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Unless you're a real estate expert, you probably look at the market and think things are pretty confusing. Even a bit crazy! You hear news about “bubbles bursting”, “higher or lower home sales in a particular month”, “new home starts” that are up or down, and on and on it goes.  It’s a lot of news and a lot of jargon.   If you're thinking of selling your home within the next year or two, you will want to understand what's happening in the market so you can make the right decisions and get a clear sense of what to expect. So, how do you make sense of it all?   That's where a good REALTOR® can help.  Even if you don't have any definite plans to move in the near future, a REALTOR® who is an expert in the local marketplace can help you understand what homes in a particular neighbourhood are selling for, and what you can expect to get should you decide to list your property.  Getting to know a REALTOR® also means you’ll have a trusted expert to talk to from time to time, when you have real estate-related questions.   You’ll have someone you can think of as "Your REALTOR®".  Plus, when the time comes to sell your property, you won't have to deal with a stranger. Instead, you'll be able to work with a REALTOR® that you know well -- and who knows YOU. Overall, that will make the buying and selling process go more smoothly and more successfully.  Looking for a good REALTOR® who wants to get to know you? Call the Peshke Real Estate Team, we’d love to get to know you!

Watch for these electrical hazards in your home

Electricity in the home is so commonplace that it's easy to forget how dangerous it can be. According to the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, an electrical shock can knock you unconscious, cause a serious burn, or even stop your heartbeat.  Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to reduce the risk.

 • Install safety plugs in outlets that young children can reach.

 • Never plug in anything with a frayed or otherwise damaged power cord.

 • Never use a plugged-in computer, hair dryer, or other electrically- powered item near a filled sink or bathtub. This includes phones with power cords.

 • Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or while standing in water. (Water is a remarkably efficient conductor of electricity.)

  • Always turn off the appropriate breaker before doing any electrical work, such as installing a new light fixture.

  • When replacing a broken light bulb, turn off the breaker first. Although the glass is broken, the filament may still be conducting electricity.

 Finally, unless you're an expert or an electrician, never do any major electrical work on your own. Hire a professional.