It’s true; REALTORS® have lots of great advice to offer. If you’re selling your home one of the first recommendations your REALTOR® will make is to de-clutter your space.

This is a great time of year to de-clutter, whether you are ready to sell or just considering it. The weather is perfect for yard sales and people are out in search of the next great bargain and, maybe, their new dream home too!

Garage and yard sales are a great time for prospective home buyers to ‘shop’ dream neighbourhoods. You can get a good feel for the community you are considering purchasing in, and it’s a great opportunity to chat with residents to see if it’s a good fit for you and your family.

If you are selling some household goods, be sure to highlight the things that make your neighbourhood a great place to live. After all, the couple that picked up that old painting may become a future neighbour.

While yard sales are great for new homeowners looking for new-to-you treasures, and for sellers looking to unload under-appreciated items, there are some safety considerations for both to keep in mind.

Health Canada provides a wealth of information and resources for sellers and buyers during this prime bargain season. First, carefully inspect your new treasure. Be sure it is not damaged, cracked or having missing parts or instructions. Ask the seller a bit about the product history, too.

Also, be aware of product recalls. Product advisories, recalls and regulatory changes can be found on Health Canada’s Consumer Product Recall database. The site gives through details regarding the product, the model numbers affected (if applicable), possible hazards and what consumers who own the product should do.

What consumers should not do is sell damaged or prohibited products to others. For example, window coverings, car seats, bassinets and even costume jewellery have a variety of safety concerns, while baby walkers and padded crib bumpers are prohibited.

Being mindful of these safety precautions will help to ensure everything about your real estate transaction, from buying to selling, will be positive. Happy home and treasure hunting!