Can't beat this deal! Show off your best bargain finds!

A couple emailed me a few photos of a terrific bargain in used furniture they just picked up. They completed their bedroom with these pieces for just $50 and were given a free nightstand as well!

Almost as interesting as the deal itself is the unusual source for this bargain lot... They found someone advertising on Craigslist who sells house contents for attorneys handling foreclosures. While this may seem extraordinary, bargains in secondhand furniture are surprisingly common now.

With the popularity of furniture discount stores offering new pieces at very reasonable prices, not too many of us have been investing in high-end, quality furniture meant to last a lifetime. The advantage of that in our modern lives is that as tastes change, it's simply time throw away and buy new again.

However, this trend has resulted in fewer buyers competing for used furniture buys, and today's prices are steals! You're likely to discover that secondhand furniture you might find at garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales is often of higher quality than today's new.


Tips for buying used furniture:

• Carefully inspect the piece. Is it made of quality wood? Check the underside. Does it have good joints and bonding glue? Is the upholstery soiled or have unpleasant odors from smoking or pets? You can reupholster, but is the piece worth the cost and effort?
  
  
• Try it before you buy it. Be sure it's sturdy and comfortable. Be sure it's functional. Has the piece been altered or repaired? Does a recliner extend and retract properly? If a table includes a leaf, does it fit and stay in place?
  
  
• Measure your space - The size of the rooms and the dimensions of doorways are important to know. You can't use what won't fit into the intended space. Will this piece complement existing furniture in your home? Consider spatial balance, overall design, and color tones. You don't want a single piece to overpower others. Certainly, an eclectic approach can work so long as there is a theme in the overall design, tying it all together.
  
  
• Know your budget. Don't buy under pressure. There are lots of resources out there, so keep on looking! Search out garage and estate sales, flea markets, Craigslist and classified ads, online auctions, consignment stores, junk shops, rental furniture outlets, salvage yards, warehouse outlet sales, local real estate auctions, and storage unit auctions. Watch the prices and negotiate to get the best deal.

Show me what you bought!

Have you been lucky at weekend yard sales or snagged any unbelievable deals at the flea market lately? Tell me what you bought and email photos to karen@avenuestosold.com.

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