Tips and tricks for spotting well-priced quality home ­finds

Some call it talent. I call it a rite of passage. When it comes to practical parenting, some parents focus on teaching their daughters to cook, sew, and bake challah. Me? I was taught from a young age how to spot quality pieces in unconventional places. A Rutgers University marketing expert says “deal proneness” is a trait passed down from parent to child. So, while many would think the thrill of a good find is a learned behavior, it’s actually part of our genetic makeup.

One of my favorite pastimes is browsing through higher-end retail shops, only to head straight to my local HomeGoods to find the exact same pieces for half price. Now I’m sharing my personal methods with you: How to find quality yet well-priced furniture pieces and decorative objects — high on impact, modest on budget.

Do:

> Visualize. Can I picture this in a high-end furniture store?

> Research. Google the item on sale, If you see the regular price is leagues above the ticketed item, you know you’ve found a winner.

> Become an educated consumer. Develop an eye for what’s current and desirable: shop around the higher-end stores so you train yourself to develop a sixth sense for what’s out there.

Recognize high-quality brands. This makes it easier to assess that they’re being sold for half price. On top of the fact that I genuinely loved the look, this mirror was a quick buy because I’d seen it featured in a popular home magazine — a spread that discussed top ten mirrors to look out for!