Imagine you’ve found the “perfect” home. It’s the type you want, the size you want, and has the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want. It could very well be your next dream home.

But, will it fit your lifestyle? That’s a question worth asking before jumping in and making an offer.

Of course, the type, size and features of a home play a huge role in your lifestyle. However, so does the area.

For example, if you love playing golf on summer weekends, knowing there’s a course nearby will definitely put a smile on your face.

So, when shopping for a new home, make a list of neighbourhood features you know will impact your lifestyle.

List activities you and your family like to do, but also jot down conveniences, such as an easier commute to work. Those affect your lifestyle too.

Ideally, you want to see the perfect home and say, “Not only is this a great home, it’s also in an area that will provide us with a great lifestyle too.” When you’re able to say that, make an offer!

Ideally, when you list your property for sale, you want your entire home staged well. That way, you’ll maximize its appeal to buyers. However, that’s not always possible. So, if you can’t stage everything, focus your energy on those rooms that will have the biggest impact. Here are the rooms buyers tend to scrutinize most:

• The kitchen. Buyers almost always remember the kitchen when they see a home. They either love it or hate it. So, making your kitchen look great is crucial. Make sure it’s clean and uncluttered. A cleared countertop with only a few carefully selected decorative items and a beautifully set kitchen table can have a big impact.

• The living room. People spend a lot of time in the living room, so it’s not surprising that buyers take a close look at this space. Make it seem as spacious and comfortable as possible. The lighting should be soft and pleasant. Professional stagers say putting some books on a table will help set the right mood.

• The master bedroom. This room should, obviously, look uncluttered and warm. If there is an adjoining ensuite, consider it an extension of the same space. The bed should be made to look as welcoming as a nice hotel room bed. A throw and some decorative pillows could make a big difference. The closet – a clutter magnet in most homes – should be as neat and organized as possible.

• The foyer. Don’t underestimate the importance of this space. It’s the first thing buyers see when entering your home. Clear away items, such as shoes, to make the foyer seem open and inviting.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to make your home look attractive to buyers. When rooms are staged well, buyers tend to form a more positive impression and, as a result, you’re more likely to get a good offer.

Staging is a proven method of enhancing the appeal of your home. In some cases, it will not only help sell your home faster, but also result in a higher price. But there is a continuum to staging that you will need to consider.

At one end of the continuum is simple staging, which involves cleaning and decluttering, making some simple improvements, and possibly rearranging furniture in a way that boosts the appeal of each room. That kind of staging is relatively easy and affordable.

On the other end is “showroom style” staging. In this scenario, your home is analyzed by a professional stager, who redecorates to make sure each room looks spacious and attractive – like a showroom in an upscale furniture store.

So where on the continuum should you be when selling your home?

For the most part, that depends on the demand for your listing. If buyers will be clamouring to buy your home, then simple staging might be enough. However, if you’re selling in a competitive market, then more comprehensive staging will give you an edge.

Here's a surprising statistic. Less than 30% of window replacements are the result of the old windows being worn, broken or otherwise in need of replacement.

Clearly, there are other good reasons to consider new windows!

One of the most popular motivations is cosmetic. Brand new windows have a huge impact on the overall look of a home, both on the inside and the outside. New windows can improve curb appeal — an important element when you sell a home. From the inside, new windows can dramatically improve the look of a room.

Another reason to replace windows is to address energy costs. Modern windows are packed with technologies that lower heating/cooling bills. From low-e/argon to special spacer bars to high-insulating construction, these technologies can provide savings you'll notice, especially if you're replacing very old windows.

A third reason is window style and characteristics. Simply put, you may not like your current windows! You may want more glass and less frame to enhance your view. Maybe your windows pull up (vertical sliders) when you'd rather have them open like a door (casements). Perhaps you'd like fancy blinds in-between the panes of glass. Replacing windows lets you get exactly the look and features you want.

Will new windows boost the resale value of your home? They might, at least a little. But there's one thing for certain: upgraded windows definitely make your home look more appealing to buyers.