If you have young children, or expect a visit from friends or relatives with
little ones in tow, it pays to ensure your home is free of hazards. The last
thing you want is an injury that could have easily been prevented.
Here are some basic childproofing tips.
•
• Remove everything that is toxic, hot or sharp, from within reach of a
child. (For example, the leaves of some types of house plants are
toxic.)
• If possible, keep children out of the kitchen while cooking.
• Install plug-in covers in electrical outlets. (These are inexpensive and
can be purchased at any hardware store.)
• Block or gate off areas where kids may fall.
• Remove "pulling down" hazards, such as a heavy plant that a child
can pull off a table.
• Make sure there are screens on all open windows.
•
Finally, watch your pets. Even the most gentle dog or cat can act
unpredictably around children – especially if they're not used to them.

When you make or receive an offer to buy a property, it's important that you
read and understand every clause. It is especially important to understand
any conditions or any changes that are made to the standard offer.
An offer may contain several types of conditions. The most common are
"conditional upon arranging financing" and "conditional upon passing a
professional home inspection." However, there may be other conditions as
well.
You should be aware of – and fully understand – all of them.
In addition, the wording of an offer may change during the back and forth
negotiations that often happen. Aside from changes to the price, other
clauses may be added, removed or reworded as well.
A good agent will always ask you to initial changes. This is done primarily to
ensure you know and approve of what you're signing.
A recent newspaper article tells the story of a buyer-seller legal dispute that
resulted in a six-figure judgement against the seller. This was due, in part, to
a lack of understanding of one of the clauses in the agreement.
You don't want that to happen to you. Take the time to carefully review and
understand an offer.
Want to make sure everything goes smoothly with your next move? Call
today.