Whether you are decluttering or downsizing, getting rid of your stuff is hard for many of us. First, we have to overcome the sentimental hold a box of memory-filled items may have. Then, there’s the worry of throwing out something that’s worth a small fortune. To help you sort it out, here are tips on researching the value of items from Realty Times magazine. Do Your Homework Items of value come in all categories: some you would expect, others that might surprise you. For example, you might expect your grandmother’s costume jewelry could have value on today’s market. At the same time, you may think that box of old magazines, stack of postcards or those vintage cereal boxes are to be tossed without a thought. But hold on, those items may be worth something. How do you tell? First, check the resources at your fingertips. The internet offers a wealth of information through sites that specialize in certain types of items, and reseller site eBay. For more specialized items there are appraisers of antiques, art, jewelry and books. Items that have been handed down from family member to family member for several generations are worth researching. One option is to send a photo to an auction house for feedback on whether it’s worth auctioning or not. While there are collectible items, many household goods no longer have value. Today, people collect items far less often. Even so, the collectible market is still robust and one item that is often sought-after: children’s toys. Some kid’s items that might have value include: Pokemon: The original Pokemon for Nintendo Game Boy is in demand. Original game cartridges in good condition are selling to collectors for a few hundred dollars. Pokemon cards can also have value. Polly Pocket: Tiny dolls and toy sets in good condition can be worth hundreds of dollars. Furbies: If you have one of these strange creatures popular in the late ’90s and early 2000s and it’s still in good condition, you’re in luck. According to experts at JustJunk.com, these can bring about $ 600 when in mint condition – possibly more if it’s in the original packaging. Harry Potter: This is where your big payday may come in. If you bought a 1998 first edition of the first book in the series "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone," and are fastidious about keeping books in good condition, your book could bring $ 6,500. If it’s signed by author J.K. Rowling that could go up to $ 15,000. LEGO: If you’ve kept LEGO sets intact or have some mini figures, they can be worth hundreds of dollars. Boulder is home to some excellent resources for selling your treasures. Here are a few: Greenwood Consignment – Here you can help raise money for the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center while consigning or purchasing high quality, gently used and reasonably priced home furnishings, jewelry, artwork, and home decor. http://greenwoodconsignment.org Clutter Consignment to consign furniture and home decor. http://www.clutterconsign.com Childish Things to consign children’s clothing, toys and furniture. http://www.childishthingsconsign.com Rags to consign adult clothing and shoes. http://www.iloverags.com Classic Facets to consign antique and vintage costume of fine jewelry. http://www.classicfacets.com For the full story visit http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1/item/48084-20161018-you-may-think-its-trash-but-it-could-be-treasure
RE/MAX of Boulder Real Estate Blog
* Article originally posted on RE/MAX Boulder website at http://www.boulderco.com/blog/
