craigslist Advice

This is the Best Time to Find the Best Stuff on CL

2010-04-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

Patio furniture is something that you don't find very often on CL, but if you're going to find it, this is the best time of the year. People have a lot of reasons for selling stuff in the spring. They may be moving, graduating from school or cleaning house. I find that most of the people who try to sell something just want to get rid of it. Another tip for your shopping on CL; don't hesitate to look in areas that are a little further out. I find that those people in Conn. have the nicest stuff. Photo, JoAnna Levenglick

Craigslist Is a Wonderful PLace to Find Antiques

2009-08-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

There chairs were purchased in Conn. for less than a thousand dollars and are worth about 7000. They were made in England in 1920. This is one of many antique finds that you can get on Craigslist.

Photo, JoAnna Levenglick

Selling Your Garden Items On Craigslist

2009-06-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

This is stockade fencing that would cost more than 3 times the price than what you would pay for it on Craigslist. Once something is used, no matter what it is the price goes down tremendously. Craigslist is a great source for buying items for your garden if you want to save money. Pictured is stockade fencing that is 4 feet high and 8 feet wide for 12 -15 dollars per piece. The same in a store would sell for about 35 dollars. Who cares as along as it is not damaged and you can get the proper amount. Photo, JoAnna Levenglick

Craigslist Attracts Many Unreliable People

2009-06-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

Most recently I have been using Craigslist a lot and have 4 examples of working with people who said that they were going to do something, then did not follow thru. In this photo you see a vase that was at my house that I had rented, and when the people left, the vase was gone too. When I had asked about it, the girl told me that she did not recall seeing it. How weird is that since it was in the entry foyer as you walk into the house.
Another incident was a woman was supposed to come to see the house. We had more than 15 email communicating back and forth. Finally after waiting a few hours, she said that he found a place already. Then there is the case today, when a guy who was going to buy some fencing and he said he would come back at 3 today, and another "no show." What I don't understand is why people are so disrespectful? I have decided that I am going to be more firm on my conditions. In the case of an appointment. I will only give someone 30 minutes, and if they don't show up, I will not see them. As for the missing vase, I am still going to file a small claim against this girl and in the future give a check list for people to initial that they saw the item when they checked in. It is very sad that people have to be this way, but I have learned the hard way, to not trust anyone. If you use Craigslist, please proceed with caution. Photo, JoAnna Levenglick

What Does it Take to Make a Sale On Craigslist

2009-05-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

No matter what you are trying to sell, there are some basic rules which apply to anything that you try to sell. First of all, Think different. When you place your ad, make it stand out from everyone else's. Use a special color or font. Add a picture to soften the mood and personalize it. Make that customer feel that they are comfortable buying from you. Also, timing is important when you place your ad. I prefer to wait until mid day, for I don't think that many people read the ads on Craigslist first thing in the morning. That way your ad will be on the top and one of the first ones read. Also, be accessible. As soon as you get an email make sure your respond. Also do the deal immediately. Don't give people the chance to fool around and get back. Be direct and clear that you need to know right away or you will not hold it. In this economy, people like to take their time. Also, be flexible with payments once you got the deal squared away. Allow them to pay with PayPal, cash, money order and not by check.
This is a picture of a mail box at my house. I designed it for I prefer a mail box to look nice, but it also makes it much more memorable to the person who may want to rent it.

Anyway, good luck! It is so easy to sell things on Craigslist, but you have to have a good plan to help you out.

Photo, JoAnna Levenglick

What To Do When That Person Doesn't Get Back to You

2009-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Often times people will contact you on Craigslist and sound like they are going to do a deal. Whether it is rent your house, or buy something that you are trying to sell. Like anything else, don't believe it until you see it. So many people just don't get back. It is disappointing when they sound like they are going to do something, then just walk away. You should do the same thing. Don't bother running after them. If they want you, they will know how to reach you.

The Weirdest Things You Can Find on Craigslist

2009-05-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

Because of the housing market being so bad you will find all kinds of fixtures like the toilet below
that is for sale. Sometime the builder has extras and the workers put them CL for sale. I have seen sinks, toilets, faucets, and much more! Check before you buy for your home in a retail store, and you never know what you will find.

Photo, JoAnna Levenglick

Finding Furniture on Craigslist

2009-05-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful time to find good deals on furniture on Craigslist. Since the Summer is coming a lot of people will be looking. So to begin with there will be a lot of listings now.
You have to check the listing daily, and I do find that those people in Connecticut
have the nicest furniture. New Jersey is second For some reason, I found it really hard to find nice furniture in Manhattan. Once you go and take a look be prepared to pay for cash for most times people want the deal sealed immediately. If the item is more costly, then take a look at it and be prepared to have to come back with a certified check or money order. In the picture you will see 2 wrought iron chairs which were delivered to me in Manhattan by a lady who used to date Warner LeRoy, the former owner of Tavern on the Green. In fact, the two chairs are from the famous restaurant. The Sofa came from a lady in Wilton Conn. who was moving to San Diego and was purchased for 300 dollars, and is like new. The two side tables were 50 dollars each and the top is made of marble. Now I know you may not be in the tri-state area of NY, but use the same principles. Some locations will have much nicer furniture than others, so you will have to do your homework. Lastly, remember you have to be prepared to have the furniture picked up either by a trucker or rent a U-Haul and drive it yourself. You may get a good deal on the furniture, but the cost of moving it may make you decide otherwise. Good Luck!

Photo, JoAnna Levenglick

Renting Your House for the Summer With A Listing On Craiglist

2009-05-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

The summer is almost here and people are listing their homes on Craigslist for a Summer rental.
Make sure that when you list your home you are as clear as possible in describing it, and letting people know what you expect from a renter. This includes how long it is rented for, and the price of utilities. Next, make sure that you are dealing with a reliable person. Watch out for those emails asking for bank accounts and from email addresses that you know are not local. Also, watch out for those people who mislead on the number in the group. This is one of the biggest problems I have been seen lately; is groups coming in and lying about the size of the group. This not only is a problem for you and the damage that can be done, but also a violation regarding the local town and how many people are allowed in your house. Make sure you get a deposit and wrap up the deal immediately. Do a checklist of valuable items and a walk thou at the beginning of the lease with the renter. You don't' want anyone saying that something didn't exist. Don't forget to have a contract outlining all of the detail of your deal. Make a master copy so you have one for the next rental.

Photo, JoAnna Levenglick