The 2017 Calgary Fall Home Show offers tips, tricks and inspiration for every type of homeowner

"The show for every home." That's how Marketplace Events show manager Teri Salazar describes the Calgary Fall Home Show, which runs from Sept. 21 to 24 at the BMO Centre.

"It doesn't matter if you have a condo, a new build, a fixer-upper or a McMansion, if you want to do a simple update or a complete renovation overhaul, we have something in the show for everyone," she said.

There'll be some 350 exhibitors at this year's show, which Salazar says has been refocused to highlight those aspects exhibitors and attendees have been looking for, including more sources for inspiration.

"This show will be better than ever," she said.

Staging your home for a successful sale

While many people are likely reluctant to spend extra money on their home right before they sell, the act of staging a house for sale is important when it comes to drawing in potential buyers. Staging can make a home look far more desirable and appealing, which can often be the difference between no offers and a done deal.

Here are some of the best staging tips to ensure your home puts its best face forward for potential buyers:

The costs associated with selling a home

Deciding to sell your home is a big decision, so it's always good to remind yourself of what that decision entails, including the associated costs you might incur. Many real estate industry groups have resources available to the public on the home-selling process, such as the Real Estate Council of Alberta's Home Seller's Guide. However, most resources don't specify selling costs, in part because they can vary greatly depending on the individual property and circumstances of the sale. To provide a frame of reference, here is a summary of costs associated with selling a typical $500,000 home in Calgary:

Choosing the best high-efficiency water heater

A typical hot water heater accounts for about one-fifth of the energy used in most Canadian homes.

Choosing the right hot water heater, therefore, can have a huge impact both financially and environmentally – especially as energy prices and carbon levies continue to rise.

Many of us still choose conventional, gas-fired hot water tanks because they're cheapest – but are they really? The initial price of your hot water heater can represent as little as 12 per cent of the overall cost over its lifespan. The other 88 per cent is energy.

Planning is crucial to a smooth and successful move

You've found the home of your dreams, made an offer and, eventually, sealed the deal – now it's time for the big move.

While moving day can be a stressful time, some advance planning can make the process run as smoothly as possible, while limiting the likelihood of unpleasant surprises.

First of all, you should know how to deal with a situation where the previous owner has saddled you with a dirty house or left-behind furniture on possession day.

Conditions of sale are a fact of life for homebuyers and sellers alike

During any real estate transaction, buyers and sellers need to understand what conditions of sale are all about and how they can impact both parties.

"It's important to note that conditions of sale are for the buyer's benefit," said CREB® president David P. Brown.

"Often a seller will try to influence the conditions by requiring financing in four days instead of 10 or something like that, but a well-educated REALTOR® shouldn't allow it."

While there are no standard conditions of sale, two of the most common are "subject to financing approval" and "subject to a satisfactory home inspection."

Do your research before selling a second home

Owning an investment property can provide useful income, while having a recreational property can provide a great place to spend time with family and friends.

But if you are thinking it's time to sell, some careful research is in order.

"There's a lot to consider when selling your investment property or a vacation home," said Laura Parsons, the Calgary-area manager for mortgage specialists with BMO Financial Group. "Do your homework."

HGTV Canada's Tiffany Pratt brings energy and design expertise to the Calgary Fall Home Show

Designer, author, maker and HGTV Canada star Tiffany Pratt hits the main stage at the Calgary Fall Home Show this weekend, where she'll wow audiences with her down-to-earth design savvy, while imparting tips for creating charismatic and colourful design style.

"I'm really going to be talking about transformation," said Pratt. "Everyone is looking for change – they want to be inspired with colours or experience an update or have something new."

Pratt will be walking show attendees through the process of creating beautiful spaces using simple DIY design projects and pops of colour. She will also be sharing the story of the year-long journey of design transformation she experienced while renovating her home in Toronto's waterfront Beaches community.

That is the question, but there is no easy answer that's right for everyone

It's an age-old question that still gets hotly debated, particularly by young adults who are determining where they are going to live: should I rent or should I buy?

It's not an easy question to answer, and there are no clear right or wrong answers.

"One of the big things to contemplate is your time focus, because when you do buy a home, it is a long-term commitment. It does involve a five-year mortgage that's amortized over 25 years," said Tim Gensey, a market analyst with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) in Calgary. "On the other hand, renting allows you to be a lot more flexible. You have to really consider where you are in your life and what your needs are.