how can i search for sellers near my area on here?

Use the Advanced Search function.  Click on the Advanced link directly to the right of the big blue search button on most eBay pages or use this link: http://www.ebay.com/sch/ebayadvsearch/

Once you are on the Advanced Search page, enter your search criteria and scroll down (way down) to the Show Results section.  At the bottom of that section is an option to narrow your search results to a specified number of miles from a given zip code or major city.