Even though the calendar says it's still a month away, the chill means winter is close. And with the cooler days, the warm housing market may have you or people you know thinking about a move.

When talking about real estate, some people search online in the hopes of discovering the ideal place. But there may be a missed opportunity. I can help make finding a new place easier. With my market knowledge, it's more efficient and I am a great and knowledgeable tour guide.

Even if a move is not definite yet, and you're just looking for information, I deliver. That's especially important these days as media headlines continue to talk change. No matter what the dreams of "home" are, I am always available to help make sense of the market and build a plan for success.

Candles and Oil Lamp Caution

Candles and oil lamps can create a warm indoor atmosphere. However, with our homes tightly sealed against the chill, remember that there’s not only a danger of fire, there’s also a risk of deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas. A working CO detector will keep your family safe. Don't just get it and forget it… test the CO Detector regularly. And read the instructions carefully. Also, check the batteries AND replacement date. CO detectors are usually "good" for 5 to 7 years.
 

Flooring Acoustics

If a Condo Reno includes updating the flooring, the first step is to find out the specific noise-reduction performance guideline for flooring underlayment your building has in place, measured as FIIC (Field Impact Insulation Class).

When evaluating the acoustic membrane options, don't just try and match the building's requirements with the acoustic results published by the product manufacturer.

• Verify the conditions under which the published acoustic tests were performed. And evaluate if your building's floor and ceiling construction match those in the manufacturer’s test.
• Evaluate the type of flooring that will be installed:  glued or floating engineered wood, nailed  hardwood, vinyl, ceramic - all have different acoustic underlay requirements.
• Consider if the type and thickness of the acoustic membrane needed to achieve the building’s noise reduction actually works with the flooring you want. For instance, if the membrane is too thick, soft or dense the mechanical strength may not be enough to "support" the floor, which can lead to expensive failures such as delaminating, cracking or lifting of the floor, potentially voiding the manufacturer's warranty. 

Do the research before installing. Not meeting the building's acoustic criteria could mean an expensive reno re-do, after.

Smart Adapters Connect "Dumb" Appliances
If you're looking to add some "smarts" to small home appliances such as coffee makers, lamps, and TVs a Smart Adapter may be the answer. No re-wiring necessary. Just plug it into a standard outlet and connect it to your Wi-Fi. Then use your SmartPhone to turn it on or off, or if you have a Smart Assistant, use your voice with Alexa or Google.

When considering a Smart Adapter, look for one that offers independent controls for each of the two outlets, has a USB charging port, and has an app that enables you to monitor how much electricity the plugged-in device consumes.