When is the best time to buy...you name it - appliances, mattresses, gas, cookware, houses Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE - jroosevelt@kw.com

 I stumbled across this article on the best times to buy - you name it - and it made me smile. My momma raised me to be a black belt shopper, identify quality and value. Sometimes you might overpay,maybe convenience or timing are worth it  -  but if you pay attention to the cycles of sales you don't have to

Houses, so we know now, with the tax credit deadline looking in the middle of the traditionally busiest months, a buyer is not going to pay rock bottom prices - unless it's a foreclosure or short sales.

May is the month to buy mattresses because the new models come in and the old ones need to go. It also is the month to buy cookware - think weddings, graduations.

 June follows with vacuum cleaners in that same cycle, or at the end of the year. Now is not the best time for the best prices on gas grilles - the winter months were, but hey, we can't do without our barbeque. Same said for air conditioners - better to buy t hose in the winter.

May-June are great times for sales on hardware with Fathers Day, and hey, don't forget moms who like to putter.

July, and January are the months for furniture purchases, again as store make room for new inventory                                                  - this obviously excludes sales on  line.

Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) see great deals on appliances. Look for those Energy -star certified appliances and in some states now, there's a cash for junk appliances program being rolled out.  

My favorite place is the what I call the Sears Scratch and Dent off I-95in Delaware - Route 273 Exit South.

Movie tickets. With school about to let out, there will be lots more matinee and family programs offered so check out those AMC and Regal sites online.

Broadway tickets - there is the well known ticket booth in Times Square. If you have time however, there is a raffle of a limited number of  front row seats for matinees - only $50 each, but only 10 seats available and you must be present to pick up your ticket. There are also "rush seats.'

When it comes to cars, I did realize that  a weekday, early in the morning if gas prices are rising, is the best time to fill up. Prices are usually changed between 10 a.m. and noon. As for  oil changes, again the  early birdgets the bargain and the same holds true for car washes. Also, I discovered my car wash place in Kennett offers cheaper rates after 7 p.m April is a great time for tires and other auto parts.

For more tips on travel, groceries, clothing, toys, check out the entire article