The Anniston Star l Sunday, March 23, 2014 l Page 6E
SUNDAY RECORD YOUR GUIDE TO PUBLIC RECORDS AND VITAL STATISTICS IN CALHOUN COUNTY BANKRUPTCIES
DEATHS Betty Ruth Abernathy, Leesburg Donald Wayne Adkins, Piedmont Callie Mays Anthony, Georgia Donald C. Atkinson, Anniston Coy D. “Buck” Bailey, Roanoke Mary Lou Ballard, Anniston William Herbert Barker, Anniston Herman Walter “Wally” Barthel, Jacksonville Jackie Black, Anniston Jimmie Lee Boyd, Ohatchee Renee Brimer, Kentucky Early Brown, Anniston John J. “Johnny” Brown, Anniston Arthur Aaron Bunn, Wedowee Thelma Lillian Buote, Anniston Brandon Camp, Lineville Hollis Collins, Georgia Lillie P. Curry, Talladega Charles E. Dark, Anniston Jimmie Rose Tolbert Deweese, Blue Mountain Edmond Lewis Donaldson, Oxford Edna L. Furgerson Dunn, Heflin Jerry Harrison Dyar Jr., Anniston Stevie W. Flemmons, Anniston Patsy “Pat” A. Forsyth, Piedmont Michael DeWitt Grissom, Piedmont Claudette Holmes, Piedmont Gregory Shayne Hopkins, Anniston J.D. Hudson, Wellington
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A Chapter 13 bankruptcy enables debtors, through court supervision and protection, to propose and carry out a repayment plan under which creditors are paid, in full or in part, in installments over a three-year period. During that time, debtors are prohibited from starting or continuing collection efforts. The following bankruptcies declared by Calhoun County residents were recorded by U.S. Bankruptcy Court Northern District of Alabama last week:
Chapter 7 • Christopher L. Haynes and Dawn G. Haynes, Kingsway Drive, Anniston • Joyce A. Drake, Cresthill Avenue, Anniston • Sheila D. Hulsey, McFall Road, Jacksonville • Linda Joyce Zickafoose, Chinch Creek Road, Piedmont • Nathan L. Pope, Woodland Avenue, Piedmont • Steven P. Cooper, Alexandria-Jacksonville Highway, Alexandria • Jamey Robertson, Thrash Lane, Anniston • Connie G. Bishop, U.S. 78 East, Anniston • Lawanna Fleming, Quietview Drive, Jacksonville
Chapter 13
• Sarah Jeanette G. Poole, East 22nd Street, Anniston • Donna R. Dennis, Hutchenson Drive, Anniston
FORECLOSURES • Randall J. Worthy, Stonehaven subdivision, block C, lot 5. • Rochelle D. Cammack, R.M. Howell subdivision, block 9, lots 11 and 12. • Joshua P. Hughes and Shanda Hughes, Lakewood Estates, 2nd addition, block 2, lot 8. • Jeremy Pardue, De’Ville Estates, lot 7. • Frank A. Sims and Martha T. Sims, Green Meadows subdivision, block B, lots 11 and 12. • Dorothy Ann Reynolds, Lakeview, lots 8 and 9. • Tracy Chaillot and
RATE OF BANKRUPTCIES
1515
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows the debtor to retain certain exempt property, but the debtor’s remaining property is gathered and sold by a trustee from which creditors will receive payment. It may also be used by businesses which wish to terminate their business.
