As you can probably guess, when you're preparing to move, you'll need boxes and tape — and, perhaps some bubble-wrap or old newspapers to use as protective wrapping for delicate items.

But that may not be all you need. Take a look at this list and see if you'll want any of these on hand while you’re packing or on moving day.

• Colour markers for labelling boxes. (Tip: Colour coding boxes by room will make unpacking much easier.)
• Stretch wrap to protect larger items that can't fit into a...

In the business world, a phrase that’s often used is ROI or Return On Investment. It refers to the regular gain (or loss) you’re getting from a particular asset relative to its cost.

When it comes to your home, the gain may be more than financial. It may include the benefit of the lifestyle it gives you. For example, a spacious backyard deck pays off in countless pleasant Saturdays with friends and family. A home’s location near convenient commuting routes means less stress getting...

When you’re selling your home, you want it to look its best. You want buyers who view it to say, “Wow, I love this place!” However, what if you have a stubborn stain in the carpet, or a cracked floor tile? An unsightly issue like that can be distracting in your otherwise beautiful property.

You have a few options.

First, try to get the issue fixed. There are specialty cleaners on the market designed to lift even the most stubborn carpet stains.

The same goes for hardwood and tile....

No matter what you think of snakes, you must agree that they have a unique way of dealing with worn-out skin. When the time comes, they simply shed it — like an old jacket — revealing a fresh new skin underneath.

Your home's roof doesn't have that advantage! So, when the shingles wear out or become damaged, you need to have them replaced.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to determine whether your shingles need replacement right away, or whether you can hold off for another year. Assuming...

There's a reason why there are "kitchen and bath" stores, and even design magazines devoted to these rooms. A well-staged kitchen and bathroom can make the entire home look better. So, it's no surprise that professional home stagers pay particular attention to these spaces.

What do these pros have to say about bathrooms?

Professional stagers advise that you start by taking a picture of the room. Looking at that picture will give you a better sense of how others see your bathroom and reveal what needs...

Once you’ve minimized the clutter in your home, clearing out excess items and furniture, you’ll be ready to concentrate on repairs, cleaning, and decoration. Your goal is to get each room looking its sharpest and most fresh—the better your house looks, the greater your chances that it will sell quickly and for top dollar. Concentrate on the following areas to get your home into selling shape.

Walls and Ceiling: Examine all the ceilings and walls for water stains or dirt. We don’t...

When buyers come to see your home, the first thing they notice is how your property looks from the curb. That first impression is powerful and lingering. If buyers don't like what they see, it can influence how they judge the rest of your property, regardless of how great it looks on the inside.

You definitely want to do whatever you can to boost curb appeal. Here are six affordable ideas to consider:

1. Driveway sealing. This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some...

Let's face it. Planning events, even exciting ones like an overseas vacation, can be stressful. So, it's not surprising that some homeowners — even those thrilled about moving — can slip into "worry mode" when putting their property up for sale.

Unfortunately, this anxiety can make the process of selling an unpleasant experience. Who wants that? So here are some things you can do to reduce selling stress and enjoy the adventure.

• Understand the selling process. The more you know about the...

If you need to sell your home in the next month or two, you might be worried. After all, aren’t spring and summer the ideal seasons to list your property?

If you list in November or December, you might have difficulties attracting buyers and getting the best price for your home. Right?

Not necessarily.

While it’s true that spring and summer are traditionally busy periods in the real estate market, properties do sell every month of the year.

So, if you’re thinking of selling, you...

Why is making a big change in life often so difficult? According to psychologists, maintaining the "status quo" is one of the most powerful motivations we have.

If things are "okay", even making a change for the better can be difficult. Our brains resist. You may have experienced this if you’ve thought about selling your current property and finding your next dream home.

Your house may be "good enough" for you now and the neighbourhood might be "okay" too. So, even if your dream is to get into...

If you have not yet listed your house for sale and you then find the home of your dreams, how will you take advantage of the situation? 

How will you proceed? Do you have enough equity to qualify for another mortgage?

Buyers frequently ask to put an offer in on a property conditional to selling their home. Let's consider the "subject to sale" offer from the Sellers perspective;

• In this scenario, the Seller is not guaranteed a firm sale since it's dependant on if and when the Buyers...

I am often asked if December is a good time of year to be selling or buying real estate. In general, the market tends to slow down at this time of year as the Christmas celebrations and holidays begin; the short daylight hours and the weather also contribute to the slow down. Whether to jump in with both feet or not depends largely on your personal circumstance; how quickly do you need to move? Have you already sold? Are you relocating? 

Whatever your reason for moving is, if you need to...

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...

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...