Best golf courses in Vancouver part II.

No big discussion - here is the second set of exciting Vancouver golf courses for beginners, but also experienced players.

• Fraserview Golf Course
• Gleneagles Golf Course
• Greenacres Golf Course
• Guildford Golf and Country Club
• Hastings Golf Centre
• Hazelmere Country Club
• Hi-Knoll Driving Range & Mini-Golf
• Kensington Pitch and Putt
• Langara Golf Course

Part 2 of Our Article on Doing Improvements to Your Property

Off-Street Parking - A Problem?

Are all your cars parked in front of your property? - This is very off-putting to people thinking about buying your home. Many people think just because they don't have a garage there is nothing they can do about parking their motor vehicles on the street outside their property. Some councils will allow you to flatten the curb of the pavement next to your house if you don't have room to extend your driveway; of course planning permission may be necessary. An off-street parking area can add up to 10 percent to the home market price.

Swimming Pool/Tennis Court

If you are looking at adding a swimming pool to your home you could find that this throws up some difficulties, such as where your house is and whether it is going indoors or outside. Think about the weather when making your choice, to attract buyers if your climate is cooler then look to install an indoor pool. Even if the pool is heated and has a cover on, if the weather is cold potential buyers know it is scarcely going to get any use, therefore you could find a pool is a negative point. On the other hand if the pool is to be utilized all year, situate it indoors; maybe make a feature by putting in patio doors that lead to a nice decking area. A potential buyer wants to have fun, so an attractive, warm pool is going to look inviting. Building a pool, when done correctly, is going to be something that will add a nice sum of money to the value of your house, about 10 percent.

If you are going one step further for the luxury market, look at a tennis court; but remember these type of luxuries only fit in a few neighbourhoods. As with the swimming pool, a tennis court can add up to another 10 percent to the value of your home.
Both of these additions serve as an indulgence that you can offer the potential purchaser. Of course adding these are going to increase the value of your home, so may price many people out of the market. On the plus side, if they are completed well the price your home goes for could daze you.

Building a Waterside Attraction

My years of dealing Vancouver MLS listings confirmed me one theory. A waterside feature is likely to retain its value. You may find, according to a survey, that it may increase the value by a third, which is brilliant news. Be practical though, you are not going to be able to add a lake to your yard, or a stream running through it, if it is not already there; but a pond could be the answer. More academic definitions of a pond are: areas of water where light penetrates to the bottom of the water body' and 'bodies of water shallow enough for rooted water plants to grow throughout,' You can make a pond extremely basic or you could build one to hold fish and make it feature of the yard with fixtures surrounding it.

Depth, area, water source are all things that need thinking about when planning your pond, as is avoiding attracting mosquitoes and other bugs if the water doesn't flow freely. Professional advice at least, should be asked for before starting this type of job, after all if it is done right it will definitely pay off.

picture by Noel C Hankamer

Best golf courses in Vancouver part I.

British Columbia is a true golfing paradise. There are dozens of great courses for both experienced players and newbies In the first run, we have prepared a list of top 9 Vancouver golf courses - in and around Greater Vancouver.

1. Aquadel Golf Course
2. Birdies & Buckets Family Golf Centre
3. Burnaby Mountain Golf Course & Driving Range
4. Capilano Golf and Country Club
5. Carnoustie Golf Club
6. Central Park Pitch and Putt
7. Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Club
8. Eaglequest Golf Club Coquitlam
9. Fraser Golf Centre

October and November on the Web

There has been plenty of good real estate articles (but also some others) published on the web. Here are some of the best. Enjoy!

Remodelling Basement Efficiently

Basement is often the key space to be remodelled. More info can be found also in basement changes article and basement improvement post.

Minor Improvements

You don't have time or capital to cope with big renovations? Nevermind, minor improvements can substantially increase the value of your property.

Adding a Bedroom

Not an easy task, however, only brave one can win!