Ruby Ellen Gossage Kent, Heflin Lois Key, Oxford Jack B. Knighton, Oxford Kenneth Mack Lee, Heflin Stephen D. Lloyd, Anniston Betty Knight Lovelady, Ashland Virginia Lee Carwile Loveless, Ashland Mary Jim Pitts Lowery, Ashland LaBrian Marizette, Talladega Ruth McGillicuddy, Homewood Ella Miller, Eastaboga William “Jack” Mullins, Hoover Patricia Ann Norman, Fort Deposit Mike Nunn, Anniston Nedra Gail Pruitt Post, Ohatchee Grady Prestridge, Lineville Catherine Wood Reeder, Ohatchee Mildred W. Smith, Anniston Syble Stinson, Centre Dr. Bill Dean Stout, Tenn. Lugrain Swain, Talladega John Townsend, Oxford Lois Funderburg Truss, Anniston Infant Ward Jr., Anniston Joseph Terrell “J.T.” West Jr., Anniston Judith Ann West, Anniston Lois Taylor Whaley, Roanoke Larry Joe Whorton, Centre Janet Kay Wilson, Oklahoma Shirley Ann Gooden Woods, Lincoln Artie Lee Wynn, Munford
For the latest in local news, visit www.AnnistonStar.com
MARRIAGE LICENSES • Jose Alfredo Becerra-Becerra of Oxford to Cristina Rios-Becerra of Oxford • Christopher Lamond Glover of Anniston to Heather Nicole Miller of Anniston • Scott Lee Harmon of Anniston to Ashlie Paulette Bussey of Anniston • Christopher Adam Stambaugh of Piedmont to Fransis Shante Bedwell of Piedmont • Shannon Dawayne Adams of Munford to Stacy Ann Braden of Munford • Justin Richard Anderson of Anniston to Connerie Sabrina Camp of Anniston • Matthew Robert Nagrone of Oxford to Ashley Michelle Bryant of Oxford • Aaron Heath Wade of Weaver to Aleesa Brianna Hicks of Weaver
DIVORCES • Candace Denise Tyson and Antwone Dewayne Tyson • Jeffery Todd McPherson and Jennifer N. McPherson • Eric Lyle Stewart and Polly Michelle Stewart • Melba O. Cate and Larry J. Cate Sr. • Kerry Harper and Joshua Harper • Jamie Leigh Hurst and Jeramie Alan Hurst • Jena Deette Smith and Adam Edward Smith • Damien Williams and Sanniyyah Williams • Mark Edward Lusk and Connie L. Lusk • Stephanie Christian Light and Benjamin Kenneth Light • Joel Pullem and Amber Pullem • Sherry Wheeler-Wilkins and Tommy
Wayne Wilkins • Brandon Le Steele and Kimberly Steele • Elizabeth Martin and Joshua Martin • Bradley B. Blessing and Mary Blessing • Lindsey Scott Ramey and Sonja McKinney Ramey • Kimberly S. Adams and Gregory K. Adams • Paula M. Winston and Doneareum S. Winston • Charlanda Elaine Embry and Korey Lamar Embry • Malcolm Laray Lindsey and Chasity Arnold Lindsey • Rebecca Nelson and Lawrence Nelson • Ed Wren Collier and Paula Jane Collier • Naomi Burrell and Jacob Burrell • Stephanie Weathington and Barry Keith Weathington
Here is the livestock market report for the Tuesday sale. Receipts for this week 582 compared to 868 last week. Receipts a year ago 657.
FEEDER CLASSES:
Bulls and steers (Medium and Large No. 1 and No. 2): 200-300 lbs. Too Few; 300-400 lbs. 235.00 to 265.00; 400-500 lbs. 210.00 to 235.00; Steers 240.00 to 252.00; 500-600 lbs. 190.00 to 219.00; 600-700 lbs. 160.00 to 175.00. Heifers (Medium and Large No. 1 and No. 2): 200-300 lbs. Too Few; 300-400 lbs. 210.00 to 230.00; 400-500 lbs. 180.00 to 202.00; 500600 lbs. 167.00 to 190.00; 600-700 lbs. 150.00 to 170.00.
SLAUGHTER CLASSES:
Cows: Breakers 90.00 to 102.00; Boners 100.00 to 106.00; Lean 93.00 to 98.00. Bulls: Normal Dressing 54-58% 113.00 to 117.00; High Dressing >58% 125.00; Low Dressing <54% 106.00 to 110.00.
