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Are you someone who likes to walk safely through your neighbourhood at any time of day? Do you love to sit on your front porch and chat with folks as they walk to local stores? Perhaps you would prefer to run your dog through the fairgrounds or walk along the storied Otonabee River. Peterborough’s South End is the place to be for those who love to feel comfortable and active.

Lock 19. Pass a day fishing, picnicing, and talking to boaters.

The Fairgrouds Set Up For The Peterborough Exhibition

Homes here are as varied and interesting as the people who inhabit them. Streets of updated war-time bungalows offer the chance for many first-time buyers to purchase a home in a good, safe neighbourhood while larger brick homes offer wealthy homeowners a place to live in modern comfort and old-world charm.

Typical two-storey, three bedroom brick South End Home

The South End isn’t just about old homes, however. The nearly completed Lock 19 development, overlooking the river, still has lots available and is comprised of various models to fit all needs.

New Homes at The Village At Lock 19

One aspect of the South End ties the area into one community: The ability to walk to all amenities. Be it Lansdowne Place Mall, the many parks and bike trails, Schools, stores, or the long running and famous Peterborough Farmers’ Market, residents young and old need not rely upon their cars. Both smaller businesses and larger box stores are found within walking distance, offering something for all needs and tastes. Of course, live here, and you’re living a stone’s throw from the home of the storied Peterborough Petes OHL team. The Memorial Centre is also home to numerous concerts, sporting events, and trade shows.

The "Mem" Centre: Home of the Petes

Large Area Retailers

Smaller Local Businesses

Peterborough’s South End: Stop by, and you’ll want to stay. Call today to find out how you can be a part of it.

Info@BuyAndSellWithBen.ca

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Speaking in home terms, the furnace is the heart of your home. And just like a heart, a furnace needs regular maintenance too. Without regular check-ups, your furnace can work at a lower efficiency, eat more of your hard-earned income and even cause sickness or death.

Furnace Cleaning
Having your furnace cleaned is an important part of your regular household maintenance. The furnace connects to ducts which are connected to vents in your floor and ceiling. The floor vents often collect food, dust, pet hair and sometimes even toys. When the furnace is turned on, air is force through the ducts and up into your living area. The dust and items in your vents gets distributed through the rooms of your house lessening the air quality and can cause more severe allergies and general respiratory aggravation.

• The clean ducts can result in:
• Improved airflow
• Lower heating costs
• Better air quality

Your furnace should be cleaned every two years or immediately after a new home construction, renovations, or if you have water in your ducts for some reason. The latter can cause mold spores to be spread throughout your house which as we all know is extremely dangerous.

To have your furnace cleaned, make sure you call a professional company that employs certified and trained furnace cleaning staff.

Filter Replacement
Furnace filters should be inspected by the homeowner once per month. Filters are in place to keep dust particles and debris from damaging the fan. Some filters can be vacuumed, others will need to be replaced. Filters can last anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on the type you have.

The rate at which you change it or clean it depends on surrounding circumstances:

• Pets
• Allergies
• Age of furnace
• Type of filter
• Time of year (it will need to be changed more often during the winter months.

Furnace Inspection
To have your furnace inspected, just call your local utility company. Most companies offere a free service and will send out a qualified person to make sure your furnace is still running smoothly and intact.  The inspections should take place in the spring, before the heating season, once per year.

This is probably the most important aspect of furnace maintenance. Your furnace can emit deadly carbon monoxide gas into your house which can lead to sickness and even death. The inspector will be able to see and problems or defects that could lead to this problem.

Remember – just like your body, the furnace also needs a yearly check-up and proper care and TLC.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching on furnace cleaning and plumbing in Edmonton.

One of the huge benefits of living in Canada’s smallest city to be designated as a metropolitan area is one’s ability to “get away from it all” quickly and easily, and without ever leaving the city. I find spending a little time every day among a natural setting is rejuvenating, inspiring, and allows one to put everything in perspective. With our increasingly busy and hectic lives, we need to give ourselves time to keep it all in control. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in forests can actually benefit our health. One study, published in November, 2011, found that stress hormones and blood pressure are reduced by engaging with our natural environment.

While Peterborough boasts a new and expanded hospital, why not avoid having to spend time there? Get out and see a tree! With that in mind, here are three of my favourite places in and around town to walk with my dog daily.

