Tuesday, June 10, 2008

WFMW - Model Home Auctions

Join in the Works For Me Wednesday blog carnival hosted by RocksInMyDryer! Check out RocksInMyDryer's blog! She's got a great posts about a little of everything!
I'm all about getting a good deal. One way that I've only used a few times recently (because its addicting!) is model home auctions. My aunts got my mom and I interested about a year or two ago and I only go from time to time because sometimes I get so into it that I could easily get carried away. Auctions are kind of intense when they get going, you know?
Anyway, the way it works is the model homes in new neighborhoods eventually stop being model homes. And they have to do something with all the nice designer furniture and decor. So, some builders will have an an auction to sell it all. Sometimes you can get amazing deals!
I've gotten knick-knacks for super cheap. Most recently I got: two urns, a matching vase, three nice picture frames and a vase w/ fake flowers all for $12 (just a couple of the items are in the picture, there was several more in the lot that I bought)!! Not too shabby! My mom is great at catching framed art for really cheap (sometimes just because she wants the frames) and my aunts have gotten great deals on furniture. They have basically furnished and decorated their entire homes from going to these auctions over the last year or two.

Builder's Auction Company
Frazier's Worldwide Auctions

I only know of these two websites that do these kind of auctions but don't be afraid to look around and see if you can find others! Let me know if you do!


10 comments:

ttelroc said...

Oooh Auctions are a SO much fun. I turned my head for a second and my husband bought the ugliest couch on earth. I almost leaned into him to say, Who would buy that thing, and next thing I know, I own it. LOL

The things that the builders use to decorate their models are usually really nice, so getting them at auction is quite a deal.

Great tip!
Kristin

Michelle @ Sew-Krafty said...

Neat idea!!
Thanks for stopping by my blog...it's always fun to "meet" someone new ;-)

World's Greatest Mommy said...

Cool tip! I always wondered what they did with all that stuff.

marigold said...

Wow, neat tip! I never thought about what they did with the "stuff" in the model home!

Rebecca Ramsey said...

What a great idea! I will check that out.
And it's nice to meet you!
Becky

Anonymous said...

What a great idea. I have never been to an auction, but I would love to find some in my area. Great deals!
Toni
http://happytobeathome.net

Melissa said...

oh my gosh, I had no idea. That is soooo cool! Espescially since some of those model homes can really have some cute stuff inside!

Anonymous said...

Those auctions ARE great. I'm an interior designer and when I was still in collage I interned for an interior design company that just did model homes- we put all kinds of fun things in those houses, especially the kids rooms.
Thanks for stopping by my site and commenting on my WFMW!

Audra Krell said...

This is a great idea. One time I went to one, some giant pictures I wanted were $500 each (For 3), I waited until the end of the day and got all three for $100. It was an amazing purchase. I should post it next week for WFMW!

Sarah said...

I never knew.. but it totally makes sense. The house has to be empty for the new owners. They builder has to do something with all of the decore.

Thanx for the info