Selling? Clear the Clutter Now with a Good Yard Sale

Lawrenceville, Georgia properties that are in show condition provide the greatest appeal to prospective buyers and have a higher likelihood of selling over other listings during the same time period. Gwinnett property owners who are considering a sale can win over these buyers by insuring that surfaces, closets, garages, terrace levels and other areas are clutter-free and orderly while their property is on the market. 

A yard sale may provide the best and easiest opportunity to clear out some of those gently used items that still work and there are plenty of successful late summer yard sales in Georgia.  But what does one need to know to put one on successfully?  Some thoughtful research yielded some valuable insight into the proper planning and preparation associated with successful yard sales. 

Timing Matters – Plan adequate time to focus on clearing out the clutter (evaluating and pricing products to sell, promotion, learning from other garage sales that were visited recently, etc.) and ask family and friends for help in advance.  Yard sales on Saturdays and Sundays are believed to generate the most traffic with weather cooperating, but many start early on Friday mornings with varying levels of success.  Regardless, schedule to start by no later than 8 AM and expect the early bird guests.  Finally, Gwinnett County Ordinances allow an individual or group to conduct a yard sale once in any six-month period for up to three consecutive days and home owner associations often have rules regarding garage sales, so be sure to check with the authorities and hazard insurance providers while planning the event.  

Products – Rightful owners should sell only those items that retain some potential value to others and toss the garbage, such as broken appliances, damaged clothing articles and those old eight-track tapes that click in the middle of the tune.  Expect buyers to ask for access to electrical outlets and batteries to confirm the condition of electrical devices.  Finally, make sure that only those items to be sold are on display and that no products have been placed on sale in error.

Pricing – Appeal to the most serious yard sale shoppers who are looking for bargains, most of whom will likely be ready to deal at first morning light.  Price items before placing them on display in easily understandable terms, such as 50¢, 3 for $1.00, $5 or $10.  Then lay them out in orderly categories, and be prepared to negotiate throughout the day, especially during the early hours when turnout will likely peak.     

Place – One normally expects a garage sale to be held on or very near their Gwinnett property.  Other options are available, however, including the upcoming Gwinnett County Community Garage Sale scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 9 AM until 3 PM at the Activity Building at the Shorty Howell Park Activity Building.  The event will be held outside rain or shine, but there are limited 10’ x 10’ spaces available and registration is required at $20 per space.  Call (770) 814-4914 for more information.  At the very least, visit and pick up some ideas about planning a successful yard sale.

Promotion – Advertise offline in Lawrenceville, Georgia newspapers and online at various social networking and classified ad sites at least seven days prior to the event.  Include the date, time, location and a brief description of any unique items being sold (baby clothes, furniture, exercise equipment, etc.).  Place flyers at salons, bulletin boards, launderettes and other places throughout Lawrenceville, Georgia where permitted.  On the day of or before the sale, place balloons on signs with prominent arrows to help capture the attention of passersby, but please be mindful of the Gwinnett County Sign Ordinances which allow up to four (non-banner) signs of up to four square feet in area or one sign of 16 square feet in area per lot.  Sign placement in traffic right-of-ways or on trees, utility poles, traffic control signs and devices is strictly prohibited.

Prepare for Success – Bags should be available when smaller items are being offered for sale and newspapers will come in handy when fragile items must be wrapped.  Have a calculator and a receipt book that makes carbon copies on hand.  Also have about $20 or so in singles and coins available in a closely guarded cash box so that change can be made during transactions.  Finally, keep the cute little family pooch away from the selling area and guests who may be allergic or otherwise put off by their presence. 
 
After the Sale – Please help keep Gwinnett beautiful by removing the promotional material and any items left unsold from public view.  Consider selling any remaining items online or checking with local pawn shops for interest in those items before donating them at local charitable organizations.

Solomon Greene is a real estate agent and Georgia REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners serving Lawrenceville, Georgia and North Central Gwinnett County.  He can be reached by email or at (678) 775-2677 or visited on the web at http://www.SellMyGwinnettCountyProperty.com