Marl S. Burnham Park – Lansdowne East, across from the Honda Dealership

Formerly a woodlot belonging to the Burnham estate, this 90 acre park offers a chance to experience a light walk of about thirty to forty-five minutes year-round. The trail is hilly in spots but always clear an well maintained. Hikers will find many types of foliage, especially fantastic ferns. The trained eye will also be able to spot wild ramps (a wild type of gourmet onion). I’ve been lucky enough to see three types of woodpeckers, wild turkeys, snakes, and porcupines. A large picnic shelter is available as well. Parking is free.

VIDEO: Burnham Forest

The “Drumlin” at Trent Univerisy – Located on the West Bank of Trent

Trent University, just north of the city, owns an array of natural lands that enhance many students’ studies and experience while there. These lands, many with trails, are also available to the public. My favourite trail is that which winds around the drumlin which separates the university entry road from Lakefield Road. This trail is hilly but not difficult and you may find university teams using it for running training. One interesting aspect of this forest is the abrupt shift from coniferous to deciduous trees near the apex of the hill. Multiple entry points near various parking lots make it an easy spot to find. Pay and Display parking is a dollar an hour.

On the Dumlin

Bridgenorth Trail – Starts at the North end of Hilliard

This long, straight trail runs between farms and fields along a former road allowance. The path is smooth gravel and easily walked. Make it as long or short as you like. Along the way you will see fields, forests, and wetlands. Walk to the end and you will be in Bridgenorth. This trail is a great walk for those who may be less mobile as it is not as arduous as the other two mentioned here. I would say that one in a wheelchair could navigate this trail. Parking is free, and enough people walk the trail in winter to keep a good path open.

Bridgenorth Trail in Autumn

There are Many More

There are many other fantastic places to “get away from it all” without leaving Peterborough. Jackson Park, the fairgrounds, and the Otonabee River are just a few. What is your favourite spot? Let us know!

www.BuyAndSellWithBen.ca Info@BuyAndSellWithBen.ca

Find Vacation rentals for free on OLX.com

Before you can find great vacation rentals you will need to choose the perfect vacation destination. The involved decision making process is as detailed as considerations related to purchasing land for sale. The reality is, if a vacation turns out to be something less than extraordinary, it is only natural to feel a sense of remorse, and maybe even some guilt about the time and money that you spent. In order to ensure your vacation will be all you hope for it is best to keep a few things in mind.

One of the most important things to consider is who will be traveling with you. Ideally you will choose a location that has a lot to offer for everyone that will be along. Also keep in mind that the expected costs involved can vary greatly from one destination to another.

If the vacation is a family event you may want to consider vacation rentals that are located in a location that can offer a lot of activities. But if the trip is intended to be a romantic getaway, a remote setting might be more suitable. Vacations are meant to be both fun and relaxing. With that in mind, it is essential that you plan ahead. The trip should include fun activities, but at the same time, you will want to stay in a rental that offers comfortable features. In general, vacation rentals are less expensive than hotel accommodations.

Choosing rentals is another major step of planning and preparing for a remorse free vacation. Always start with a budget in mind. Then consider the things that are absolutely essential for you to have in your rental space. For some people this may be a swimming pool, for others it could be a waterfront location.

The popularity of vacation rentals is on the increase. The modern rental market now includes everything from typical homes and apartments, to unique rental spaces that can include castles, private islands, tree houses, and more. And the popularity of this vacation rental option has resulted in other advantages too. For example, many of the rentals now offer a sort of ‘lay away’ plan. With this option you can make payments on the rental prior to your vacation. These installment payments can be easier on your budget than paying a large, lump sum all at once.

It is ideal if you know ahead of time, what your vacation space will be like. A great way to begin a search for rentals is to use online classifieds. Many of these websites offer images of the rentals as well as the nearby attractions. California Classifieds, for example, will not only list the expected, things like land for sale in the state, but it will also include information about rental homes in that state. Once you find a home or apartment rental you are interested in, you can easily get detailed information about the amenities of the rental, as well as what the local area has to offer in the way of attractions, shopping, and other interests.

To refinance or not to refinance: That is the question among millions of homeowners.  Interest rates are low, and might continue to be that way well into next year. 

