Garage Sales....Priceless!

I  I am staying with the theme of "Mothers" for the month of May and choosing to do the one thing my mother loved. Garage Sales! Going to and having one. I often have had a garage sale. Every year, same time - same place. A few of the neighbors have joined me, and it would drive more traffic to the sales. This year I was not going to do it because I just wasn't up to it until I was approached to hold another from several of the neighbors! They told me how nice it was to have everything taken care of from the signs (they all know I have the good real estate signs to use), to the ads and even the map of the homes. I do get them all to pitch in some monies to cover my costs and give them the option to include big items such as a couch or a boat in the main ad. Here is the thing.  I use this time to meet and greet the neighbors and to obtain another strong hold in my neighborhood farm. I never realized it before of what a great marketing tool this is. I have picked up clients from talking about the neighborhood and have concreted my marketing efforts for yet another sale. When I have a home for sale in the neighborhood, it is a bonus. Extra flyers are made and passed out at the sale for any would be home shoppers.  If don't have a home for sale, I list the neighborhood criteria, such as days on market and average price. I also get a merchant or two to give a small give away so that I can get names and address of the shoppers, such as a free hair cut, or carpet cleaning. I have decided to use this program to the best use of my time as well. Old shoes - $.50, Toys of my sons - $5.00, The glass pitcher I got as a gift for Christmas - $10.00, talking to people and that face-to-face contact...Priceless!