Moving insurance

You want to move? Well, maybe you should consider moving insurance.

Vancouver golf courses

The biggest and most complete guide of BC golf courses was launched!

Completing Renovations to Your Home

When looking at improving the value of your house, the most cost-effective action to do this is to improve the external. When you enter and leave a house, exterior is the first and last image you will see, so it stands to reason that it needs to look good to a visiting buyer. We all know first impressions are important, this also covers your house. Be analytical when looking at your house, see it as buyers see it. How is the grounds? Is the grassed area short and tidy? Does the house look clean and tidy? Of course, not everything you do to the external area will increase the value, some will just be a nice touch therefore more appealing. Furthermore, a decent first appearance of a house can add as much as 5 to 10 percent to the value.

Door Quality
Your front door is the doorway into your house, so it is going to be one of the first things a prospective buyer will see. If the door needs a face-lift think about replacing it with a glass door that has lead or coloured glass panels, but if it doesn't need replacing but could do with cheering up, decorate around the door. Sidelights will add sparkle and shine both from the inside as well as the outside of the house. Light produces the feeling of space, making a narrow or tiny porch area appear more spacious. Money-wise, you're not looking at a large value-booster, but this little modification greatly affects the first impression of a viewer.


Windows
When viewers look at windows, they not only assess the appeal but their usefulness, too. Have your windows got good insulation is the glass double-glazed? Different glass has different energy ratings, so are your windows energy efficient? All the locking mechanisms need to be in good working order and secure and the glass needs to free from damage. Look at all these issues if you decide to replace your windows. If your windows are little and you are replacing them, think about installing larger windows to let in more light and make inside rooms look bigger. Purchasers buy space and light; who walks into a really dark property and says, 'I love this'.

Landscaping
Landscaping is a big part in the appeal of any house, so if your landscaping looks like it could do with an overhaul look at hiring a professional, or even try improving it yourself with items such as plants in colourful plant pots. Conservatories, gazebos, patios and wooden decks, and their integration with the surrounding garden, are best handled by landscape architects and designers. Paying for a professional is never the cheap way forward, but if you do then you could see your home value go up by as much as 20 percent. Did you also know that a house that has mature trees on the land actually increases the saleability? Numerous organizations have conducted surveys on this; not only did they find it was fact but also if your property is well landscaped and you have mature trees then the value of homes have increased by 7 to 19 percent.. I have number fruitful years in working as a realtor in Richmond BC Canada and saw how small renovations kick started a house in the market!

picture by Robnik

Vancouver Golf Course Guide Ready

picture by R'eyes

Golf, the sport of the businesspeople, constitutes an important part of the lives of many of our clients. It is no longer exclusive only to the select few. Therefore, more and more of us are discovering the beauty in this game. It offers its players active relaxation, but may also be competitive. At Jay Banks, we are glad to predict the hobbies and interests of our visitors and clients even though, to be honest, we take pleasure in playing golf very much ourselves! After a bit of a thought, we set off to create a golf guide about golf courses in the proximity of downtown Vancouver, BC.

Finally, we are positively thrilled to herald the long-expected launch of our fresh and new Vancouver Golf Guide.

Our guide is designed as a portal where people of Greater Vancouver can find and exchange information about this game. We are taking a unique approach, aiming to deliver news pertinent to both leisure and “family” golf players and more seasoned players seeking variety. We also tailor the guide so that anyone thinking about moving to Vancouver or elsewhere within Greater Vancouver can find information about the quality of golf around the new address. We invite everybody to enhance the informativeness of the Vancouver Golf Guide by sharing your personal experiences from the fairways and ranges. Also, do leave us a comment if you would like us to review a particular facility.

We are actively communicating with the managers of the courses and ranges, so that we are able to collect for you the clearest and latest information. Moreover, we are are looking for recreational golfers who like to play the game regularly to help us review (test-play) the courses of Vancouver. Our final objective is to compose the best golf guide of Greater Vancouver on the web!

