Two of the biggest stressors for DIYers are projects that cost too much or take too long. Unfortunately, theres no sure way to guarantee that one or the other (or both) won't happen. But there are some things you can o to minimize that probability. 

When budgeting, a big mistake that DIYers make is not considering the little things. For example, you might budget for drywall panels but neglect to include the cost of nails, tape and plaster. It's easy to over look these small items thinking they won't add up to much of an expense. But often they do. In fact, for many renovation projects, the little things account for up to 20% of the cost.

Another expense that is often overlooked is taxes. When you find a bathtub you like for $399, be sure to budget

Imagine you're looking for a new home. You have a list of all the features you want, just like you would have a grocery shopping list. However, when you explore the homes currently on the market, nothing meets your criteria. 

What do you do? You have a few good options.

First, you can take a second list at your list. Does your new home need very single feature on it? Are there one or two features you could do without? For example, can you settle for a smaller kitchen assuming the property has everything else you want?

Often, buying a home that's close to perfect; is enough. 

Second, consider what features yo may be able to add to your home later, by way of renovation or other improvement. if a property doesn't have a finished basement for

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 need 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 box.

Small plastic bags to store dis-assembled parts, such as sofa legs, cabinet hardware, etc. (You don't want to lose them!!!)

Moving blankets to protect floors.

A dolly or hand truck to move heavy items. (You can rent these.) Mattress moving bag. This

1. Driveway sealing.

   This makes the pavement look darker and less faded. It also helps cover up some of the cracks. Sealing won't give you the "brand new" look of repaving, but it's close — and significantly less expensive.

2. Exterior window washing.

   Washing the front windows makes them look clean and bright. In fact, the effect can be stunning. There are window washing products that connect to your hose to make this job easier. Check your home improvement retailer.

3. Maintaining shrubs,hedges and flowerbeds.

   Trimming the hedges, shrubs and other evergreens can make a big difference in how your property looks from the street. It's like giving them all a haircut! Flowering plants can also brighten up the

' Tis the season to be jolly...

Anyone who knows me well knows this I am obsessed with everything Christmas! It's more than eggnog and twinkling lights...to me Christmas embraces everything family, good food and lots of cheer! Who else has Christmas music playing by early November?

In my home we embrace tree decorating. This year we have seven..(yes SEVEN) trees in our home, we couldn't fit the eighth unfortunately. They are all similar in theme and hold ornaments collected over the years. There is something very nostalgic about unwrapping each one and remembering where or why you got it. What was the theme of the tree that year?

This year my main tree is a cardinal theme. A large red cardinal at the top

If you’re thinking ahead to your next dream home, the road you need to take to get there may seem confusing. Do you search for listings online? Drop by Open Houses on the weekends? Call the number on For Sale signs? This most likely feels overwhelming…

Let’s break it all down! Here are the specific steps you need to take to ensure you find a home that fits your wants, needs and budget.

1. Find out how much your current property will likely sell for on today’s market as well as make a plan on how to make minor changes to resale your sale price.
2. Arrange for financing, so you know what you can afford and also if there are penalties or charges associated with your existing mortgage that you may not be aware of.
3. Select neighbourhoods you’d

Moving around the corner or even across town is relatively simple because you are likely familiar with the various neighbourhoods and you can access them anytime. If there’s a listed home you want to view, you can simply go see it.

Relocating to a different town or city, however, is much more challenging. It may not be possible for you to make multiple visits to see homes for sale. You may also be unfamiliar with the various neighbourhoods.

So what do you do if you want to move out-of-town or need to relocate due to work?

Your first step is to get the information you need. You’ll want up-to-date data on the neighbourhoods so you can pinpoint the ones that are the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. You’ll also want to get a sense of the

Is there an area you’d love to get into that’s “hot”? In other words, an area where, as soon as a new home comes up for sale, buyers are clamouring to see it?

It can be intimidating to try to buy into a neighbourhood like that. On one hand, it’s the type of area you’d love to call home. After all, there are good reasons why it’s so popular! On the other hand, you might be discouraged by the competitiveness and prices.

If you want to live in that neighbourhood, there are a couple of things you can do that will increase your chances of success.

The first is to create a strategy. Most buyers rush to see a listing in a desirable area only when it shows up on MLS — or sometimes only when it’s advertised. You’ll have a better chance of getting into the

Wouldn’t it be nice if you had all the time in the world to find your next dream home? You could leisurely browse the current listings, select homes you’d like to see, schedule visits on dates that are most convenient for you, and make an offer on a property only after you’ve had plenty of time to consider all the alternatives.

Sure, that sometimes happens, but it’s not typical. Often, people shopping for a home are on a timeline. Sometimes a very tight timeline.

So how do you find your next dream home when you don’t have all the time in the world?

First, you need to develop a clear picture of the home you’re looking to buy. How many bedrooms? What size of property? What type of structure (two story, back split, etc.)? Then, you need to list your

If you’re working with a landscaping contractor, you want to develop a good working relationship with that professional, so you can avoid delays, stress and other issues. After all, the last thing you want is a tree planted in the wrong spot because of a misunderstanding!

The same holds true when working with a real estate agent. Whether you’re buying, selling, or both, you want the process to go smoothly and successfully. Creating an ideal working relationship with your agent is an important step toward making that happen.

How do you do that?

First, ask your agent to go over the process with you. If you’re selling your home, you want to understand the steps the agent is going to take. That way, there will be fewer surprises. In particular,