INCORPORATIONS
• Southern Chic Boutique LLC • Seals Properties LLC • AlaNet Marketing LLC • Dram Auto Sales Inc. • Veterans United Foundation • Global Merchandise Liquidations Inc. • Carroll’s Body Shop LLC • O’panama LLC
Dissolved Dave Chaillot, Blue Pond subdivision, • Geordan Lifestyle Centers Holley’s addition, Inc. lots 9 and 10. • Atlas Equipment Pell City • Amos D. LLC McNaughton and • Specialty Contractors and Vicky J. McNaughSupply Plumbing Division ton, Vaughn’s subInc. division, lots 78-185, lot 149. WILLS PROBATED • Aubrey Gene • Lewis Dennis Lankford Hicks Jr. and Patricia A. Williams, • Teresa S. Laney Gladden Manor, 2nd • Ina Sue Carroll addition, lot 10. • Carrie L. Wells, • Henry L. Heine Sr. Windwood Estate, lot 4. EDITOR’S NOTE • Robert G. Angles The material inside the Sunday as they appeared on the documents and Catherine D. Record is recorded by The Anniston obtained by the newspaper. Direct Angles, Dr. C.W. Star from various institutions and questions and comments about Sunday Hastings subdiviRecord to Isaac Godwin at igodwin@ sion, block A, lots 6 government offices. and 7. The public records are published annistonstar.com.
BLOTTER
ARRESTS The people listed in this arrest report, whose names and charges are obtained from public records, are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
of marijuana. • Cason Seberen Hare, 25: possession of a controlled substance. • Shelly Ann Smith, 40: interference with custody.
Anniston
Calhoun County
The following felony arrests were reported by the Anniston Police Department (addresses not provided) during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. • Kayleigh Danielle Pettus, 25: breaking and entering a vehicle. • Timothy Michael Price, 24: domestic violence. • Desmond Deonte Efford, 23: first-degree possession
The following felony arrests were reported by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office during the seven-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday. • Keimon Bernard McRath, 27, of Anniston: failure to appear in court. • Christopher M. Gault, 37, of Ohatchee: third-degree burglary, motion to revoke bond. • Thomas John Atchley, 34, of Quality: agency assist.
• James Dyrke Johnson, 44, of Anniston: second-degree escape. • Rita Turley Puls, 53, of Jacksonville: bond revocation. • Oscar Lee Jennings Jr., 41, of Ohatchee: violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification act. • Ryan Lyle Evans, 37: probation violation. • Kenny Dale Moore, 45: distribution of a controlled substance. • Joshua Clee Norman, 37: failure to appear in court. • Gary Morrell Lane, 30, of Montgomery: fugitive from justice. • Erica Janette Ogle, 40, of Anniston: failure to appear in court.
PROPERTY TRANSFERRED • Charlotte Burgess Pogue to Joshua Jon Pogue and Lori Allison Williamson and Charlotte Burgess Pogue, a parcel of land in section 33, township 13, range 7, $10. • Rosemary Chaney Knowlton to Ronald E. Whited and Lorraine Whited, a parcel of land in section 19, township 16, range 9, $10. • Edna Marie Smith to Paula B. Smith and Joseph W. Beard, a parcel of land in section 23, township 14, range 7, $10. • La-Tanya A. Williams to David J. Williams, Cider Ridge subdivision, phase 1 reassessment, block YI, lot 19YI.
• Tyrone Dewayne Smith of Jacksonville to Mae Leah Johnson of Jacksonville • Joseph Lee Bolden of Oxford to Laura Hope Smith of Oxford • Chico Lamont Nation of Anniston to Lasundra Reshaw Mallard of Anniston • John Andrew McClure of Anniston to Sarah Lian Gray of Anniston • Steven Kyle Lovell of Eastaboga to Erin Nicole Beason of Oxford • Donald Brandon Hill of Anniston to Heather Echols Reece of Anniston • John Dustin Parker of Anniston to Christina Michelle Head of Anniston • Matthew Neal McCullars of Weaver to Emily Dawn Randles of Weaver
CATTLE SALE
• Rosie Lee Carter to Donna Lowe and Rosie Lee Carter, Harkins re-subdivision, lot 1, $10. • Darryl B. Booker to Johnny Ragland and Ray Ragland, Anniston Manufacturing Co., block 219, lot 2, $10. • Barry Donner to Scott Gray Donner, a parcel of land in section 1, township 14, range 6, $10. • Marcus McGinnis and Sue A. McGinnis to Marcus McGinnis, a parcel of land in sections 25/30, township 14, ranges 7/8, $10.
Crimes are listed by location. Anonymous tips may be called in to Crime Stoppers at 256-238-1414. A reward of up to $1,000 may be given.
