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 WIFI, 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 password frequently. Ideally, change it once every 3 months.

• Some gadgets, such as alarm systems, come with their own connection to the internet. Learn how to turn that connection off if it becomes necessary to do so.

• Don't leave an internet-connected appliance or other gadget on constantly unless it’s necessary. For example, you don't need your home speaker system connected to your digital music providers all the time.

• Baby monitors with video are a common target for hackers. Use a password unique to that device and change it often. Never leave the monitor on when not in use.

• Never share passwords with anyone unless it is absolutely necessary. Most home WIFI systems have a "guest" feature with a separate password and limited access. Use it.

In this age of internet connectivity — from coffee makers to stereos and even washing machines — it's smart to play it safe. Know what's connected and protect yourself. 

Here's a surprising statistic. Less than 30% of window replacements are the result of the old windows being worn, broken or otherwise in need of replacement.

Clearly, there are other good reasons to consider new windows!

One of the most popular motivations is cosmetic. Brand new windows have a huge impact on the overall look of a home, both on the inside and the outside. New windows can improve curb appeal — an important element when you sell a home. From the inside, new windows can dramatically improve the look of a room.

Another reason to replace windows is to address energy costs. Modern windows are packed with technologies that lower heating/cooling bills. From low-e/argon to special spacer bars to high-insulating construction, these technologies can provide savings you'll notice, especially if you're replacing very old windows.

A third reason is window style and characteristics. Simply put, you may not like your current windows! You may want more glass and less frame to enhance your view. Maybe your windows pull up (vertical sliders) when you'd rather have them open like a door (casements). Perhaps you'd like fancy blinds in-between the panes of glass. Replacing windows lets you get exactly the look and features you want.

Will new windows boost the resale value of your home? They might, at least a little. But there's one thing for certain: upgraded windows definitely make your home look more appealing to buyers.

It can be tough to make the decision to sell. In fact, for many homeowners, it's overwhelming. If you're considering making a move and struggling with the decision, here are five helpful questions to ask yourselves:

1. "What are our practical reasons for selling?" This question refers to what you'll get by moving to a new home. The reasons could include a bigger backyard, shorter commute to work, an extra bedroom, a more desirable neighbourhood, etc.

2. "What are our emotional reasons for selling?" This question refers to how you'll feel about living in a new home. For example, you might feel safer, less cramped, less worried (because the local schools are better), or happier (because the shorter commute means more time with your family.)

3. "What type of new home can we afford?" This question involves finding out how much you'll likely get when you sell your existing home and how much of a mortgage you qualify to receive. With that information, you'll have a price range within which you can comfortably shop plus a clear idea of what your mortgage payments will be.

4. "In what ways will our lifestyle be better in a new home?" This ties in closely with emotional reasons for selling. It relates to what your life will be like in a new home. Try to paint a picture in your mind. For example, you might want to be able to spend Saturday afternoons relaxing in your bigger backyard or Sunday nights entertaining friends and family in your larger living room.

5. "What else do we need to know before we decide to sell and move?" Sometimes people are hesitant about selling simply because they have unanswered questions.

So, if there's any part of the selling and buying process that’s not clear, be sure to ask me. Did thinking about these questions help make the decision easier? I you need more help or want to talk about your decision, call today!

Imagine driving through a desirable neighbourhood and, just as you turn a corner, you see the absolutely perfect home. Guess what? It's for sale! But, there’s a problem. Your current property isn't on the market. In fact, until this moment, you hadn’t seriously considered moving.

So what do you do?

Your first step is to find out more about the listing. Get a description of the property. Find out the listing price. Check out the size, layout, number of bedrooms and other features. If it all looks good, schedule a viewing.

Chances are, you can do all that in less than a day.

If you go to see the property and still love it, your next step is to determine if it fits within your budget. To do that, you'll need to quickly find out the Current Market Value of your home — what it will likely sell for — so you can determine how much money you'll have available after your outstanding mortgage and any other costs are deducted. It’s a smart idea to speak to your lender about getting a pre-approved mortgage at this point too.

Next, you'll need to make an offer on the new home. Depending on the competitiveness of the neighbourhood, and the likelihood of multiple offers, you might need to list your home first. That, along with a pre-approved mortgage, will make your offer more credible.

You might end up buying the new home before your current property sells. Although that might cause some jitters, this scenario happens all the time in real estate. If you do the right things, and prepare your home properly, there's a good probability it will sell in time and that everything else regarding the two transactions will go smoothly.

But, you do need to move quickly and make some fast decisions if you want to get that perfect home.
I can help. Call me.

When you decide it’s time to install or replace a deck surface, you may find there are more choices than you had expected. There are many new materials and installation options that have come to the market over just the past few years.

For example, in addition to traditional wood decking, there are contemporary synthetic and composite materials that possess properties that are remarkably similar to natural wood species – in terms of texture, appearance, density and workability – but offer superior weather endurance and a wider range of colours than natural surfaces.

In addition, manufactured decking surfaces provide barefoot comfort without worry of splinters, as well as water-shedding properties that help improve traction after a rainstorm.