It might be difficult to project when rates might increase, as well as what that increase might represent.  However, consumers may want to imagine the status of interest rates when the term of their mortgage is set to expire.  Certainly, not even experts can predict what will happen over the next several years.  Some of Canada’s projected rate increase activity may be tied to that of the U.S.  Since our neighbours to the south are not experiencing anything resembling a strong economic recovery, U.S. interest rates may continue to be quite low.

It should also be considered that five-year, fixed-rate mortgages have never, in Canada’s history, been as low as they are right now.  It is unlikely the rates will get lower, or will be matched, for many years.

By refinancing now, homeowners might be poised to save thousands of dollars on interest.  Consumers may not always pay attention to interest rates, as well as the state of the mortgage market.  Buying and trading stocks may command more attention, but minding one’s more mundane investments might yield significant savings.  It can be fascinating to follow the ups and downs of one’s favorite stocks, but not so much fun in observing the amount of one’s debt. 

Most people are in some level of debt, and their mortgages typically represent the majority of what they owe.  However, that burden might be relieved by examining the type of mortgage currently held and considering those that are currently available.  Homeowners should review all of their debts, not just their mortgages, and rank them on the basis of interest levels.  Minimum payment should be analyzed for each type of debt. 

The mortgage should be reviewed for not just the current interest rate and balance due, but for penalties that might be imposed if it is broken.  The original mortgage agreement contains information on possible penalties.  If the agreement’s language is confusing, an Accredited Mortgage Professional is available to look at the contract at no charge.

If there is little or no penalty, it is worthwhile to estimate savings that might be accrued over a period of years.  A lower rate of interest can help homeowners start saving money as soon as the next payment, while they continue to build equity in their most important investment.

Vancouver Properties

There was a 40-percent decrease in the amount of refinances for current, insured mortgages during the second quarter of this year.  The Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation released this news in its report issued during the week of September 4.  This decline is directly attributable to the government’s imposition in March of tougher restrictions on mortgages.

As of March, refinances on insured mortgages became limited to a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 85 percent.  The ratio had been 90 percent for years. Additionally, the federal government cut the total amortization time for newly issued mortgages from 35 years to 30 years.  The tighter lending regulations have not impacted buying to any significant degree, but mortgage refinancing has been greatly affected.

Mortgage insurance fell by ten percent shortly after the imposition of the new rules, but that shortfall was adjusted to only five percent as of June.  The volume of mortgages declined by 13 percent versus a year ago.  The volume came in at 20 percent under projections.  The CMHC contended that more modest home activity, as well as the decrease in its own insurance share, was responsible for the lessening in action.  Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty reported that he was satisfied with the moderated activity in the real estate market after the imposition of more restrictive lending regulations.

Burnaby Real Estate

As a small business owner who probably struggles with the everyday operations of business and overhead, marketing can sometimes become a secondary concern. This is a mistake that many people make due to lack of experience, budget and marketing know-how. Many businesses fail, not because of profit margins, but because their product or service is not marketed correctly. Marketing can seem unnecessary, expensive and complicated to many but the reality is that it is indispensible, affordable and very easy- if you have the right tools. Simple marketing for small businesses is all around us.

Planning
The first thing any small business needs is a marketing plan. This is similar to a business plan but instead outlines marketing tools and techniques for an organization. A basic marketing plan should include:

Executive Summary or Overview: What is the marketing plan about? Your company’s overall strategy? Or a component / product /service? Include an overview of your objectives, goals and timelines.

S.W.O.T. Analysis: the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for a business.

Goals: What do you want to accomplish with your marketing efforts?

Message: what will be the message (s) you send to your target audience?

Marketing Strategies: What strategies best fit with what you are marketing?

Timeline: Create a time period in which you will be implementing your strategies

Budget: how much can you spend?

Evaluation: How will you evaluate your success? (ROI, analytics, newsletter subscribers, etc.)

Strategies
There are two categories of marketing methods; those we consider “Traditional” and online.

Traditional:

Print: Including dailies and weeklies – paid and free. These marketing tools are valuable sources for news and advertising for your target market. The price varies greatly with these types of advertising with the weeklies and free local papers generally being the cheapest.

Television and Radio: These are not usually popular marketing tools for small businesses due to the cost and the ability of the masses to fast forward through commercials and receive satellite radio now. For larger companies they are essential.

