JACKSONVILLE - Most of us have items in our house that are more valuable than we think. Here are six things in homes that may people overlook that could make you some big bucks.
VINTAGE CLOTHES
If you got old clothes in your closet they may be worth hundreds of dollars. There's a big secondhand market for vintage clothing. Levi's 501's could be valuable, especially if there's a capital "E" in the tab. "Those specific Levis were a limited edition. The jeans could be worth $200 or more," says Jason Chancey, owner of Vintage Recalled in Five Points. Chancey will pay $15 to $20 for older Tony Lama or Durango boots. He also says shirts with date-stamps of the 70's or 80's are also in demand. To set up an appointment with Chancey for him to look at your items call (904) 358-0399 or visit his website.
OLD TOYS
Vintage toys are also hot. The 20's or 30's tin toys are very popular along with old Barbie Dolls and GI Joes. A nostalgic toy could make you hundreds of dollars. "Buyers are at a point now in life where they have the money to be able to afford to buy something that they remember having or more importantly wanting it when they were young but not being able to get it," says Kenneth Box of The Toy Factory at the Jacksonville Landing.
JEWELRY
Ladies, old jewelery can net you thousands. Post-war or retro pieces are popular. "If they bought a piece back then and they only paid $3 or $4 for it, in actuality, they could sell it for $30 or $40," says Rula Carr, Owner of The Snob in San Marco. You could clean up with old designer pieces too. "Back in the 80's you may have purchased a Chanel pin for $125 or $150 dollars. In today's market that could reach anywhere from $400 to $600," says Carr.
RECORDS
Your music collection may be on your Ipod or Iphone but if you have some records laying around they may be worth some cash. "A Beatles signed album can be worth $5000 or $10,000," says William Brueck of Yesterday and Today Records & Cd's at the Beach Boulevard Flea Market. Brueck says albums from the 60's and 70's by artists like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan sell for the highest prices. Especially if they're never opened and are in great condition.
COMPUTER PARTS
If you're trying to figure out what to do with your old computer, it's time to cash in. "Somebody may want just a keyboard for a good laptop. Someone may just want a new CD Rom drive. Those are all things they can use," says James Grondzik, owner of GTI Grunski Technologies on Beach Boulevard. Grondzik says many buyers will pay more for parts off a computer than the entire computer itself. "The screen can go for say $60-$70 used. The keyboard could go for $20-$30 dollars used. Even the battery and the adapter are worth something," says Grondzik. If you're hesitant pulling apart your old computer, Grondzik says there's online help. "You may be able to actually find a video on YouTube on how to disassemble some of the equipment," says Grondzik. Computer parts are especially popular on Ebay.
BOOKS
Finally, a few of your old books may put some bucks in the bank. "Rare books are the key," says San Marco Bookstore co-owner Desiree Bailey. She says autographed and original editions are highly valued as well as some manuscripts. "Hard to find ones that have limited printing are in huge demand. It's the first printing that's more valuable that the first editions," she says. Old children's books may pay off too.
First Coast News