Now is a good time to make a visual check of all your utilities, fixtures and appliances to make sure they are not using expensive energy and resources inefficiently. Ensure that faucets don’t drip when closed. If they do, replace the washers (or valve cartridges, in the case of washerless units). Next, check that your toilets don’t leak. To check for leaks, pour coloured liquid bowl cleaner into the tank, then wait several hours to see if it appears in the bowl without flushing. If you discover a leak, you may need to replace the stopper in the bottom of the tank. Also, make sure your hot water tank/and or pipes are not sweating. While you’re at it, consider turning down the tank thermostat by a couple of degrees – chances are you won’t notice a difference, except maybe on your energy bill. Finally, check that windows and other exposed surfaces are not drafty. If so, consider caulking, repairing or replacing them.

Don't take stair safety for granted:
The first known use of stairs was in ancient Egypt during the building of the pyramids. Chances are, some workers back then tripped and fell on them. Some 3,000 years later, injuries on stairs are still a big problem. According to the Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, the insurance cost of injuries from falls on stairs is second only to automobile accidents! Clearly, it's a bigger problem than most people imagine.So how do you prevent trips, falls and other mishaps on stairs?The most common way is to use handrails. In fact, most trips and falls occur when people aren't able to regain their balance because they are not holding a handrail.Another source of accidents are items, such as toys, left on stairs. Some people have the bad habit of using stairs as a temporary shelf for books, magazines, mail and other items. That’s not a good idea!Always be careful when carrying heavy items on stairs. Even an overloaded laundry basket can be a hazard. If it's too heavy or you can’t see over the top, it’s too full. A lot of this is common sense. However, because injuries on stairs are so prevalent, we need to use our common sense more often. 

I just sold this House at 19917 72 Ave, Langley, British Columbia Willoughby Heights.

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I just sold this House at 16042 12 Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia King George Corridor.

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You don't notice it – but most buyers will.  Imagine you're viewing a potential new home. You walk in the front door and are instantly impressed. You explore the property room by room and like what you see. Then there's something you notice that's not quite right. An odour. You realize that it's likely cat dander and, now that you've identified it, you smell it everywhere. Suddenly the home doesn't seem as attractive as it did just moments earlier.  The owner of the property is probably so used to the smell that he doesn't even notice it. Neither does anyone else in the household.So, when marketing your home for sale, be scent sensitive. Think about the odours that you may have become used to but others are likely to notice. Even odours you think are pleasant, like the strong scent given off by some house plants, may not be pleasing to everyone.An odour can easily distract a buyer from appreciating the good qualities of your property. Pay particular attention to garbage bins (which can smell even when empty), pets, kitty litter (even when fresh and unused), the kitchen (especially after cooking), perfumes, and closets.The smell of cigarette smoke is particularly unpleasant to many people. Its odour can linger even on an outside deck or patio.Bottom line? Don't assume buyers won't notice certain smells. They will. Looking for more advice on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today.

You’ve spent a lot of time shopping for the perfect property. You made an offer, held your breath and – hurray! – you got the home! But now you’ve realized that you have to move in four weeks – and you’re far from prepared.

Don’t add stress to what was otherwise a smooth process. Make sure you have these things in place well in advance:

A good real estate lawyer. Selecting the right lawyer can take time, so you don’t want to leave this task to the last minute.

A reputable moving company. Start looking into moving firms right away to ensure you pick one that’s reputable, timely and will do a good job.

A contractor. Your new home may require some repairs and renovations that you want to get done right away.

Insurance. This is an easy detail to overlook. Don’t. Insurance costs can vary widely, and you want to make sure you take the time necessary, well in advance of your move, to select the right policy from the right company.

Getting these things in place in advance of your move will make the entire process go more smoothly. A good REALTOR® will help.

Call today.

Using candles safely:  Like most home products, candles are safe as long as you use them properly. The problem is thinking that as long as a candle doesn't fall over or come into contact with anything flammable, it is okay. However, according to the National Candle Association (candles.org) there's more you can do to ensure candle safety.
• Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by pets. (Cats can be particularly fascinated by the flickering light.)
• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before burning. A long wick can cause the candle to drip.
• Don't burn a candle all the way down. At about two inches, put the candle out.
• Despite what you see in movies, don’t try to bravely extinguish a candle with your fingers.
• Avoid using a candle during a power outage. Use flashlights instead.
• Never use a candle as a night light next to your bed.And, of course, never leave a candle burning unattended. If you need to leave the room, put the candle out. 

I just sold this Condo at #D109 8929 202ND ST, Langley, BC Walnut Grove .

