’ll need to find examples in perfect condition or unusual, rare coins where the condition isn’t as important. If you want to start collecting coins, estate sales Huntington Beach are a great place to start for less money.

Vinyl Records

The vinyl record market is reviving, and some musicians are releasing new albums on vinyl. Having said that, it’s still a popular item at estate sales. Most albums cost one or two dollars, but some are worth thousands of dollars. Do some research to see what items are in demand, and then look for them when you’re shopping at estate sales.

Antique Furniture

Furniture appraisal is difficult for the average person but not impossible. Look for signs that the piece is handmade and vintage. Estate sales are a common place to find Victorian and mid-century furniture, which can be worth a few hundred dollars or more. You have found true value when you find that rare price of furniture or wooden furniture that’s still in original condition.

Sterling Silver

Check the bottom of any silver piece you find at an estate sale for a hallmark. Sterling silver has an original price that is determined by the melt value at the time. Aside from that, ancient silver pieces have sold for thousands of dollars at auctions. You’ll have a good chance of getting a piece of silver worth more than the ticket price if you learn how to read hallmarks.

Famous works of art are among the most valuable items found in garages and attics. You might not find a Picasso sketch, but any original piece of art with a sign is worth investigating. Look for oil paintings, marketing posters, and drawings.

Old Toys

Vintage and antique toys can be collected and can give the right buyer a high amount of money. When these items reach the right market, they do well in online auctions. When old toys go unnoticed at an estate sale, you have a chance to score a steal. Look for toys made of metal and wood that are in good condition.

Collectible Coins

At times, the coin market is hit or miss. Because so many people collect coins, you’ll need to find examples in perfect condition or unusual, rare coins where the condition isn’t as important. If you want to start collecting coins, estate sales Huntington Beach are a great place to start for less money.

Vinyl Records

The vinyl record market is reviving, and some musicians are releasing new albums on vinyl. Having said that, it’s still a popular item at estate sales. Most albums cost one or two dollars, but some are worth thousands of dollars. Do some research to see what items are in demand, and then look for them when you’re shopping at estate sales.

Antique Furniture

Furniture appraisal is difficult for the average person but not impossible. Look for signs that the piece is handmade and vintage. Estate sales are a common place to find Victorian and mid-century furniture, which can be worth a few hundred dollars or more. You have found true value when you find that rare price of furniture or wooden furniture that’s still in original condition.

Sterling Silver

Check the bottom of any silver piece you find at an estate sale for a hallmark. Sterling silver has an original price that is determined by the melt value at the time. Aside from that, ancient silver pieces have sold for thousands of dollars at auctions. You’ll have a good chance of getting a piece of silver worth more than the ticket price if you learn how to read hallmarks.