We all want our homes to be a safe place for children and pets. Here’s my list of the top things you can do to avoid accidents or harm:1. Install safety gates. These gates are easy to install (and later remove). They keep little kids from falling down the stairs or entering rooms where they could eat something harmful: laundry detergent or cat litter, for example. And they keep pets out of areas where you have food items or things that could...

Like it or not, winter is here! These tips for getting your home ready for the cold can save you heating costs and avoid costly structural damage.  Seal the air leaksCaulking window or foundation cracks and updating the weather stripping on doors  can make your house less drafty and reduce home heating costs by as much as 10%.Test smoke and CO detectorsChanging batteries is cheap and easy, but essential as winter approaches. With your...

A good, all-around repair or “fix-it” person can be a lifesaver for any homeowner. Finding the right one can be difficult, because they are in demand. I’ll give you some suggestions of how to locate your handyman, but I’ll begin by suggesting that you call me. I often hear of recommendations from my clients. I’d be happy to pass them on to you. That way you’ll be considering someone who is “tried and true.” That said, if you want to look on...

Buying your first home can be a financial challenge. You might need cash for a down-payment, closing costs, mortgage insurance and all the typical moving costs and repairs. Here are some of the many programs that help first-time buyers afford their first home: Fast Fact A RealtyTrac survey in 2016 found that homebuyers using down-payment assistance loans saved an average of $17,776 over the life of their first home mortgage. Down Payment and...

Thanks to smart technology, you can cut energy costs through a bunch of new whiz-bang devices. Some of these gizmos are so cheap, they pay for themselves in months. Here’s a list of some of my favorites, but new ones crop up every day. Many can be voice-controlled by Alexa or Google Home, or adjusted by your smartphone from anywhere in the world.  Smart power strips. Not only do they prevent surges, but they cut off items in standby mode (like...