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I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 216 5294 204 Street, Langley, British Columbia

This is a great location close to bus stops, IGA, Valley Centre, Willowbrook Shopping Centre, coffee shops, restaurants, Cascades Casino, HD Stafford Secondary, Simmonds Elementary, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, community centre, parks, recreation and much more! Direct access to major transportation routes including Fraser Highway and the Trans-Canada Highway, allows an easy commute to surrounding destinations. This home feature spacious living areas, bay windows to brighten your home, open concept with very efficient use of space. This is a well maintained building offering underground parking, wheelchair access, visitor parking, storage lockers and a common rooftop deck for everyone to enjoy. Very clean,new paint, bright bathroom and very large Master bedroom. Building updated with vinyl siding. Quiet West facing Balcony. Rentals and pets allowed.

I just sold this Other at 15369 20TH Ave, South Surrey White Rock, British Columbia King George Corridor.

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Preparing for a power outage:  Some people can live in their homes for years without ever experiencing a power outage. In fact, even in areas prone to serious storms or snowfalls, power loss doesn't happen that often. No wonder so many homeowners are caught unprepared when it does.  To make sure you're not caught unprepared, follow these tips:  • Replace batteries in unused flashlights every six months.  • Keep candles and matches in a handy place. Monitor them closely when lit and always blow them out before going to sleep.  • For computers and phones, consider purchasing a power backup. (Some models provide up to 8 hours of power for two or three devices.)  • Know the address of your local fire station and nearest community centre. These are the most common places to find help during a power outage.  When the power does go out, make sure the stove is turned off. You don't want an unattended burner or gas leak when the power finally comes back on. 

What home buyers love to see:  Buyers are more likely to make an offer on your home if they see a lot of things they love about it. So what do buyers love to see? One of the main things they like to see is a lot of space. Of course, you can't change the size of your rooms, but there is a lot you can do to make small spaces in your home seem more spacious. Buyers also love to see a clean and uncluttered home. Think of how inviting a hotel room looks at first glance, with everything neat and organized. Of course, your home isn't a hotel, but the more neat and attractive you can make each room, the better.  One thing buyers don't love to see is potential maintenance issues. So as much as possible, get things fixed or updated. In fact, the more "finished" and "move in ready" your home looks, the more likely a buyer is to make an offer. Don't forget the surrounding neighbourhood either. A buyer may not take the time to explore the area, so be sure to make a list of the most appealing features. You might want to take a picture of the brand new playground just down the street or print off a local map showing nearby shopping, theatre and other points of interest.It's not about creating a false impression. Rather, it's about making your home look its best and drawing attention to its most enticing features.Want more home selling tips? Call today.

Childproofing tips for your home

If you have young children, or expect a visit from friends or relatives with little ones in tow, it pays to ensure your home is free of hazards. The last thing you want is an injury that could have easily been prevented. Here are some basic childproofing tips. •• Remove everything that is toxic, hot or sharp, from within reach of a child. (For example, the leaves of some types of house plants are toxic.)• If possible, keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.• Install plug-in covers in electrical outlets. (These are inexpensive and can be purchased at any hardware store.)• Block or gate off areas where kids may fall.• Remove "pulling down" hazards, such as a heavy plant that a child can pull off a table.• Make sure there are screens on all open windows. •Finally, watch your pets. Even the most gentle dog or cat can act unpredictably around children – especially if they're not used to them. 

I just sold this Townhouse at 1836 #2 Southmere Cr, South Surrey, BC Southpointe.

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When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it's important that you read and understand every clause. It is especially important to understand any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer.An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are "conditional upon arranging financing" and "conditional upon passing a professional home inspection." However, there may be other conditions as well.You should be aware of – and fully understand – all of them.In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well. A good agent will always ask you to initial changes. This is done primarily to ensure you know and approve of what you're signing.A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.You don't want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and understand an offer.Want to make sure everything goes smoothly with your next move? Call today

The internet can be a source of inspirational and unusual ways to use ordinary household items. Here are just a few examples:
1. Ketchup can be used to clean copper.
2. Lubricate a stuck zipper track by applying a drop of olive oil with a cosmetic swab-tip.
3. White vinegar will remove tea stains from a cup and coffee stains from your carafe, but be sure to rinsethem thoroughly.
4. Minor drain clogs can be cleared with half a cup of salt, followed by a quart of hot water.
5. If you break a drinking glass, a slice of white bread will pick up the tiniest shards from the floor.
6. Electrical tape can temporarily seal a leaking drain pipe. (Unlike water supply pipes, drains work by gravity, not pressure.)