Our guide currently encompasses 53 facilities including driving ranges and there are more coming up soon. In addition, we determinedly enhance the content for all the entries! Visit us often and we are sure our guide will make your golf experience in and around Vancouver and in Greater Vancouver still more pleasing!

Considering Completing Real Esate Renovations? - Basement

With proper renovation, your basement can be turned into a real gem and gain important competitive advantage for your house on any market.

When buying a home, most buyers are worried about the issue of water in the basement. Insulating the area against the weather and making sure it is dry if definitely a positive point for your house. Water in the space or even just damp, could be a disadvantage if you wanted to sell your house.

One great way to invest in your house is to hire a basement remodelling tradesperson to help you take advantage of the unused room in your basement. Most basements cover a large area that can be adapted for other things and are often unfinished. With such promise, isn't it a shame to waste this opportunity

The basement is going to take a lot of work to remodel, but at the end of the day it will be worth it, both in cash and in satisfaction of a task well done. To begin with the ceiling is going to give you the most concern Most basement ceilings are not as high as the other ceilings in your house This can be dealt with by building the ceiling around your ventilation and air conditioning.

Flooring for a basement is something you also need to think about, most specialists will advise you go for carpet. When getting your carpet, go for the thicker carpets, and be sure to buy quality under-padding. The thickness of these materials will go some way into protecting your feet from the hardness and cold of a concrete floor. In the main part of the property, the flooring is normally supported by wood rather than concrete so less damage on your feet.

Putting in a Home Cinema or Gymnasium
These features are normally considered as being nonessential, although they will help to sell your house more quickly if the potential buyers are willing to pay extra for them. Although, if done correctly, both of these features can add from $30,000 to $60,000 in a large country property, according to various agents. If you want to set up a home gym or home cinema room, then renovating your basement would be an ideal time to plan this project.

Installing a room cinema system is not as easy as most of us think. If you are starting from a vacant room, think about different designs and ways to set the system up, seek professional advice if at all feasible Now for the basics to complete this room, the 27" plus HDTV will be your first purchase, followed by the stereo unit, DVD or video player; make sure these are all surround sound capable, surround sound speakers and comfy chairs and that's just to start with.

Adding a gymnasium in your basement is a great idea and doesn't require much organization. There are some obstacles though, so you would need to think about the following:

• Comfort - rubber mats on the floor and maybe a couple mirrors on the wall
• Noise proofing (solves itself if you put your exercise equipment in your finished basement)
• A hi-fi system for music while you exercise is always a decent idea
• Air circulation of the area would need to be dealt with

The rest is up to you to pick what gym supplies you'll include. Research is the key to a decent home gym, so visit convenient stores, visit a gym and browse the Internet. Seek help from people who sell and use this equipment on what sort of brands to purchase, the different machines on offer and prices.

Writer is Vancouver Lofts broker, creator of BC Home Renovation Series

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Refurbishing Bathroom

Along with the kitchen remodelling, the bathroom is just as essential a room to improve the value. Therefore, if you are thinking about revamping your bathroom, there are a few things you will want to think about. Here are some ideas to support you upgrade your bathroom and add extra value:.

A second bathroom is one of the trusted ways of adding to the value of your property. Look around at homes for sale and observe how much more they sell for and how much quicker they find a buyer. Even if you don't want to leave the property at the moment, a second bathroom will still make economic sense. A bathroom off the main bedroom is the most desirable for any second bathroom and that is shown in the house value. The parents will be ecstatic having their own personal bathroom space, while the kids will love not having to share the single bathroom. One thing to remember though, is never take away a bedroom to make it into a bathroom, as this would make little economic sense and not boost the price of your property.
The flooring that you put down in your bathroom can do a lot as far as boosting the value to your property. Making the wrong choice can make your bathroom look inferior and unappealing. What kind of look are you wanting for your bathroom? - Gaudy or bold flooring can put off a possible purchaser.

