The real estate market is hot, hot, hot these days, so we brought in our resident agent, Ryanne McGee, to tackle your burning buying and selling questions.

Q: My wife and I are planning to put our house up for sale in the next few months. Our basement is unfinished; will finishing it help us sell or do buyers prefer an unfinished basement that they can design to their own taste?

Ryanne: Buyers prefer a finished basement. It gives them more living space and additional storage. However, if the ceiling is low and/or there's a family room on the main floor, then you may not need to bother. If you do choose to finish the space, go with a neutral palette so that the buyer can further the decor themselves once they move in. In terms of the layout, eliminate tiny rooms and improve the laundry room.

Q: I am looking to buy my first condo in the city. For roughly the same price in the building I like, I can get a one-bedroom unit with a parking spot or a one-bedroom-plus-den with no parking. Which is the better investment?

Ryanne: Always try to buy with parking. However, if you need the extra space for an office or kids' nook, then go for the one-plus-one, but try to purchase in a building right on the transit line.

Q: Is there an ideal time of year to sell your home?

Ryanne: Real estate is a 12-month business. Spring is always hopping, and there's a small window in the fall. That being said, if you've got a great product it will sell anytime of the year.