Outdoor: Billboards can be very cost effective with the number of impressions they make. However, small business advertising can get somewhat lost with this platform if not done with a smaller local company.

Online

A relatively new venue for marketing tools, it is now becoming essential for every business to have an online presence. It is cheaper, can be more targeted and offers stellar market research that can open many new doors for a company.

Website: A must for small businesses. This can represent a source of information for your audience, or it can represent a store location, providing online shoppers the option of shopping from home rather than visiting a physical location.

Social Media: This is a rapidly growing marketing tool that almost every company can take advantage of. It encompasses companies and platforms such as: Blogs, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter (among many others) and is a free tool. It also provides the opportunity for invaluable customer feedback and interaction.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising and Search Engine Optimization: Bucking against the norm of paying for an ad and hoping your target market will see it, PPC follows a bit of a different path. Company owners pay each time their ad is clicked on. This offers a much more targeted path to the company’s website, product pages or social media page. Search Engine Optimization offers keyword-enriched search data for websites, ads, social media and more; trying to ensure that the right people see your online profile.

To be truly effective, smaller companies need to combine both traditional and online marketing tools; however, starting out with the online portion is usually more budget-friendly for smaller organizations. Each method and platform should be chose]n based on the target markets’ preferences and tendencies (marketing a home for the elderly may not fare to well on Twitter, etc.)

No matter the method, budget, timeline or size of the company marketing will play a necessary and essential part of every company’s success. By following these simple marketing steps, any company can maximize not only their visibility, but also their profit.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is marketing professional and is currently researching Advertising in Edmonton, Alberta and local communities, where she currently resides.

Auto repair and maintenance is no joke – vehicles not only need to be operating at optimum performance levels, they also need to be repaired and maintained within a set timeline and budget; two considerations that many mechanic shops take no notice of. If you’re new to the area, or just looking for a change there are many factors to consider when finding the best mechanic.

A lot of us aren’t that great with auto repairs, which is why we go to the mechanic’s in the first place. But how can we trust that what they’re telling us is the truth? And how do we know that they are being honest about prices? The answer: we don’t. But when you find the best mechanic for your needs, you’ll have a much better shot at getting your car fixed in a superior fashion, without being taken for a ride.

Start your search by word of mouth. Ask your friends and family which repair shops they frequent. People generally don’t stay with a mechanic that treats them badly, so you’ll have a good chance of landing a nice, honest mechanic this way. When you have a short list, compare locations. Find the mechanic shops that are in a convenient location (either close to home or work).

Don’t wait until you’re in a dire situation; book a routine appointment with the auto repair shop of your choosing and then do a little price comparison with other places. When you’re there ask some easy questions:

• Do they use new, used or salvaged parts for large-scale fixes?
• What are their labour rates?
• Do they offer rentals or shuttle service?
• What services do they offer?
• What is their warranty on parts and labour?

A great way to snoop is also to “Google” the shop and see if there are any bad reviews or complaints against their work or billing. Contact the better business bureau as well to see if there have ever been complaints lodged against the shop.

If you’re faced with a large-scale auto breakdown and need  a different level of work done, make sure to call around and compare prices and always ask which parts they will be using – vehicle specific or general.

As with any service, make sure there is the promise of a long-term relationship that you can build on over the years. The best auto repair shops are the ones that pride themselves in honesty, professionalism and customer service. You bring them the work and they’ll leave you with a functioning vehicle and the shirt you came in with.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Auto Repair in Sherwood Park, Alberta and auto service.

In the past forty years a trend has developed in the housing market: Bigger is Better! Unfortunately, with bigger comes much more responsibility; financially, mentally and physically. Buying a smaller home may be the answer to the stress, the bliss and the constant cleaning and mowing… Downsizing may be the answer.

Why Downsize?
Home buyers downsize for many reasons, the most typical being that they’re empty nesters and son’t need or want the pressure of maintaining a larger home. Another usual reason is lack of cash flow, as we saw when the economic crisis hit North America and many were forced out of their bigger houses. Some people simply want a different way of life: a simpler existence with less impact on the Earth, and their wallets.

