Protecting your Home Gadgets from Hacking

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 your home gadgets 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, come with their own connection to the internet. Learn how to turn that connection off if it becomes necessary to do so.

• Don't leave an internet-connected appliance or other gadget on constantly unless it’s necessary. For example, you don't need your home speaker system connected to your digital music providers all the time. • Baby monitors with video are a common target for hackers. Use a password unique to that device and change it often. Never leave the monitor on when not in use.

• Never share passwords with anyone unless it is absolutely necessary. Most home WIFI systems have a "guest" feature with a separate password and limited access. Use it.
 
In this age of internet connectivity — from coffee makers to stereos and even washing machines — it's smart to play it safe.

Know what's connected and protect yourself.

The 4 Ps to Maximizing your Selling Price
 
When you sell, you’ll probably want to get the best possible price for your property. Who wouldn’t? Unfortunately, there are many ways to inadvertently leave money on the table – sometimes thousands of dollars. 
 
How do you avoid that possibility? Just remember the 4 Ps:
 
• Prep. Do everything you can to prepare your home so that it looks great to buyers. Clean, declutter, fix, make improvements. Home staging can also help. In fact, effectively staged homes have been shown to sell for up to 5% more than comparable unstaged properties.

• Price. Set the right asking price. That’s crucial. If it's too low, you'll attract only deal-hunters — and you might end up getting less than you should. If the asking price is too high, however, you'll discourage those buyers who might otherwise be interested and willing to make a good offer. Be careful with pricing!

• Promotion. There may be qualified buyers out there who would be eager to see your property. But, they need to find out about your listing and the great features of your home first! Reaching these buyers requires more than merely profiling the listing on the MLS. Homes that sell for top dollar often have strong marketing — directed to the right buyers.

• Proposal. Once an offer comes in, there may be an opportunity to negotiate with the buyer to maximize the final price you get. This requires deep knowledge of the local market as well as street-smart negotiation skills. If done effectively, these negotiations can help put more money in your pocket. These four Ps are easy to remember, but sometimes not so easy to implement!

That's why working with a great real estate agent is so important. Contact me to get the conversation started.

Hurry, Hurry!! Come See this Exceptional Large one Bedroom & Den at PURE in the heart of DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER. Walking distance to English Bay, Sunset Beach, Robson shops & Yaletown restaurants! Contemporary, sleek, upscale design with expansive windows & overheight ceilings. Clean white porcelain tile throughout main living areas. Chef's Dream Kitchen with tons of European cabinetry, stone counters & island, stainless appliances incl. gas cooktop & wall oven, glass tile backsplash & huge Pantry! King-size bedroom with walk-in closet plus tons of additional built-in clothes storage. Separate den with built-in desk & bookcases. Bright outdoor balcony with plenty of space to relax. Rental & Pet friendly concrete bldg with bike room, gym & roof deck. Open House Sat Apr 20th 2-4 pm.

Anna Smith, Your Neighbourhood REALTOR®

RE/MAX Crest Realty

1428 W 7th Avenue

Vancouver, BC V6H 1C1

C:   604.505.1647 

O:  604-602-1111

annasmith@remax.net
www.AnnaSmithRealty.com

Most of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals.

A referral from you is the greatest compliment that I can hope for as a realtor.

Your ongoing support is greatly appreciated!