Furnishing Your New Home on a Budget

How to Furnish your new home on a budget 

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or you’re looking to downsize, the Raleigh market is going to demand one thing…. Cash!   So, if you’re going to spend a ton on the purchase of your home then you’re going to need to find a way to furnish that home on a budget.  When I bought my first home, I was worried about furnishing the place thanks to the large Due Diligence deposit I put down.  What did I do?  I used Facebook Marketplace, went to Estate Sales, I called friends and family, and I was able to furnish my home with some amazing pieces. My intention is to let you know that it is possible to get some great pieces and to give you the inside scoop on where to find the deals.   

First thing you should do is join your neighborhood Facebook group and Nextdoor.   People are always buying new things for their home and when they need to get rid of the old, they’re willing to let it go for someone just picking it up and getting rid of it.   There are plenty of things people post about that you probably wouldn’t consider for your new home, but if you monitor these pages, you will find some hidden gems. Things like salt and pepper shakers, bookcases, coffee tables and coffee makers, all sorts of things that might be available and easy to pick up because it’s in your neighborhood.   

The next thing you should do is always be monitoring Facebook Marketplace.  The same reason as giveaways, but with Facebook Marketplace you have to pay a little to find quality pieces.   I monitor it every day just in case there’s something that would work for my home. Also make sure you ask the right questions when inquiring about pieces.  Do the owners smoke?  Do they have pets?  Are the pieces in mint condition or in poor condition?   These are legitimate questions, and most will answer or post honestly but always go and see the piece before paying or transferring funds.    

My favorite place to buy used pieces are estate sales and estate auctions.   These are discounted pieces not because someone wanted to get rid of them.   Estate sales have become a little different with COVID protocols so now there are businesses that are willing to do online auctions for a fee.   You can find anything from oak nightstands, to beautiful dining room tables, and even collector’s items.  I recently bid on a Grateful Dead Europe 72’ vinyl record.  I wasn’t able to place the winning bid but I was shocked to even see that it was up for sale.  I’ve even seen some top-notch cookware.   Remember, you do have to bid for these items but has anyone ever mentioned online estate auctions to you before?  Exactly.   Not many are bidding on these items and there are some great pieces and plenty of collector items that would look amazing in your home.   

It’s expensive to buy a home in this market. Don’t get discouraged because you’re worried about all the other costs.   Get the home and go to work using these tools that are available.   I remember going to see my sister’s first home and she had lawn chairs and a TV in the living room and a bed on the floor in the owner’s suite.   I laughed but I also knew she was determined to own her own home and everything else would come with time.   Estate sales, Facebook Marketplace, and neighborhood groups are all tools that can fix a temporary problem until you have enough cash flow to buy the luxurious items you’ve dreamed of.    

If you’re thinking about buying but are discouraged with all the other purchases that come with a home, give me a call.  I can help you devise a plan and find some really great items for nickels on the dollar.  Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or need to downsize or need more space.  I can help you move pieces you no longer need and I can help you find pieces you will need.   

Ryan Buscher Buyer Specialist 303.570.4380