What’s that old saying? The early bird gets the worm! In this case, by starting the process this month, you’ll be in excellent shape when you’re ready to list in the spring. 

Here are just a few examples of what you can do in December to get the process started:

It’s official: you’ve signed the papers, dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s—you own a new home! You’ve almost reached the end of your journey. However, now, faced with the daunting task of moving, it may seem as though the journey has just begun. Moving can be a time-consuming and stressful experience if you let yourself be overwhelmed by the job. Remember, though, having a successful move means taking care of the details, one by one. If you break the process...

After putting in a huge amount of time and effort to get your home looking good and ready to sell, your hard work is finally going to pay off: your home is on the market—you’re ready to begin showing. Your house should always be at-the-ready for a tour, as agents may bring clients by with very little notice. If they catch you unprepared and you aren’t able to show the house on the spot, you could be losing out on a sale. Concentrate on the following areas to ensure your home is ready...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...