There are many different flooring types and not all of them appropriate for a bathroom. The best choices for flooring, if you want to boost the value, is ceramic tiles or something similar which is clean and doesn't harbour germs. Vinyl, laminate, or carpet do not add or enhance to the value of your house, as they are thought of as floor covering. Hardwood floors are not the better option either, since water will damage them.
The most essential piece of furniture in the bathroom for function and purpose is the toilet. Change the toilet so it matches the rest of the bathroom furniture, if you don't it will stand out and not for the right reasons.

Put in a jet bath, or better still put a jet bath in the bathroom for the main bedroom, a little bit of luxury goes a long way. While functional they can add a touch of style to bathroom and they are definitely relaxing after a long day working. They do not have to be expensive either, shop around and you may find a good bargain.

Keep the bathroom simple and match each item, to give it that unified feel. The bathroom decor should match the rest of the house, a contemporary looking bathroom in a farmhouse style building is going to look out of place. Select a single style for the bathroom and persist with it.

The Refurbishment handbook is delivered by Jay Banks from Vancouver homes, RE/MAX Vancouver.

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Canada vs USA: Reasons Why Canadian Market is Better Shape

Unknowingly, the market rebounded quicker than anyone expected. In the spring of 2009, Canada saw the about face of the housing market, we observed sales figures continuing to shoot up in the following months. In the winter of 2009/2010, realtors were disclosing sales increases in excess of 100%. At the same time the housing prices even overtook the pre-crash prices.

So why does the Canadian housing market do better than the rest of the world? Let's have a look at the rationale why. Speaking to the specialists, the majority say that this recovery is mainly due to the low interest rates put in place by the Bank of Canada. This low rate supported the Canadian housing market and even though the US attempted to do the same thing, they didn't see the same results:

The Canadian mortgage market was not as riddled with sub prime mortgages as observed in the US market. Approximately 5% (potentially upwards of 10%) of loans in Canada can be assigned to the sub prime class, while sub prime loans in the US took a 22% share of all loans during the critical years, 2006-2008.

Canadian banks are over and over again ranked as the most secure in the world by the World Economic Forum. The way the banks and other financial institutions dealt with the recession is another reason why Canada averted the credit crunch for the most part.

Since last summer our economy has seen jobs arising so although we had a rise in unemployment like the US, it has improved quicker. Also, Canada's social system helped to reduce personal bankruptcies.

To sum up, the Canadian housing market is on a solid footing. Where there is good news, some people look to the negatives and say that a housing bubble completely separate from what has gone on, is getting ready to hit us. From my own scrutiny of the housing market I don't accept this for a minute.

The Bank of Canada promised to keep rates stable until summer 2010. Rates will grow as summer arrives and we have already seen some mortgage rates increasing slightly. Similarly despite not having an official finish date, the window for taking advantage of the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit is slowly dwindling. We also have seen, the shortage of new properties listed, which we have been encountering since the autumn of 2009, is slowly letting up. As Jay Banks from Vancouver Lofts, adds: "There has been an expanding influx of new listings over the last 2-3 months, which has helped to balance the inventory level."

More levelled sales and prices of houses settling at tolerable figures, is probably going to be the outcome of all these points starting to come together.

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Moving - How to Choose and Oversee the Work of Professionals

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Moving is quoted as being one of the most stressful experiences we'll ever go through in our lives. Our first recommendation to you will always be to do the removals yourself or only to hire a business to transport your goods, but that isn't always attainable. With moving house being an infrequent event in our lives, it's not something that we can practise on a regular basis. Baring this in mind, most of us are very inexperienced and lack of experience shows. To try and make the move as stress free as you can, you need to act smart and do your homework.

There are so many removals businesses out there - which one is the right?

