Binge watching Fixer-Upper might leave you wondering where, in your locale, can you find you find those fantastic antiques and artwork without totally breaking the budget. Never feel, there are lots of options no matter where you live to add in some of those unique designer pieces.

Antique markets

Mastering the art of true antiquing is an expensive and time-consuming process. Training, research, practice, and pure luck stumbling on the perfect "find" might not be within your bailiwick. Wandering through local antique stores might leave you wondering how anyone affords this stuff. The antique mall, however, might be the ticket. A collection of small antique shops or stalls, you'll likely find better pricing there than a private antique store. That’s because two or more vendors may have the same or similar wares and they’re willing to haggle a bit to get your business.

Thrift stores

Bargains to be had at thrift stores are not just for lower-income households. Many thrift stores, especially those that benefit charitable causes, receive goods from upscale homes, leftovers from estate sales and the like. Are you looking for a collection of brass candlesticks? You'll probably score if you visit two or three thrift stores. It might take a little muscle to clean them up, but you'll have a look you want, and for less! 

Buy-back and overstock outlets

Not to be confused with an online retailer of the same name, a true overstock outlet or buy-back store purchases lots (as in by the pound) of out-of-season clothing and items returned to regular retailers in unsellable condition. In addition to clothing, you'll find housewares, dishes, linens and bedding, electronics, and random artwork, decorator items, and frames. It may take a little time, but a quick perusal through a local outlet every other week or so can net some significant finds for your home.

Garage sales

Who doesn't love a garage sale? Well, lots of folks, but you might find what you want. Some municipalities have city-wide garage sales, so check with your city's website to find out the dates in your town and other towns nearby. Plan for a day of it and you might find a treasure in someone else's junk.

Online Marketplaces

Upcycle, Facebook Marketplace, and Craig’s List are all places to look for those random pieces to finish out your décor. When searching, don’t limit yourself too specifically since the seller may not actually know the name of what they’re selling. Want a Hummel figurine? Try the word “statue” or even “knick-knack” when using the search function. Remember to take delivery of items in person in a safe location (or bring someone with you) and never give out a credit card number or send cash or wire transfers for items purchased from sites like these.

Your local real estate professional can be a resource for garage sale events or local thrift fairs and markets in your new community.

As a home seller, it is crucial to do everything possible to get your residence "buyer-ready." In fact, if your house dazzles a buyer, you may be better equipped than ever before to optimize your home sale earnings.

Ultimately, it can be quick and easy to get a house buyer-ready – here are three tips to help you prepare your residence for prospective buyers:

1. Bolster Your House's Curb Appeal

When a potential buyer goes past your home, you'll want your residence to make a great first impression. And if your residence has outstanding curb appeal, a prospective buyer may choose to set up a property showing right away.

To improve your house's curb appeal, you should mow the front lawn, trim the hedges and do whatever it takes to make your residence attractive to potential buyers. Of course, if you need extra help to bolster your home's curb appeal, you may want to employ professional contractors as well.

2. Remove Clutter

Antiques, paintings and other décor may help you transform your house into a home. However, these items may do more harm than good when you try to show your residence to prospective buyers. And in some instances, various personal belongings may make it tough for you to show off the true size and beauty of your residence.

It generally is a good idea to remove as much clutter as you can from your residence. Remember, your goal as a home seller is to make it simple for a buyer to envision what life may be like if he or she purchases your house. If you eliminate clutter from your residence, a buyer should have no trouble imagining what life may be like as the owner of your home.

3. Clean Each Room of Your Home

A neat, tidy home is sure to impress prospective buyers. Thus, if you allocate time and resources to clean each room of your house, you could boost the likelihood of a fast, profitable home sale.

Oftentimes, it helps to hire a professional home cleaning company. With this company at your disposal, you can get the help you need to improve the appearance of each room of your home.

As you get ready to add your house to the real estate market, you also may want to hire a real estate agent. This housing market professional is happy to help you get your house buyer-ready, as well as prepare for each stage of the property selling cycle.

A real estate agent will offer expert guidance throughout the home selling journey. He or she will provide recommendations and tips to help you showcase your residence to the right groups of prospective buyers. In addition, if you ever have concerns or questions during the home selling journey, a real estate agent is ready to address them.

Get your house buyer-ready – use the aforementioned tips, and you can improve your home's appearance and increase your chances of enjoying a seamless property selling experience.