Every Thursday morning, Jeanie Crittenden follows the signs, searching for treasure.

A self-described garage sale guru, she loves both the process and the prize - and during two decades, there have been plenty of jackpots:

*A signed Eisenberg brooch purchased for a dime and valued at $350.

*A Louis Vuitton handbag for $35.

*A numbered "Star Wars" poster for $5, later sold to a local specialty shop for $150.

*A Jiminy Cricket videotape bought for a dime and sold on eBay for $65.

And there are countless antiques, appliances, toys and designer clothing items bought at a fraction of their full price that fill her home and office.

"It's kind of an adrenaline rush," says Ms. Crittenden, a marketing assistant for a financial planner. "For me, it's just a fun and sometimes profitable hobby."

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