Selecting a business to move your worldly possessions is not an easy task. With hundreds of firms out there and dozens of potential hazards waiting, the removals industry is pretty complicated, therefore you need to examine what is on offer. As with any industry, there are good and dreadful firms out there and that's the first thing you will need to sort out. It doesn't matter if you reside in the city or the countryside, there is always a multitude of firms willing to help you move your items. Looking at your own wants will help you select the right business for you.

How to Choose a Moving Business

Word of mouth or reputation is the best way you can choose a business to move your goods. Company Advertising is not always reliable or honest as they don't advertise their issues. Any business suggested to you is worth a phone call. Your estate agent is the best person to talk to if you haven't got any colleagues or relatives who have used a removals business in the not too distant past. Once you select a couple of potential moving businesses, check which of these are accredited members of a moving association or trade body. When accredited to a trade body, a business will be of a certain level and you can ascertain that their work will be taken seriously. You can even ask the business for prior customers' contact information to get their feedback. If a company is unenthusiastic to supply this information then be very distrustful.

Communicating with the business and what you need to ask about

Now you have narrowed the field down you need to get in touch with the businesses and find out the good and bad points. Write out a small list of questions that worry you, here are samples of a few:

1. What insurance does the business have? Make sure they give you their insurance particulars, like insurance business name and the policy number.
2. Does the business use their own equipment, or will a subcontractor or another business be providing the service?
3. Does this business offer the whole package, such as storage, claims handling or uncrating. Does this company use a third party at the other end or do this company do it?
4. If your belongings are going a long distance and have to stay overnight somewhere, is it in a secure place and who owns the facility? Be sure to use a business that uses trucks designed for household belongings moving and storage.
5. If the staff member employed by the business is injured, does the firm have their own insurance to cope with this. If not, you may end up paying for any employee injuries during the move.

Ask For an Estimated Price

To make sure the move is suited to your situation, there are lots of questions you will need to ask. The most critical question you will need to have answered is the estimation of charges. Before finally deciding which business to go with, you should get an estimate from each of them, and consider their prices to what service they will provide to you. Don't assume that the cheaper the charges the better value the business is. For the estimate the business will need to know the exact location of your new property and the address the belongings are being transported from. If there are any access issues, such narrow staircases, doorways or even access difficulties to the property, you need to let the company know in advance. To avoid excess charges on your bill, furnish the moving business with as much information when you ask for an estimated price. Ask for validation of all facts given, in writing, before committing yourself.

Once you have settled on a business and are happy they have all the information they need, you will possibly be asked to sign an agreement with them. Read the paperwork carefully, check for any hidden charges and make sure they have not made any mistakes. Then, all that's left is to get sorted for your big day. Don't forget to give your movers a quick call a few days before the move to confirm your arrangements!

Removals Day - Overseeing the Movers

Watching the packers during the moving process ensures that it is done professionally and your needs are met. Some things that may help the day go more evenly:

• The packers may wish to ask questions, so being at hand could make the packing go more smoothly and quickly.
• If there are any belongings you are taking in your own vehicle such as plants, pet equipment, toiletries, then you need to make the packers aware of this.
• Big household appliances and/or electrical goods need to be disconnected and made secure, making sure nothing is left inside.
• Check to see if all boxes and cartons are written on correctly by load and room destination in your new house.
• Go through the inventory list with the movers to resolve any feasible disagreements concerning the condition your possessions are in.
• Once the truck is packed, before they set off to the new property have a last walk through the house to make sure everything as been taken.
• Write down your new address and contact information of you and if you can a family member and give them to the driver.

Article is created by Jay Banks from Vancouver Condominiums

Moving - Would You Buy Insurance?

Whether you're setting out to move domestically or internationally and you're speculating about insurance before moving, remember that no matter how choosy you are in choosing movers, accidents can happen. During shipment there is always the chance of a carton being dropped or something breaking, no matter how well the items are packed there is no guarantee they will not be broken. What can be sorted is how competent your moving company is at resolving claims and making sure you're adequately covered should an accident occur. Replacing the item, or giving you the money to replace it, Insurance compensation gives you the piece of mind should an accident happen.