Synthetic materials are also very popular when it comes to railings and steps thanks to innovative installation systems that are easy enough for most industrious homeowners to tackle. Many offer pre-cut and/or interlocking pieces.

As well, certain aluminium installations are enjoying renewed popularity thanks to new options that are clad in vinyl for extended protection and reduced maintenance.

A burst water-supply pipe can cause enormous damage to a home, so it’s wise to be aware of conditions that may trigger such a disaster.

For example, some plastic or aluminum plumbing systems installed in previous decades have a history of failing without warning. They have triggered class-action law suits across North America. Another type of household plumbing system that can run the risk of failure is one that links supply pipes made of different materials (e.g. lead, copper, plastic, etc.).

As a homeowner, you have the responsibility to ensure the infrastructure of your property is sound and well-maintained. To that end, it’s a good idea to do an annual visual check of your plumbing system, from your main shut-off to each branch and every faucet, outlet or appliance connection, to ensure it is functioning reliably.

If you have any doubts about the integrity of your plumbing, it’s wise to arrange for an inspection by a professional who can give you a clear and objective review of your plumbing supply system.

With the availability of more and more powerful mobile technology, it’s reasonable to presume that there is less need to dedicate time and space to a permanent home office. However, we also know that, from time to time, we need the opportunity to isolate ourselves at home, in order to get certain tasks accomplished.

Getting “down to business” is a part of life, whether it’s for a student cramming for exams or a homeowner budgeting for a new mortgage. Getting these tasks done can require much less time if they’re easily accommodated.

Fortunately, thanks to new modern furnishings that are flexible and adaptable, it’s no longer necessary to create a space that is uniquely dedicated to work.

Nowadays, a homeowner can create a convertible workspace that allows a room to serve a dual role. By installing shelving that can fold out to a desktop, a worktable with an adjustable height, or a bed that folds up into the wall, any room can have the flexibility to serve as a quiet place to read, study or pay monthly bills, and convert into a cozy, welcoming guest room.

So, the truth is, we all need a home office – but we don’t necessarily need it to be a dedicated single-use space.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 160 people are injured each year in BBQ mishaps. That doesn't sound like a lot considering the thousands of people who flip burgers on their backyard grills each year. But, you certainly don't want to be one of those injured!

The best way to prevent fire and injury is maintenance. Remarkably, few people are even aware that BBQ maintenance is necessary. But, it is.

Every spring, experts say you should clean out the venturi tubes. Those are the little metal pipes that carry propane or natural gas. Pipe cleaners work well, although hardware stores also carry specialized tools for this purpose. The goal is to clean out any built- up dirt and debris. Don't be surprised if you find spider webs inside a venturi tube!

Your BBQ grills should also be cleaned with soap and water each year. Just scraping them before barbequing isn’t enough. Fat and oils from cooking can build up on grills and harden. If you're getting a lot of flare-ups, this may be the cause.

Finally, make sure nuts and bolts are tightened regularly, and replace any rusty hardware. Regular use, heat and weather can loosen or weaken bolts, particularly on the frame. Several fires each year are caused by BBQs tipping over or collapsing.

If you love to play golf but your favourite course is over an hour away, it can really impact your enjoyment of the game. The long drive may start to wear on you – unless, of course, you truly like the commute. In fact, how close your home is located relative to all your favourite “hangouts” can play a big role in your lifestyle. If your work, hobbies, and other activities are too far away, getting to them can become a chore. When you consider car or transit expenses, getting to those far-away hangouts can be costly, too.

Your hangouts may include:
• Work 
• School 
• Shopping 
• Recreational activities 
• Medical facilities 
• Family and friends 

Here’s a helpful exercise. Write a list of your most important hangouts. Then, imagine living closer and jot down what your lifestyle would be like as a result. This may give you the clarity you need to decide whether to stay or move.

For example, say you have family across town. You want to see them more often, but the long drive gets in the way. Imagine how things would be different if you moved to that area. Would you enjoy your life more?

One obvious solution, of course, is to move closer to the places you frequent most. If you’re tired of a long commute to work each day, moving even a half-hour closer can make a difference to your overall well-being. You would have an extra hour a day to do other things!

Yes, deciding to move can be an intimidating decision. But, a better lifestyle – closer to your important “hangouts” – may be worth it. It’s certainly worth thinking about...

If you find that the water flow in your house is letting you down, there are some simple steps you can take to isolate and possibly alleviate the problem.

For example, a blockage could be caused by mineral deposits on faucet nozzles, tub spouts and showerheads. By immersing the spout and/or aerator in a bucket of water and vinegar or other manufacturer recommended solution, you might easily free up the flow and volume of water.

Another problem that could impact overall pressure is a leak along your main supply. Detection tests can confirm a leak – even if it’s underground – but, if it’s on your property, you’ll be responsible for fixing it. Inside your home, examine your water supply for leaks. Even if you can’t see the full system, listen closely for hissing pipes, or watch for mould infestation – a sure sign of excessive moisture.

Finally, if your lines are a collection of various carriers joined together (e.g. lead pipes to copper or copper to plastic), there is a possibility that you are losing pressure at those links – especially if older material is in use. Have a qualified plumber address those kinds of issues.