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You've probably heard of some amazing bargains in the housing market in these tough economic times.

But when it comes to foreclosed homes, brace yourselves.

Our real estate agent described an increase in what I like to call "home rage" during our recent home-buying experience in Greensboro.

That's when a growing number of owners, angry they can no longer keep their homes, take it out on the property.

They smash windows, flood bathrooms, vandalize and steal fixtures, including toilets. You name it.

We saw it for ourselves when we checked out a foreclosed home in Greensboro.

Inside, my eyes began to water. Were they tears of joy that we'd just landed the deal of the century?

Nope. Just the overpowering smell of cat urine. It literally took your breath away.

Sure, if we wanted to fix up the place ourselves, we might have been able to come out ahead financially. And that might have made perfect sense for some.

But for us, we wanted to move into a place that was habitable from the start.

Best part about our new home? Smells great.

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Friendly Center and the Shops at Friendly Center are having a sidewalk sale Saturday.

At Friendly Center, deals include savings up to 70 percent at Eddie Bauer and 50 percent off select handbags, T-shirts and toys at Gotcha Covered.

At the Shops at Friendly Center, save up to 40 percent at Sharon Luggage and up to 50 percent at Simply Meg's.

Details at www.friendlycenter.com.

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We went to the Hospice League's annual flea market in Burlington on a recent Saturday.

Boy, was it packed.

It was also plenty hot. Big fans whirred inside the 100,000-square-foot building, once the Western Electric complex, trying to keep people from overheating.

A couple of pieces of furniture caught our eye. But every one had a "sold" tag on it.

Oh well. Maybe next year.

This year's event, by the way, raised a respectable chunk of change -- $315,000 -- despite economic woes.

The event typically rakes in $400,000. It's now in its 20th year.

Proceeds benefit the Hospice League of Alamance-Caswell.

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Grab those coupons. Harris Teeter is doubling manufacturers' coupons up to $1.98 (normally it's up to 99 cents). Limit 20.

Here are highlights of other deals at some stores in the Triad this week.

Deals end Tuesday, except for Aldi, which end Monday:

• Four, 6-ounce Cattlemen's Ranch steaks are $6.99 per box at Aldi.
• Whole Boston butt pork roast is 99 cents per pound (limit 2) at Lowes Foods, which is doubling manufacturers' coupons up to 99 cents (limit 20).
• Boneless top sirloin steak is $2.99 a pound at Food Lion.
• Buy two presliced meats or cheeses, get three free at Harris Teeter.
• Roseland boneless pork chops are $2.99 a pound at Aldi.

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Do you have retail news or shopping tips for Savvy Shopper? Contact Mike Fuchs at 373-3465 or michael.fuchs.@news-record.com