Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
The holidays are without question a very busy time for most of us. We’re running around shopping for gifts for our loved ones, preparing big meals for family and friends and breaking out the ladder to string up festive lights and decorations.
While all of these things can be enjoyable in their own way, they can also be dangerous as our minds are often wandering to remember if we actually turned the stove off or if we locked the house full of gifts.
Be sure to keep yourself, your loved ones and potential buyers safe and secure in your home this holiday season by following these safety tips:
Fight Fire With Fire
You don’t need Smokey Bear to tell you that the majority of home fires are preventable. Fires are a huge issue during this time of year for a variety of reasons, many of which are avoidable.
Set a timer:
Sometimes in the rush of cooking a big holiday meal, it can be difficult to remember what you put in the oven and when, especially if you are trying to get dressed and ready for guests at the same time. Be sure to set multiple timers – one for when the food is done and another for a few minutes after, just in case you miss the first one.
Fireproof your tree:
If you are considering purchasing an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as “fireproof.” You might not think that a fake tree would burn as easily as a real one, but that is far from the truth. For real trees, prevent string lights from heating up the branches by ensuring your tree is adequately hydrated and keeping lights toward the outer branches.
Protect Children and Pets
The holidays are a magical time of year for kids, making them even more prone to distracted behavior. In the excitement of helping you decorate or bake cookies, it is easy to lose track of what they are getting into. This goes for four-legged friends, too.
Formulate a holiday playbook:
If you lay down ground rules before any holiday activity (and make them part of the fun), kids are more likely to listen. For instance, avoid accidental burns or messes by having kids design their cookies on paper and pencil while you handle the mixer and stove.
Keep things out of reach:
Holiday decorations like candles and poinsettias are great for making our homes look festive, but they can pose a threat to curious kids and pets. Be sure to keep items like these well out of reach or tucked away, especially while you are busy wrapping presents or baking.
Remember Those in Need
Homelessness can happen to anyone. It happens here, too. Please join me as we at Balsley Losco Realty partner with the Atlantic City Rescue Mission to help local families in need. We are hosting a Winter Coat, Clothing (new and gently used) and Non-Perishable Food Drive at our office, located at 1630 New Road in Northfield, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
To donate, contact me at 609-703-0432. Thank you for your generosity in helping to make a difference in our community.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
