... Posted this on the general forum with no response and was told to move here for more feedback.

Howdy Ags,
I am class of '16 and just bought my first home! However, I have no appliances or furniture in the house. What are the best places to look for appliances at? It is my first home and not my dream home, so I am not necessarily looking to buy all brand new appliances. Do yall have any suggestions on where/ how to buy a used appliance without getting hosed? Also, is there certain appliances that I should just nut up and pay for a new unit versus getting somebody else's older model? Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks and Gig'em!

When you say no appliances, you mean nothing at all? No dishwasher, oven, cooktop, or microwave? Or just fridge and WD? In the last two years or so, I bought a new fridge and dishwasher, both at nebaska furniture mart. I also got a new microwave last year at HD. The microwave was replacing a built in, so I needed a specific size as well as trim kit, so I did not end up having a ton of options. The fridge is a pretty basic side-by-side GE. The more I researched fridges, it seemed the more frills and tech, the more problems they had. Mine has been going on 2 years now and doing well. Dishwasher is GE as well. I've had it about a year and it's been fine. I also have an LG washer and dryer, going on 6 years with no problems.

That's about all I've got for you. I have bought used appliances in the past when I was younger. I bought a refurbished washer and dryer when I lived in Los Angeles from a reputable business. I'm not sure I would be too keen on buying something from an individual, as you really have no idea what you'd be getting. Although, I guess if it's cheap enough, then maybe it doesn't matter.

Both Lowe's and Home Depot will have open box appliances from time to time.

After Harvey, that is all my brother bought while his home was being renovated and he had pretty good luck.

I have a water heater and a sink.

FYI, Energy Star Weekend is coming up.

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/96-1331.php

I've had luck on the LetGo app but do your research on model and going market price before making a buy. Good luck.

Memorial Day sales are in play. Buy new, rather than risk used...just go for an entry level model. You'll get almost as good a deal as piece milling used if you buy all new in a set package. Try the standards, Home Depot Lowe's and Best Buy. Don't be afraid to go online at like build.com.

If you find an open box item, do not hesitate to throw out a low ball offer. I was told by a Lowe's employee that managers typically want these items gone as quickly as possible and will come off of the open box price quite a bit. Worst case, they say no and you decide whether to buy at the marked down price. Also possible that they counter the offer and you still get it for less. No harm in trying!

Oh, and always measure twice at home before going shopping! If fitting into a tight space, don't assume all (or any for that matter) walls are square. Measure widths at multiple heights, etc.

Hobbes01 said:

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If you find an open box item, do not hesitate to throw out a low ball offer. I was told by a Lowe's employee that managers typically want these items gone as quickly as possible and will come off of the open box price quite a bit. Worst case, they say no and you decide whether to buy at the marked down price. Also possible that they counter the offer and you still get it for less. No harm in trying!

Oh, and always measure twice at home before going shopping! If fitting into a tight space, don't assume all (or any for that matter) walls are square. Measure widths at multiple heights, etc.

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I work in commercial construction so I have learned many of lessons by assuming that any opening is square!

Hobbes01 said:

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If you find an open box item, do not hesitate to throw out a low ball offer. I was told by a Lowe's employee that managers typically want these items gone as quickly as possible and will come off of the open box price quite a bit. Worst case, they say no and you decide whether to buy at the marked down price. Also possible that they counter the offer and you still get it for less. No harm in trying!

Oh, and always measure twice at home before going shopping! If fitting into a tight space, don't assume all (or any for that matter) walls are square. Measure widths at multiple heights, etc.

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I second the "make an offer" advice. I forgot to mention that in my post.

For appliances, at this point in your life buy refurbished unless you have lots of money. That's what I did. Thought I would spend 600 total on refurb washer and dryer to get through my first couple years out school, and then drop grown-up money on new ones when those conked out. Ten years later they are still going strong.

Hit estate sales. Sometimes can get some good deals on nice furniture

If you are buying new and are a Sam's or Costco member, give them a look. They are usually limited on brands and models. But the models they are are usually mid to upper tier and sometimes they throw in a longer extended warranty.

Many retailers also give discounts for bundles. Meaning XX off the price if your stove, microwave & fridge are all in the same series from the same vendor.

Wow, that a tough hit when buying your first house. Good luck.

Also good info on energy star weekend. That can add up if you are buying everything new.