Yard Sale Savvy: Tough Times Lead to Tougher Sells

Nov. 11, 2008— -- Before the sun was up, Patty Cervenka was starting her day, a day she hoped her garage sale made a lot of money.

Out on her front lawn, she brought her favorite rocking chair, her collection of nutcrackers, her snow globes and a host of other items.

"I did my research on the Internet yesterday on what used furniture was going for to make it fair," said Cervenka.

She's not selling her possessions because she wants to. She has to. Cervenka, who is facing foreclosure, hopes to make enough money to cover her next mortgage payment.

The garage sale has long been a way to do a little household cleaning. As the saying goes, "One person's junk is another's treasure."

"It's kind of like a treasure hunt," said Jan Leathersich. "You look for treasures. ... Or they try to find something, like a collection of dishes and they want a piece to go with it, things that are unique or a good price."

Selling Heirlooms to Pay the Bills

The Leathersiches, who were on vacation in Florida, are professional antique dealers, but still they're still hitting garage sales. There's a name for what they do -- it's called "saling."

Tony Turek is another serious saler, looking for good deals on items he might be able to resell. On the day "Nightline" visited, an astounding 170 garage sales were taking place in Gulfport, Fla.

"I am going to go to at least 100 sales or until I run out of money," said Turek. "I only bring $100."

But something is different this year. "You're not finding things for a nickel, dime [or] a quarter," said Turek. "You're finding things for $1, $5, $10, rather than incredible bargains. ... I think people are starting to turn to selling more beloved things rather than just junk that is lying around. [They're selling] family heirlooms … because people are needing money more."

"For sale" and foreclosure signs can still be seen across America. But now garage sale signs are popping up at a staggering rate. They are all signs of the weakening economy and the horrible housing market. People are selling clothes and goods to put a little cash in their pocket or because they have to move out of their homes.