• Bank, 2000 block of Quintard Avenue: cash. (13 incidents.) • Residence, 1500 block of Quintard Avenue: cell phones. • Restaurant, 1500 block Anniston of Quintard Avenue: cell The following property phones. crimes were reported to the Auto-related thefts Anniston Police Department • Parking lot, 400 block of during the seven-day period East 10th Street: 2003 Hyunending at 7 a.m. Thursday. dai Tiburon. • Parking lot, 800 block of Thefts Lagarde Avenue: cell phone, • Residence, 500 block of clothing. Goodwin Avenue: air condi- • Residence, 3400 block of tioning unit. Eulaton Road: 2000 Pontiac • Residence, 600 block of Grand Prix. Sidney Circle: television. • Commercial location, 5500 I.D. theft block of McClellan Bou- • Bank, 5500 block of McClellevard: television, food. lan Boulevard: cash. (Recovered 03-15-2014) • Residence, 3900 block of Calhoun County Bynum Leatherwood Road: lawn mower, stove. The following property • Residence, 500 block of crimes were reported to Virginia Avenue: one-ton the Calhoun County Sherwinch. iff’s Office during the sev-
en-day period ending at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Thefts
• Unknown location, Martin Luther King Drive, Oxford: bingo cards, cash. • Residence, U.S. 431, Alexandria: air compressor, kerosene heaters. • Residence, Red Road 55, Anniston: tools, jump starter with compressor, battery charger. • Residence, U.S. 78 West, Oxford: ladder. • Residence, Dripping Rock Road, Jacksonville: motorcycle.
Auto-related thefts
• Residence, Nelson Avenue, Anniston: 1995 Chevrolet GMT truck. • Residence, Bernard Couch Drive, Anniston: 1994 Chevrolet C1500 truck. • Residence, Old Anniston-Gadsden Road, Ohatchee: 1998 GMC Sonoma truck, four-wheeler.
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JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR WE BUY GOLD SILVER & DIAMONDS
DIAMOND DEPOT
Snow St., Oxford - Across from Cheaha Bank • (256) 365-2087
The Anniston Star
Sunday, March 23, 2014 Page 7E
SUNDAY RECORD CALENDAR: AnnistonStar.com/calendar PROPERTY TRANSFERRED
PROPERTY Continued from Page 6E • Joseph C. Bragg to Jeffrey Suggs and Amy Suggs, a parcel of land in section 14, township 16, range 7, $10. • Edward Scroggins to First United Presbyterian Church, Joyview Heights, block C, lot 8, $50,340. • Phillip Pendergrass and Melton Lecroy to Melton Lecroy and Kathy L. Heiman, R.M. Howell subdivision, block 3, lot 12, $4,800. • Betty Annithe Simpson Wright-Estate to Dennis Keith Wright, Mountainside Village subdivision, lot 5, $160,120. • Housing & Urban Development to Frederick Earl Bailey, Anniston Homestead & Fruitgrowers Assoc., lot 1921, $10. • David K. Wingard to Sam M. Pearson and Allie H. Pearson, a parcel of land in section 14, township 16, range 7, $10. • Jessica U. Hoyle to Shaun Firestone and Jennifer Firestone, Barrington Farms, lot 34, $10. • Annette Cangialosi to Lisa Hale, a parcel of land in section 30, township 15, range 8. • Craig A. Rivers to Chadrick R. George and Crystal A. George, Pinewood subdivision, Nelson addition, lot 19, $100. • Housing & Urban Development to Jacob Wayne Turner and Brandy Riley Turner, Buckhorn subdivision, phase 5, lot 24, $10. • Margie B. Newell and Cecil Burns to Margie B. Newell and Brenda Faye Farmer, a parcel of land in section 26, township 14, range 8, $10. • Branch Banking & Trust to Stacy
Jon Chamblee, a parcel of land in section 29, township 15, range 9, $10. • Keith J. Cosby and Gertrud Cosby to Wanda Morgan, Brittany Downs, 2nd addition, phase 2, block B, lot 18, $253,000. • Mark Sistrunk to Junette M. Dunn and Shannon W. Dunn, a parcel of land in section 16, township 14, range 9, $162,050. • Steve Adler and Elaine Adler to Ryan Stanislawski and Andrea Rodela, Lenlock Lane subdivision, 1st addition, block D, lot 10, $89,000. • Sharon Brown to Lisa Hudgins, a parcel of land in section 14, township 15, range 7, $10. • Houston Jenkins Jr. to Mike Almaroad, Brad Almaroad and Tyler Almaroad, a parcel of land in section 8, township 14, range 8, $10. • Charlotte P. Poole to Samuel Lee Leahey, Shaddix Martin subdivision, block A, lots 2 and 3. • Mary Charlene Cunningham to Lakeitha Garrett, Anniston Land Co., block 535B, lot 3, $25,000. • Stuart Poe, Randall Poe and Chris Martin to Keith Brown and Jessica Kemp Brown, Sunset Heights, Cynthia Crescent addition, block 3, lots 5 and 6, $69,900. • Housing & Urban Development to John R. Stinson and Sharon June Stinson, Ledford subdivision, block A, lot 12, $10. • Residential Funding Co. LLC to DDB LLC, High Oaks subdivision, 5th addition, block 2, lot 3, $72,000. • Charles Edward Bates Jr. and Maureen Bates to Robert Wayne Bates and Diana Pragas Bates, Vanderford subdivision, lot 29, $10. • Geraldine W. Brown to Kevin S. Brown, Michael G. Brown, Stephen L. Brown and Timothy S.
