Mistress of the hunt

When the sales are: Usually two days, over the weekend, though some are occasionally a day or two longer.

Hours: Usually 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but vary by operator.

Best piece of advice: Get there early and bring credit cards or cash.

Get in line: Estate sales distribute numbers, usually an hour before the sale starts, to determine who gets in first. Customers are allowed inside in groups, depending on how big the home is and how much help there is. Operators make sure a certain number of customers have left before they let the next group in.

Beware of "prenumbers": Don't be surprised to see that some people have arrived ultra-early and gotten a "prenumber" from whomever is there first, someone not connected to the sale. "The estate sale doesn't really care," Soelberg said. "Sometimes the ad will even say 'prenumbers honored.' But you still have to stand in line, even with a prenumber."

The state of 'estates': Don't think too big. "In 20 years I don't think I've been to more than four or five mansions," Soelberg said.

Best time for bargains: The last day. Prices are usually halved for items under $50, by 30 percent for items that cost more. "I've seen it recently in the middle of the last day where they sell you a bag for $5 or $10 and you can fill it full of anything."

Bargain-day drawback: You never know if there will be anything left that you want.

Scope out the ads: They'll let you know what to expect. "I've gotten so that I know that some of the really good sounding sales, like in Wayzata or locations like that, what they're advertising is what the kids didn't want. Really nice stuff and very high quality, but it's all the Oriental art and the like. Which doesn't appeal to my buyers."

Best sales: "In cities. No contest!" she said. "How many CEOs are there who live in Hutchinson? If you're looking for nice pieces, you can find more quantity in cities than small towns."

What to bring: A basket for carrying items. Many sale operators won't lift items for you, "so you might have to bring someone with you." Also, a tarp for the car to keep dirt off the upholstery.

How to dress: Wear comfortable shoes, and "nothing too clean."

Map your strategy: Don't forget to look under the tables, in closets and attics. "If you're interested in something, pick it up and carry it," Soelberg advised. "You don't necessarily have to end up with it. If you don't, you might come back and it's gone."

Give items the sniff test: Be aware of pet smells in fabric and rugs. Look underneath them, too.

Educate yourself about prices: Soelberg recommends checking eBay regularly to get a good feel for what particular items are worth. "That saves you from buying a bunch of price books and looking up the values," she said.

Prices are firm until the last day: Bartering doesn't usually work.

If you must ... Ask politely if it's a firm price or if they might go lower. "If they say no, don't be a pest," Soelberg said. "Don't whine."