What Choices of Insurance are on Offer?

1. Each removals company, by law, has to include a basic insurance cover to the client without cost, the insurance against accidents. Still, in most cases this basic coverage has no relationship to the actual value of your goods. Under normal circumstances only 60% of the value of the article is covered with this kind of insurance. There are some firms which will pay you for the whole carton weight in which the item damaged was in. Items that are packed yourself are usually not covered as the insurance only covers items packed by the removals company themselves. So taking all the points together, this kind of insurance usually falls down when you need to make a claim.
2. Added Value Protection Coverage. This is extra coverage supplied by the movers company and just raises the amount of money you get per pound per article. This can be a alterable amount but is often set at $2. When you want insurance cover you can clarify the amounts direct with your removals company. Although this plan is better, the payments are still made on the weight of your things, which doesn't help if you have light but expensive articles.
3. For a policy that pays out the cost the object when you bought it, or pays the depreciated value of the item lost or broken you can get Market Value or Depreciated Value policies. There is still a disadvantage to this type of scheme as you would need to go through every item you own, find the price of each item, then declare it to the removal company and/or insurer before you move. Not many people use this type of scheme nowadays and instead have opted for the more popular Replacement Value Plan.
4. 'Like for Like' insurance or 'New for Old' insurance is named a Replacement Value Plan. This type of coverage will compensate you for the unrestricted value of your lost or damaged objects according to the new market prices but you will be paying a higher premium for this type of protection.

Non-insurable Items

It doesn't matter how hard you look, there is always going to be some of your possessions that are not covered. Keep these objects with you, rather than place them in the removals truck. Possessions not covered under the policy agreement include such items as currency, photographs, personal papers and jewelry. Other possessions not regularly covered unless you can prove visible damage or the removals firm didn't handle the goods properly are TVs, Stereos and computers. Professional wrapping and boxing for special items, such as antiques, expensive paintings and musical instruments, may be the best way to deal with these items.

Write an Inventory File

Before the removals company come in, make sure you write a complete inventory of all your possessions. This list should have all of your possessions that are being transported, their value, replacement price and type of condition they are in. Photos of your possessions, at least the valuable ones, are a good idea and should be kept with the inventory list. If the objects are damaged or lost then you will grateful for the work it took to do them. When moving abroad, this list will be very advantageous because many customs and inspections will need it.

To Finish, Here are Some Additional Helpful Suggestions

1. Always read the fine print in your contract, it may include loopholes and exclusions which can give you a great deal of trouble should your possessions be damaged or lost.
2. Make sure you accept the agreement before signing, if required ask as many questions as you need to.
3. Check the policy details when you are moving abroad to make sure your possessions are covered until they reach your new home.
4. Although you may have given the inventory records to your removals company, keep a copy for yourself and carry it with you.
5. Your removals company may damage your property when taking out or putting in your items, so check to see if this damage is covered.

Presented by Jay Banks, Condos Vancouver professional.

Move Under your own Steam

Moving under your own steam is the option you pick. Today we are going to look at the steps of moving yourself.

Mental Pressure is one of the main factors when moving house

When moving house, anxiety can be a big determinant in everything you do. Some people seem to handle it with grace and a happy expression. Although it's not a case of personality and constitution

Simple steps to help make the move less exasperating:

1. Take Advantage of Moving Equipment when having to move innumerable of items, it is not such a bad idea to invest in few inexpensive moving supplies that can help manage your move more easily. As soon as you know you will be moving, start picking up clean boxes, unprinted newsprints (printed newsprints stain!), hoard up on bubble wrap or buy heavy duty cartons.