Brown, a parcel of land in section 19, township 16, range 9, $10. • Kay Hubbard to Kay Hubbard, Joe Bennett, James Bennett and David Bennett, Blue Pond subdivision, block E, lots 12 and 13, $10. • John Balsamo and Sue K. Balsamo Trust to Antonio J. Balsamo Jr., John Balsamo and Sue K. Balsamo, Mohawk Mountain Resort, lots 25 and 26, $10. • Nathaniel H. Ponder and Nell M. Ponder to the Nathaniel H. Ponder and Nell M. Ponder Living Trust, a parcel of land in sections 26/35, township 13, range 9, $10. • Matthew Ellis to JTG Enterprises Inc., Wildwood subdivision, 2nd addition, lots 4 and 5, $100. • Torey S. Thomas to Hazel Creek Properties Inc., Anniston Land Co., block 533, lot 18, $1,000. • Wells Fargo Bank to Raymond Cook Jr. and Ardrena Cook, Anniston Land Co., block 536B, lot 9, $25,000. • Paula Brooks and License To Chill LLC to Scott Stephens, Sam Holland rearrangement, block 604, lot 18, $10. • Nathaniel H. Ponder and Nell M. Ponder to the Nathaniel H. Ponder and Nell M. Ponder Living Trust, a parcel of land in sections 26/35, township 13, range 9, $10. • Gerry W. Brown to Kevin S. Brown, Michael G. Brown, Stephen L. Brown and Timothy S. Brown, Blue Pond subdivision, area 2, block J, lots 17 and 18, $10. • Virginia K. Fulmer to Virginia K. Fulmer and Melba Jane Fulmer Motz, Golden Springs subdivision, 3rd addition, block G, lot 2, $10. • Habitat for Humanity of Calhoun County to Lakeitha Jones, Wellborn Manor, 5th addition, lot 43, $10.
• Mark A. Hall to Jennifer B. Hall, Carterton Hills, block 6, lots 1 and 2, $10. • Charles L. Woodrow and Margaret Woodrow to Robert Howard, a parcel of land in section 6, township 13, range 9, $72,000. • Doyle E. Baer and Helen F. Berrigan to Eric Harrington and Deirdre Harrington, a parcel of land in section 20, township 14, range 9, $245,000. • Ronald E. Pulling and Marcia L. Pulling to CMH Homes Inc., a parcel of land in section 30, township 16, range 7, $9,900. • Betty Sue Brown to Audrey Suzanne Brown, Standard Coosa Thatcher Co., block 20, lot 2, $10. • Jeremy K. Cromer and Amanda G. Cromer to Cromer LLC, a parcel of land in section 3, township 15, range 9, $10. • Michael Randall and Janet N. Randall to Mary Elizabeth Patrenos, Duke Kennedy Trustees subdivision, block 570, lot 16, $10. • Jimmy Darrell Hill to Daniel Rodrigues and Teresa Branham, a parcel of land in sections 26/35, township 14, range 7, $28,060. • Lawrence R. Ramsay and Barbara D. Ramsay to Lawrence R. Ramsay and Barbara D. Ramsay, a parcel of land in section 32, township 14, range 9, $10. • Marcella S. Gordon and Barbara Z. Shedd to Marcella S. Gordon, Rolling Hills subdivision, 1st addition, lot 50, $1. • Alliance Realty Capital LLC to Barbara Hinton and Donald Clark, a parcel of land in section 28, township 14, range 6, $18,000. • Margie W. Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, Westview Heights subdivision, block 3, lot 15.
