Ontario Real Estate News

Ontario Yard Sales

Feb. 9, 2005: Yard Sales in Ontario: A yard sale is a good way to get rid of some of your "junk" before a move. The fewer things you have in your home, the less you have to pack up in boxes. Plan to have a yard sale on the same day as your neighbours. Buyers are more willing to go out of there way when they know they have a choice of more than one home.

Pick a date and advertise. Try not to pick a holiday weekend. Potential buyers are usually too busy with other plans. Your signs should include your address and colourful arrows pointing the way, and should be put up before the actual yard sale date. When you advertise make sure to include general descriptions of items you will be selling. Some people may be looking for baby products and will only go to yard sales where they think they may find something they are looking for.
Also, include an alternative rain date.

Keep in mind that people are more willing to buy an item if it has been cleaned. Crusty baby food on a highchair does not make the item look very appealing. Make things a lot easier for yourself by pricing and labeling things ahead of time. This also gives you a chance to make sure that you're not getting rid of something that you really want. And make sure you have enough change. People aren't going to wait around while you run off to get change.

Don't over-price. Things usually sell between 10 cents and $10. Some furniture can be sold for around $20. Very expensive items, like antiques, should probably be kept out of a yard sale. People tend to want to get rid of a lot of trinkets (or McDonald's toys) at yard sales. For items that really have no value, place them in a big box and get rid of them. "Free" or "10 for $1" is appealing to people. Place all other items in a spacious manner where they can be seen clearly.

A nice treat for potential buyers is to have them arrive and be offered a cup of coffee or donuts. This also encourages them to stick around and examine things more closely as they're sipping a nice cup of hot coffee. This is especially nice first thing in the morning when most yard sales are held.

It's common sense to never leave your money unattended. It only takes a second for someone to swipe all your cash. For those people that have purchased more than one item, make sure to have plastic bags handy.

Yard sales can be a fun way to spend a Saturday morning outside socializing. When your yard sale is over, donate unsold items to a charity. It's always appreciated.