If you're not quite ready but think you might move in a few years, there are things you can do now to prepare your home for when you are ready to list. 

With the market softening and starting to favour buyers, Sellers will once again need to pay attention to condition of the home. When you’re in selling mode its wise to take care of the small details before going to market. Many home inspectors offer pre-sale inspections in order to assist home sellers repair or replace damaged or missing items. Check that:

-          Window open and close with ease.

-        ...

With Spring here let’s re-focus our attention on the importance of curb appeal when selling! The yard is often times the first thing potential buyers notices 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...

Staging helps sell your home faster and it doesn't have to be expensive.
- Clear all surfaces of clutter. Less is more. Minimal decor is best, to allow buyers to see more of the space and less of your stuff.
- Remove all clues that you own a pet. Freshen up the air to get rid of all the pet odours. Our little furry friend runs the house now, but when we're listed, we don't want anyone to know she lives there!  When buyers see any pet items, they immediately smell your pets (even if the...

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:

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...

One for the Money, Two for the Show:
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...

• 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 box....

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...

When considering which of two or more competing offers to accept for your home, there is no doubt price will play a huge role. After all, if Offer #1 is $10,000 higher than Offer #2, that’s an enticing difference that puts thousands of extra dollars in your pocket.

However, price isn’t the only thing you should think about when comparing multiple offers. There are other factors you need to consider too. For example, you’ll need to think about the impact of any conditions that are...

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...

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...