• Margie W. Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, Anniston Land Co., block 314, lots 5 and 6. • Margie W. Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, Westview Heights subdivision, block 3, lots 4 and 5. • Margie Wade Suggs and Loretta Wade Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, Westview Heights subdivision, block 1, lots 1-7; block 2, lot 1. • Margie W. Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, a parcel of land in section 36, township 15, range 7. • Margie W. Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, Anniston City Land Co., block 314, lot 16. • Margie W. Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, a parcel of land at the intersection of South Hunter/Black Street, Anniston. • Margie W. Suggs to Larry Jack Suggs Sole Benefit Trust, a parcel of land addressed 2130 Leighton Avenue, Anniston. • Investment Excellence LLC to Christopher S. Murphy and Tabitha R. Murphy, Crestline subdivision, block G, lot 7, $10. • James Michael Whitten and Linda Whitten to Alfonzo Thomas Shurbutt Jr., a parcel of land in section 33, township 14, range 7, $10. • PHH Mortgage Corp. to Housing & Urban Development, Bennett-Willis subdivision, block D, lots 11 and 12, $10. • Robert Daniel Lusk to Dustin Screws and Anna Screws, a parcel of land in section 36, township 14, range 7, $140,000. • TS Fairways LLC to John Etsy, Cider Ridge subdivision, phase 1 reassessment, block SR, lot 1SR; The Fairways at Cider Ridge, phase 4, block 5, lot 21TF, $189,900.
ONLINE SHOPPING Popularity of Facebook garage sales grows BY KATIE HUMPHREY Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Joe Rimkus Jr./Miami Herald
Sandy Tavarez prices items for a garage sale in Cooper City, Fla.
Successful yard sale takes prep BY ALAN J. HEAVENS The Philadelphia Inquirer
With the coming of spring, thoughts turn to yard sales — those events in which one set of Americans buys the stuff another set no longer wants for more or less than the retail price. As far as buying goes, make sure you have enough room to store your new acquisitions, and confirm that your spouse is on board with it. But when it comes to hosting the folks at First Alert appear to know how to do it correctly.
Time it right Many neighborhoods schedule an annual date for all homes and neighbors to participate and will promote the date on your behalf. Some say a weekend around the first or fifteenth of the month is most profitable, but if you’re competing with the town fair, live entertainment will trump your toddler’s toys.
Stage for a sale Plan the layout of your merchandise with the customers in mind and think about how you like to shop. Staging similar items together, like children’s toys on a small table or electronic items near an outlet for testing, will help bargain hunters home in quickly on items they want.
Organize for safety As rummage shopping trips are often family outings, make sure outdoor and garage items are secured out of children’s reach and cords are tied up to reduce tripping hazards.
Be inviting but cautious Greeting guests as they arrive offers a chance to quickly evaluate whom you’re letting near your home and valuables. Be available for any questions they might have about the merchandise, and allow customers to test or examine goods before purchasing to assess their quality. Always monitor shoppers and keep an eye on higher-priced items, especially when they’re placed near the road.
Monitor your money With all of the bargaining and movement during a sale, cash can get lost in the shuffle — especially if you are conducting a group sale with neighbors or friends. Theft at garage sales is a common worry, so take precautions by counting and separating your quarters and bills before shoppers arrive. Secure money in a safe and convenient place.
