Lara Spencer's tips on finding great deals at flea markets

Fall brings with it an abundance of flea markets, estate sales, and yard sales. Good Morning America's Lara Spencer just released her second book, 'Flea Market Fabulous,' and I had a chance to chat with her and pick her brain about how to scoop out the best deals.

Lara Spencer boasts what she calls a gold medal in dumpster diving - a skill she says spans generations.

"My little girl loves it as much as I loved it as a little girl. I used to go along with my mom and that's how this whole thing started," Lara said.

In the book she makes a DIY-er out of anyone, walking you through the step by step process of reinventing and re-purposing budget finds.

She says with a little sand paper, some primer and a few easy tools you can rescue, recycle, and repaint just about anything.

Lara says, "You can also find pieces that are pretty ready at flea markets. They are not all as frightening as the ones I choose."

To get the best bargains, Spencer says you MUST go prepared.

Start by packing a measuring tape and take cell phone pictures of the rooms you are looking to redo.

Make sure you have a notebook with measurements of the existing furniture in your room so you know the spaces that you have.

Bring tear sheets from magazines - or even her book - that inspire you. Don't forget the sunblock - and dress in layers.

"I would bring wipes because it gets down and dirty at the flea market," she said.

Go with an open mind... and cold, hard money.

Finally, to get the best price, just be nice!

Lara says, "I always like to say 'please.' Take the 'hag' out of haggling."

"Be polite - say, 'Look I love this piece. What's your best price?"