Mike & Bernadine Nielsen

Mike: 604-315-3151 |

Bernadine: 604-619-2063 |

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Being Safe about Chemicals in Your Home
You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the
number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely
store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners to gasoline and
corrosive drain openers.
Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and
stores such items safely.
For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular
recently – are attractive to children. Keep them locked and out of sight. You
should do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric
softener pads can cause skin irritation to a child.
Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and
store them as directed.
Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from
other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause
minimal or no damage.
Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You
don’t want to take the chance that paint thinner stored in an old water bottle,
for example, is mistaken for water!
Finally, make sure you have the phone number to your local Poison Control
Center in a handy place, such as your fridge door. (You can find a list of
numbers at www.CAPCC.ca in Canada and www.AAPCC.org in the U.S.)
Being Safe about Chemicals in Your Home You would have to visit your local pharmacy or science lab to rival the number of potentially dangerous chemicals in the average home. You likely store everything from fertilizers and acidic cleaners to gasoline and corrosive drain openers.Obviously, it makes sense to ensure that everyone in your home uses and stores such items safely.For example, laundry detergent packs – which have become popular recently – are attractive to children. Keep them locked and out of sight. You should do the same with all laundry products. Even exposure to fabric softener pads can cause skin irritation to a child.Always read and follow the labels on household chemical products. Use and store them as directed.Keep corrosives, such as harsh cleaners and drain openers, separate from other chemicals and in a place where, should they leak, they will cause minimal or no damage.Also, never put a chemical in anything other than its original container. You don’t want to take the chance that paint thinner stored in an old water bottle,for example, is mistaken for water!Finally, make sure you have the phone number to your local Poison Control Center in a handy place, such as your fridge door. (You can find a list ofnumbers at www.CAPCC.ca in Canada and www.AAPCC.org in the U.S.)
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5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas
"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as
appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as
eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet
very effective:
• Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to
make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eyecatching.
You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred
dollars.
• New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but
should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and
even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a
big impression on buyers.
• Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom
sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that
pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with
buyers.
• New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are
motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances
make the whole kitchen look brand new.
• Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a
home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage
each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for
example, should be only that.
Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call
today.
5 Unusual (but effective) Home Staging Ideas"Staging" your home is all about making the space in your home as appealing as possible to buyers. You may already know the basics, such as eliminating clutter. Here are some other tips that are less well known yet very effective:• Chandeliers. Surprisingly, these are one of the simplest ways to make a foyer, dining room or living room dramatically more eye catching.You can buy a good-looking chandelier for a few hundred dollars.• New linen. This is something many home sellers don't consider, but should. Replace any worn linen – sheets, coverings, towels, and even oven mitts with new ones. Believe it or not, new linen makes a big impression on buyers.• Pedestal sinks. It may not be practical for you to replace a bathroom sink. However, if you are doing a renovation, keep in mind that pedestal sinks – especially in small washrooms – are a big hit with buyers.• New appliances. A brand new fridge, stove and dishwasher are motivating selling features to buyers. That's because new appliances make the whole kitchen look brand new.• Avoid multi-use rooms. Have a spare bedroom that doubles as a home office? That's a turnoff to buyers. Whenever possible, stage each room so that it has a singular purpose. A guest bedroom, for example, should be only that.Want more tips on how to stage your home so that it attracts buyers? Call Today
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According to fire officials,
December is the peak month for a
certain type of fire in the home.
If you think the risk involves
candles, think again. Although
candle safety is extremely
important at any time of the year,
electrical fires are the type that
peak during this month.
Why? At this time of year, people
tend to haul out old electronic
appliances, lighting and electrical
cords, as well as other items
— such as electric toys and
decorations. Some of these may
be several years old and have
frayed wiring and other damage
that could cause a fire.
Before using such items, be sure
to check them thoroughly. Look
carefully for tears, frays and other
signs of damage to the cords. If
there is any damage, replace the
item, rather than attempting to
repair it.
Pay particular attention to
portable heaters, which can easily
ignite paper and other flammable
materials that come in contact
with the unit.
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