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The Property Brothers examine neighbourhoods to see which will give you more bang for your buck.

Timing is everything in real estate, and if you play your cards right, buying a fixer-upper can help you protect your investment during turbulent times. Just follow these simple tips:

Don’t get emotionally involved. Every decision has to be based on getting the most resale value out of your home.
Look for short-term growth. You may hope to live in the home for the next 30 years, but circumstances may change all that. You could lose your job and need to downsize your home quickly. You’ll get a better return if your house is completely up-to-date.
But not too short. House prices are pretty high right now so you’re not going to make a huge profit flipping houses. Give yourself a few years to build some equity and let the home appreciate gradually.
Hire a contractor. You want the finished product to look professional.
Get creative. If you don’t dress head-to-toe beige and neutrals, don’t decorate your home in wall-to-wall beige.