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 them 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

If you're thinking of selling your home and buying a new property, you might come across an opportunity to purchase a "fixer upper." In fact, the home might be priced based on its need for work. Should you buy that "fixer upper"? That can be a tough decision. Here are some questions you should consider: What repairs need to be done? Are there any major items that will need to be replaced soon, such as the furnace? What renovations are needed? How much, realistically, are thos

Happy autumn. Let's home the coming season treats us all well! Speaking of seasons, you may have noticed that the real estate market seems to have seasons. Traditionally, it's slower in some months and busier in others. In fact, that might lead you to try to "time" the market and sell when it's hot. But, be careful. Like the weather, the real estate market can be unpredictable. Yes, it may be active next spring - but, then again, it could be slow. There's no way to know for s

When it comes to updating their living space, some homeowners enjoy doing the research and then planning, designing, and decorating on their own. Many believe they will save a substantial amount of money. While that may be tru, they may also be doing themselves a disservice by overlooking the benefits of hiring an interior designer(who can create and maximize functional living space) and/or interior decorator (who can furnish and adorn a home or room for aesthetic appeal). Wh

As you probably are with an financial investment, you should alwasy be mindful of the value of your investment in property. Aside from knowing its fair market price, you should also be aware of market demographics and how they influence your home's value. Available statistics can help identify those demographics, their desirable home features, and current trends. Staying in touch with this information will help you understand how your home is valued and the types of project w

When you're looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great neighborhood - or, at least, in a neighborhood that is on the upswing. How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common indicators: Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flower planted? Homeowners are more likely to look after their properties when they