There are several advantages to making the move to a cozier place:

With a smaller house or condo comes a smaller plot of land: less lawn and garden to maintain. The time that used to be spent trimming, mowing and sweeping can now be dedicated to other endeavors.

With less house comes less cleaning time! Imagine the amount of time that gets shaved off of your mopping and vacuuming schedule when you know off a thousand square feet or so. Again, time that could be devoted to hobbies, travel or quality hours with your family.

Financially speaking, selling a house and downsizing can make a tremendous impact on your lifestyle. Families and couples that previously found themselves constantly strapped for cash become free to use their hard-earned money on things other than steep mortgage payments, utility bills and property taxes.

When you sacrifice on space, you are gaining on extra cash which could open many doors: more travel time, more time with your family, more time for hobbies, or more cash flow for home improvements.

Downsizing 101: What to Look For
When buying a smaller home, there are many factors to take into consideration.

• Make sure you think about your or your family’s needs. Do you want to be close to a school, or removed from a family neighbourhood?
• Is the neighbourhood or building pet-friendly?
• What is the size of the yard?
• Will the majority of your belongings fit into the new house?
• What are the main selling points that you can’t live without? (e.g. large master bathroom, craft room, office, etc.)

How to Make the Move
Before you set out to your smaller abode, a possession purge may be in order. Your new home will not have the same amount of space and a few adjustments may need to take place.

Take stock of your furniture and make sure it will all fit into the new place. If not, a shopping trip may be in order; replace your sectional with something smaller.

Have a garage or yard sale to get rid of furniture and knick knacks that will take up precious space in the new house. Donate the gently used items that don’t sell; don’t take them with you!

Throw out or shred all of your old paperwork that isn’t needed anymore and make a trip to the recycle depot in your neighbourhood with old electronics.

Plan out the use of every new room before you move in. because of the smaller space, you will need to turn a room or two into multi-purpose rooms (i.e. an office / guest room).

Downsizing is an adventure that can help you and your family take advantage of more activities and opportunities that life has to offer. Embrace the opportunity and repeat: Smaller can be Better!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Spruce Grove Real Estate in Alberta.

In the past forty years a trend has developed in the housing market: Bigger is Better! Unfortunately, with bigger comes much more responsibility; financially, mentally and physically. Buying a smaller home may be the answer to the stress, the bliss and the constant cleaning and mowing… Downsizing may be the answer.

Why Downsize?
Home buyers downsize for many reasons, the most typical being that they’re empty nesters and son’t need or want the pressure of maintaining a larger home. Another usual reason is lack of cash flow, as we saw when the economic crisis hit North America and many were forced out of their bigger houses. Some people simply want a different way of life: a simpler existence with less impact on the Earth, and their wallets.

There are several advantages to making the move to a cozier place:

With a smaller house or condo comes a smaller plot of land: less lawn and garden to maintain. The time that used to be spent trimming, mowing and sweeping can now be dedicated to other endeavors.

With less house comes less cleaning time! Imagine the amount of time that gets shaved off of your mopping and vacuuming schedule when you know off a thousand square feet or so. Again, time that could be devoted to hobbies, travel or quality hours with your family.

Financially speaking, selling a house and downsizing can make a tremendous impact on your lifestyle. Families and couples that previously found themselves constantly strapped for cash become free to use their hard-earned money on things other than steep mortgage payments, utility bills and property taxes.

When you sacrifice on space, you are gaining on extra cash which could open many doors: more travel time, more time with your family, more time for hobbies, or more cash flow for home improvements.

Downsizing 101: What to Look For
When buying a smaller home, there are many factors to take into consideration.

• Make sure you think about your or your family’s needs. Do you want to be close to a school, or removed from a family neighbourhood?
• Is the neighbourhood or building pet-friendly?
• What is the size of the yard?
• Will the majority of your belongings fit into the new house?
• What are the main selling points that you can’t live without? (e.g. large master bathroom, craft room, office, etc.)

How to Make the Move
Before you set out to your smaller abode, a possession purge may be in order. Your new home will not have the same amount of space and a few adjustments may need to take place.

Take stock of your furniture and make sure it will all fit into the new place. If not, a shopping trip may be in order; replace your sectional with something smaller.

Have a garage or yard sale to get rid of furniture and knick knacks that will take up precious space in the new house. Donate the gently used items that don’t sell; don’t take them with you!