The hunt for the best garage sale bargains isn’t in the driveway anymore. It’s on Facebook. That’s where you’ll find deal-seekers stretching the warm-weather ritual of neighbors selling to neighbors into a new year-round tradition. Craigslist and eBay have long offered online marketplaces for people to hawk their junk. But some expert garage salers have found a more comfortable option in the many Facebook groups that have begun spreading across the massive social network. These group pages, some of which number in thousands of members, resemble online neighborhoods where friends bump into friends in search of sought-after goods, everything from furniture to children’s toys. “Everybody’s looking for a deal and everybody has extra stuff,” said Jen Fahrmann, who runs the Dakota County MN Swap & Sale Group, which has more than 1,300 members on Facebook. “If you can sell it at a garage sale, you can sell it on the site.” The real benefit, Facebook users say, is the ability to check out buyers’ and sellers’ public Facebook profiles, maybe even spot a mutual friend. While there’s no guarantee that people are honest on Facebook, that’s still reassuring to some, given high-profile crimes that have been linked to Craigslist transactions. “You can get a feel for the person,” said Amber Lynch of Blaine, a member of about 20 online garage sale groups. The online sales work like this: Someone sets up a Facebook group, usually aimed at residents of a city and nearby areas, and approves requests from other users to join. Once someone is a member, they
Mike Ransdell/Kansas City Star
Facebook garage sale groups are offering a more comfortable alternative to websites like Craigslist and eBay. can post pictures and descriptions of items they want to sell. People interested in the items contact the seller by commenting on the post. Then, usually by private message on Facebook, the seller and buyer agree on a public place to exchange the items for payment. Members can also post queries when they are “in search of (ISO)” particular items. Lynch recently used that tactic to score a new wardrobe for her 3-year-old daughter. Within 10 minutes, other Facebook users responded to her post, and for about $20 she received a couple of Gap sweaters, some blue jeans,
Hello Kitty sweatpants and winter boots. Sellers and shoppers make such deals at their own risk, but Lynch said she’s never had a bad experience. “If someone is a no-show or they get a bad review, you can tell the (administrator) of the page and they won’t be able to sell or buy,” she said. Site administrators are volunteers with limited recourse if transactions fall through, except to banish misbehaving group members. Michelle Novotny, who runs New Prague Sales and other groups, said it rarely comes to that because people participating in the sales get
to know each other. If there is drama, it’s usually because someone forgot about a rendezvous or violated a group rule. “I love the fact that so many of our community members shop on this garage sale site,” she said. The community connection is particularly helpful for sites that serve smaller towns like New Prague, Minn., which might not have a critical mass of local people posting items to Craigslist. Facebook garage sale sites in larger cities count thousands of members. “A lot of people don’t have the time to set up real garage sales or they don’t have enough items for a real garage sale,” Novotny said. “This gives them the opportunity, too.” Prices are often a bit higher than they would be at a traditional garage sale, but aficionados say they’re willing to pay for convenience — shopping the sites is easier and quicker than cruising random garage sales with kids in tow. People selling items also bump the prices up to cover gas for the meetup. For example, “Goosebumps” books priced at 25 cents each at a summer garage sale fetched $1 apiece online, said Jamie Hultman of Andover, Minn., who runs the Anoka County Online Garage Sale. She’s seen everything from purses and clothes to tools and motorcycles posted on the site. “There are people out there looking for specific items,” she said. “You can ask a little more pricewise.” Still, the Facebook groups are growing in popularity. Hultman gets daily requests to join her group, which has more than 1,300 members. “People love garage-saling,” Hultman said. “Especially the way the economy’s been and everything, people want stuff for dirt cheap.”
GUIDE TO BUYING AND SELLING ON FACEBOOK In a crowded online marketplace, veteran sellers offer these tips for making sure your unwanted wares catch shoppers’ attention on Facebook. • FIND A FACEBOOK GARAGE SALE. Log onto the social network and search: city or county name, plus the words “garage sale” or “swap and sale.” (One might not exist in your area.) • FOLLOW THE RULES. Most online Facebook garage sales include a permanent post near the top of the page explaining the rules for posting, updating and deleting items. If you ignore the
guidelines, the site administrator might kick you (and your items) out. • TAKE A GOOD PHOTO. People like to see what they are getting. If you want to show the item from multiple angles, create a photo album rather than posting pictures individually. • PROVIDE DETAILS. A great picture of a cute red dress will only get you so far. What size is it? What brand? Is it in good condition? • SUGGEST A PRICE. While there’s often room to negotiate, bidding wars can be tricky to manage through Face-
book comments. • CHECK THE “OTHER” INBOX. That’s where Facebook files messages from people who aren’t official “friends.” Inquiries from buyers will likely end up there. • BE CAREFUL. Even though Facebook profiles offer an extra layer of intel about people, it’s best to meet buyers in public places. • CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF. Site rules vary, but most ask sellers to update or remove posts once items have sold.