6 Things You Should Buy at Estate Sales

Perhaps you've recently moved into a new house, are redecorating, have tied the knot, or you know someone who is... If you're a bargain hunter, you want buy the best quality items you can find, at the best prices. Step in to the world of estate sales!

Here is a list of just six items you should be looking for at estate sales:

1. Fine China.

Let's face it - fine china isn't used as often as it used to be. Less people are entertaining from their homes, pieces normally can't be microwaved or placed in the dishwasher, and it's expensive on the retail market. The last thing you want to worry about is breaking a single dinner plate that cost you $30.

But what if you could find a full set of fine china for less than $400, or pretty cups and saucers at just $10? Most estate sales have extensive china sets from a time when hand painted or gold decorated porcelain dinnerware was treasured at the dinner table. Serve your friends and family on beautiful Limoges, Rosenthal, Noritake, Lenox, Wedgwood or even durable English transferware! Some patterns still command high prices, but these are still a discount from retail.

2. Lighting.

Floor lamps, desk lamps, table lamps, matching bedside table lighting, the occasional chandelier - every house has them, and you can find great vintage styles for much less than retail.

3. Jewelry.

You never know what you'll find! We've sold vintage costume jewelry from designers like Miriam Haskell and Christian Dior; fine estate jewelry of all eras and styles; hand knotted strands of pearls, amethyst and jade; one of a kind diamond engagement rings, fun cocktail rings and more. Make smart jewelry investments that beat retail in quality and price! Just be sure the liquidator is established and reputable, so you know you're buying the real thing.

4. Kitchenware.

Estate sale shopping is the budget friendly way to fully stock a kitchen. Along with the fridge, you can find small appliances like toaster ovens, microwaves, and blenders, or even Kitchen-Aid mixers, ice cream makers, deep fryers, and waffle irons, priced to sell. Stock up on your cooking utensils, food storage solutions, pots and pans, and you'll never buy new again. You can even find well-seasoned cast iron skillets, beautiful copper cookware, vintage jadeite and retro patterned Pyrex.

5. Quality Furniture.

At estate sales you will find high quality furniture that won't fall apart like most of the overpriced particle board furniture you see on the market today. Why not invest in something that will last, and recycle - while saving thousands of dollars? You'll find American made furniture from Thomasville, Martinsville, Baker, Ethan Allen. Authentic Danish modern, French interiors, hand carved antique furniture, and contemporary sofas by La-Z-Boy, Italian leather and more. You may need to be a little patient to get a look that fits your style, but the savings (for you, and for the planet) can't be beat!

Anxious to see what treasures you'll find by attending an estate sale in Northern California? Sign up on our email list, and we'll send a full photo gallery of our next estate sale to your inbox. Happy Hunting!