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.

Professional legal help can benefit any real estate transaction

Buying or selling a home is a process that benefits greatly from professional help, and that especially true on the legal side of things.

Calgary Legal Guidance (clg.ab.ca) has information on selling and buying real estate in its Dial-A-Law series, including the role a lawyer plays.

Jeffrey Kahane of Kahane Law Office in Calgary says most people don't get a lawyer involved until the conditions of a sales agreement are waived, "because then you've got a firm deal."