2. Pack Ahead of Time: a do-it-yourself move needs a lot of your time and energy. Packing the evening before the move is definitely not a good idea. It's a great idea to make sure all the packing is done at least 24 hours before you move, this allows you time to pack all those last minute belongings. The sooner you start the better, pack things like CDs or DVDs ahead of time since you won't need them till you get to your new house. The faster you start and the more you pack, means less anxiety as moving day gets here.

3. Moving house is a brilliant way to have a clear out of all those items that never get used. Out-dated magazines, clothing, bits and bobs and ornaments which are stuck in the cupboard can be disposed of so you have a mess free home. Charities appreciate donations so you could consider giving them away, or even do a garage sale.

4. A list - make sure you write a list and stick it somewhere conspicuous, lists are very valuable. Have lots of lists that include new items to be bought, things you are giving away, things you are taking with you; even list the items that need delicate handling. Lists are a strong stress reliever on moving day.

Preparation for Moving Day

Friends, family, colleagues can be asked to help you fill your vehicle at your old house and unload it when you get to your new house. You will be very shocked how much more speedily the moving goes with few extra hands. When the moving day turns up, arrange a party and offer sandwiches or pizza and drinks to anyone who decides to come and work. This way, your friends will be enjoying the day in a restful way and the job will get done quickly and pain-free. A separate concern of yours should be your children. Daycare, whether its a family member or a day care resource should be arranged so the kids are looked after. To stop your kids getting tense, let them watch their personal space being packed, that way they know you are not throwing away their favourite toys. Make arrangements for your family animal to go to kennels or stay with a neighbour while you move your belongings. When moving pets, take preventative measures to avoid the pet from getting sick in the car. Anything you may need for your pet, such as water and feeding bowls, need to be packed in a bag marked 'Pet' and easy accessible when you arrive. When you are moving make sure your pet is never left alone. Allow frequent breaks so your pet can relieve themselves and make sure they are always on a tether.

Make sure you find a fair Truck Rental for Moving

To transfer all your possessions, you will probably need to hire a truck, as most of us will find our cars are just not spacious enough. The venture you have with your moving vehicle rental is mainly dependent on you. When hiring a vehicle make sure you take note of the next couple of pointers:

1. First make sure you choose the correct size vehicle needed to move your possessions. Take your all your belongings into account then allow about 15% more room. This is called 'playing it safe and sound' and allows for space for those last minute possession you forgot about. If you don't have enough room then your stress levels are going to be great while you scrabble around trying to find extra vehicles.

2. Don't be mislead into thinking all costs are the same, with so many businesses out there you would think they would be, wouldn't you? But, you will find, that isn't the situation. Look on the net for the best rates, make a few phone calls and compare prices from different companies

3. Hiring a moving vehicle is very similar to hiring a car. Rather than ending up with a vehicle that doesn't suit your needs, makes sure you book the truck in plenty of time. By organizing ahead your vehicle will be ready and accessible for you on moving day.

4. Look at getting insurance on your hired vehicle. You may be skilled in driving a small car, but driving a larger van is very different. If you haven't bought insurance, one error can cost you a pretty penny. A few extra minutes finding the insurance and few more dollars will guarantee you a stress-free move.

5 Try to organize ahead on how long you think you'll be needing your rental vehicle and always make sure you have some time to spare. The reason for doing this is that you don't want to return it after the cut off time. The premiums for doing so are very large.

Taking a Car

If you possess more than one vehicle, decide on how to move it to your new destination. Shipping, towing or putting it on a trailer are just a few ways of moving a second vehicle. Another alternative worth thinking about is selling it, storing it or giving it to a relative. Make sure you know how to tow the second car safely if that is your option, and make sure the vehicle that is doing the towing is capable. Boats, trailers, motorbikes, four wheelers, etc. may need specialized provisions to be towed. Contact the dealer who sold you the item if you are unsure on the correct procedures or search the net.

Written by Jay Banks, Vancouver real estate agent and BC Moving Handbook creator