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Have you ever seen a product at a store and thought, “Whoa. That price is outrageously high. It’s just not worth it!” Conversely, you might have also reacted to another product with, “That’s awfully cheap. The quality must not be good.” Welcome to the psychology of pricing! According to research, people tend to draw conclusions about a product based on its price. If it doesn’t reflect...

Chances are, you’ve heard the expression, “Your home is your biggest investment.” For most homeowners, that’s true. So, when you’re shopping for a new home, it’s important to consider the financial opportunity of any purchase. Ideally, you want a home that is likely to increase in value over time. In other words, you want a home with a strong potential return on investment. But dollars...

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 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...

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...

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...

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....

At some point, every home needs to be upgraded to become more functional for the family members who live there – or for resale. However, a major renovation can be frustrating, unless you’re working with a reliable, knowledgeable general contractor. Here are some suggestions to help make your project go smoothly: 1. First, do your homework in advance. Identify needs and wants, such as design...

Say you’ve found a house for sale in an area that’s unfamiliar to you. How do you figure out if it’s going to be the ideal neighbourhood? The first step is to take a walk. Stroll the neighbourhood and explore. If you get the chance, chat with homeowners and get their opinions of the area. Ask what they love about it. Also ask what they don’t like. Next, determine how the neighbourhood is...

If you’re thinking of selling this fall, this is the ideal time to start the process. The earlier you get ready, the more successful your sale will be. It will likely go a lot smoother, too. So, with those benefits in mind, here is a quick checklist that will guide you in preparing to list this fall: • Financials. Find out how much your home will likely sell for in the current market. That...