You don’t have to freeze in the winter or start reading by candlelight to
reduce your electricity bill. There are many simple ways to use less power
with little, if any, impact on your lifestyle.
A good place to start is with your electronics.
According to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Any gizmo that has a clock,
digital timer, remote control or standby mode is sucking energy when it's not
being used (it's called 'phantom electricity' — and it's scary how much of it
there is).” So keep them unplugged as much as possible. Also, unplug
charger cords for phone and computers when not in use. Even when not
connected to the device, they still suck power.
Another easy change to make involves your lights. Switching to compact
fluorescent (CFL) or LED light bulbs can save you a lot of energy. They’re
75% more efficient.
Finally, the old-fashioned method of insulating doors and windows can work
wonders for lowering your electricity bill. In fact, some particularly drafty
homes can lose up to 40% of their heat. Check for drafts regularly and
repair or replace insulation as needed.
None of these ideas will impact your day-to-day living. Yet, they could
potentially save you a bundle.

Imagine finding a home you love, making an offer, and then finding out there
are other competing offers on the table. Ouch.
If you’re looking for a property in a competitive market, it is likely that there
will be multiple offers. Even just one can create the risk that you’ll lose the
home. So how do you make sure your offer is enticing enough to win over
the seller? Here are some ideas:
• Don’t make a low-ball offer. If you do, it might be dismissed and you
probably won’t get another chance to bid — especially if the other
competing offers are near the listing price.
• Have a pre-arranged mortgage and include that with your offer. This
reassures the seller there won’t be any money issues. (Most lenders
will provide you with a pre-arranged mortgage certificate for this
purpose.)
• Go in with a price high enough that the seller will be interested, but
not so high as to be leaving money on the table. This is tricky and
requires a savvy knowledge of the current market.
• Have a REALTOR® present the offer on your behalf. A REALTOR®
will know how to do so professionally, and in a manner that gives you
the best chance of getting the home.
In a competitive situation, working with a REALTOR® who is an expert on
the local market — and a skilled negotiator — is crucial.

Looking for a REALTOR® like that? Call The Dion Ivans-Real Estate Team today!!