Imagine your coffee maker switching on by itself, staying on for hours, overheating and becoming a fire hazard. That’s not science fiction. As more and more appliances incorporate Wi-Fi, the opportunities for hackers to play havoc with your home gadgets increase. How do you prevent that from happening? Here are some safety tips: If your gadget uses a password to access the settings, change that...

If you’re thinking about selling in the spring, don’t wait until the new year to start planning. In fact, you’ll save yourself a lot of work and get ahead of the game if you start planning now. What’s that old saying? The early bird gets the worm! In this case, by starting the process this month, you’ll be in excellent shape when you’re ready to list in the spring. Here are just a few...

If you’re relaxing on a Caribbean beach, or enjoying a bus tour through historic Paris, the last thing you want to worry about is your home. Most people know the basics of keeping a home secure while away. Here are some additional tips that are easy to miss: Tell your kids not to boast about your fabulous vacation plans, especially on social media. The fewer who know that the house is empty, the...

Walk-through videos are becoming increasingly popular. The seller’s agent simply films a tour of a home, often including commentary, and then makes the video available to prospects. When you’re shopping for a new home, you want to get the most out of watching this type of video, especially if you’re relying on it to help you decide whether or not to make a viewing appointment. Consider these...

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it's time to ensure your home is ready to face the challenges of winter. Whether you live in a snow-covered wonderland or a milder climate, taking these steps to winterize your home can save you money on energy bills and prevent costly damage. Here's a quick guide to getting your house ready for the winter season: Inspect Your Roof: Start at the top by...

If you’re making an offer on a property, obviously the price you go in at plays a big role in whether or not you get that home. That’s especially true when there are other competing offers. However, while the price is important, it’s not the only factor. There are other ways to make your offer more appealing. For example, the closing date may be important to the seller. They may be relocating...

When you’re selling your property, you want buyers to see it at its best. But, a percentage of potential buyers will only be able to see your home in the evening. If it’s getting dark by the time they arrive, your home may not look as good as it does during the day. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to compensate. Start with lighting. Make sure your home is well lit during an evening...

There’s no doubt that an effectively “staged” home is likely to sell faster and for a better price. Studies in real estate sales consistently prove it. However, you might be asking, “Is it better to do the staging myself? Do I need to hire a professional?” Let’s look at the pros and cons. If your home is already in demand and likely to get multiple offers, you might get away with doing...

“The early-bird gets the worm” is a popular expression. Indeed, there are many examples in life when being early, or even first in line, gives you an advantage. Real estate is one of them. When shopping for a new home, being among the first to learn about a new listing benefits you in several ways:• You have more time to see the property and make a decision.• You might be able to make an...

When buyers view your home, how do you want them to feel? Do you want them to feel like they’re intruders or a nuisance? Of course not! You want them to feel welcomed. So how do you create that impression? Here are a few proven ideas: The foyer. This is where buyers first set foot in your home. It’s where they form their first impressions. So, make sure the foyer is tidy and feels spacious....