The yard is often times the first thing potential buyers notice about your home. If the landscaping hasn't been taken care of it can look like an overwhelming amount of work to a prospective buyer and they'll likely take that first impression with them through the rest of the home.

If you have a high maintenance yard, make sure it's well taken care of before showings. Trees are a valuable asset! Whether they’re in your yard or just around the neighborhood, having well-kept mature trees...

If your living space is small and you’re preparing to sell then pay special attention to this area.

1. Lighten it up and keep it neutral. Dark colours on walls can add dramatic effect but if any walls are anything other than neutral then painting is a must, even for those on a tight budget. Lighter tones will make the room seem brighter, larger and cleaner.

2. Windows are an important feature so maximize them, don’t cover them up with sofas or drapes. Consider using large mirrors to make...

Is this the year for remodelling your bathroom? You certainly can’t go wrong with the fresh clean look of chic grey and white tones which have dominated the trend. If however you‘re wanting modern, then black is back, so go with a black vanity & trim.

Take tiles all the way to the ceiling unless you’re on a budget as tiling is expensive. If you’re thinking about selling then professional painting is the most effective way to give your bathroom a face lift, select neutral,...

Imagine finding the perfect home, only to discover there is serious interest from at least a dozen other buyers. It’s like scrambling for the last piece of cake at a buffet! Fortunately, there are things you can do to help get the home you want, even in a highly competitive market. Here are just a few ideas:

• Only view a few ideal properties at a time. If you see too many, and thus spread yourself too thin, you risk homes slipping through your fingers.

• Be very realistic about price....

It's summer, and for many homeowners, the lawn battle is on. We weed it, we mow it, we blast it with chemicals. All to get that perfect green carpet that looks so great on the golf course but is so tough to achieve at home.

Start with the soil; add some nutrient-rich compost in spring and fall. If it's sandy, add some humus to help it hold water. Check the pH too. Most garden centres offer this service. If it's less than 6 or 7, add some lime.

Use the right grass; clover and fescue are good for dry...

This type of sale is typically granted by the court if the property is worth less than the mortgage debt. The court with the consent of all parties can order the property be sold by having the property appraised and listed with a real estate firm.

All offers are subject to court approval. Once there is an accepted offer on the property and subjects, such as inspection, have been removed, a court date is set. Usually 10 - 30 days after subject removal.

At this time the accepted offer becomes public...

Staged homes sell faster. It enables a buyer to see themselves in your home and not how you are occupying it.

 Try to remove two-thirds of the items from your home so that its features come forward. Remove anything that identifies who owns the property such as family photos, notes on the fridge etc.

 Keep windows and doors clear, clean and open with curtains tied back to allow in natural light.

 If you have pets be diligent about removing evidence of hair or odors and have them confined...