Throw out or shred all of your old paperwork that isn’t needed anymore and make a trip to the recycle depot in your neighbourhood with old electronics.

Plan out the use of every new room before you move in. because of the smaller space, you will need to turn a room or two into multi-purpose rooms (i.e. an office / guest room).

Downsizing is an adventure that can help you and your family take advantage of more activities and opportunities that life has to offer. Embrace the opportunity and repeat: Smaller can be Better!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching Spruce Grove Real Estate in Alberta.

Selling a home is always filled with trials and tribulations. Sometimes the stress is at the outset; divorce, death and separation can be a stressful time and often the decision to sell is mad for you. Sometimes people sell to due to expanding families, or cash flow. Whatever the reason, selling a home can be filled with anxiety … but it doesn’t have to be a perilous journey. There are 7 simple steps to take you from anxious to relieved, as quickly as possible.

1. Trust Your Realtor. Your real estate agent is there to help you sell as quickly and for the most money possible. Listen to what they have to say about pricing and comparable neighbourhood pricing – don’t let your ego do the talking on this one. Also, let him or her give the tours – don’t stick around for viewings or open houses. And be sure to take the agent’s advice when staging your furniture or making the best of your space – they are professionals after all and you don’t want hurt feelings to compromise the sale of your house.  Above all –be honest about problems your house has had in the past; this will allow the agent to answer questions quickly, truthfully and with the best attitude possible.
2. “Spring Clean”, even if it’s September! Before one prospective buyer walks through that door, clean like you’ve never cleaned before – inside AND out. All of the yard work you would typically do in the spring, do it now. Prune, mow, sweep and weed. If there’s snow on the ground, shovel. Hose down the windows and the walk – the outside of your home makes a huge impression as to whether people will come in and stay or duck their heads and keep on going.

   After clearing the outdoors, sanitize your space. Dust all of the areas you haven’t gotten to in a while, vacuum and scrub. Many buyers leave viewings simply because bathrooms look dirty or kitchens look less than appetizing. This is the time to make your house sparkle. A full cleaning should be done before every viewing, if possible

3. Depersonalize and Detach. Start your journey before the “SOLD” sign is up – emotionally detach from your current house and remove personalized items. Family photos can be packed, as can the “Bless this Mess” sign hanging in the hall. Remember that you have probably had sufficient time to customize your home – now is the time to de-customize so visitors can envision their own style taking over.
4. Freshen Up. Every house could use a fresh coat of paint before newcomers venture in. Try to paint the walls a neutral colour and make things light and airy. If there are any little fixes that can be made (small holes in the wall, dripping faucets, stains in the carpet, etc.) try and do the best you can without spending too much dough. The new owners will probably change the things that need changing after the fact.
5. Store Your Clutter Off Site. Most people accumulate clutter at some point. Whether it’s in a closet, drawer (or three), or toy boxes, make sure to pack it up and ship it out before people start moseying through. De-cluttering will make your house look bigger and more streamlined.
6. Fur is Murder… For the Sale. Fido, Snowball and harry the Hamster may be members of your family – there’s no disputing that – but they are not good sales points for your realtor. Animals are stinky, they shed and, well, leave little “surprises” all over the yard and sometimes the house. While you may love their habits and quirks, it’s doubtful that anyone else will. Before any showings, remove any sign of your animal and de-scent the house. Litter boxes and pooper-scoopers can be can be hidden, the yard should be free of debris, and cages can be transported to a friend or relative’s house (or at least freshened and cleaned.) If your dog has to be in the home, make sure he or she is in his / her kennel as dogs can get nervous or overly excited when strangers come through.
7. Self-Promote! Your realtor may be a whiz, but with the market the way it is lately, it’s always a good idea to put the buzz out about your abode. Social Media sites like Facebook, Youtube and local listing sites like eBay and Kijiji are great places to post pictures, videos and details about your house. Most modern realtors will offer this service, but you can always use your friends and family to help you out as well. If you are taking your own photos, be sure to take them on a bright, sunny afternoon (after your big cleanup) so people can see the home in its best light.

Take a deep breath and get out the Mr. Clean… It’s time to sell a house – fast!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance author and web publisher. She is currently researching how to sell a house in Edmonton, and the Canadian Real Estate Market.