Carol Edwards

Like most home products, candles are safe as long as you use them properly. The problem is thinking that as long as a candle doesn't fall over or come into contact with anything flammable, it is okay. However, according to the National Candle Association (candles.org) there's more you can do to ensure candle safety.

• Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by pets. (Cats can be particularly fascinated by the flickering light.)

• Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before burning. A long wick can cause the candle to drip.

• Don't burn a candle all the way down. At about two inches, put the candle out.

• Despite what you see in movies, don’t try to bravely extinguish a candle with your fingers.

• Avoid using a candle during a power outage. Use flashlights instead.

• Never use a candle as a night light next to your bed. 

• And, of course, never leave a candle burning unattended. If you need to leave the room, put the candle out.

When some people think about selling their home, they imagine all the things they will have to do: paint the kitchen, clean closets, prepare for viewings, find another home, arrange financing, start packing, etc. It can all seem very overwhelming very quickly.

In fact, the long to-do list you imagine you’ll have to deal with may dissuade you from making a move! It doesn't have to be that way.

There are many ways to make selling your home and buying another relatively simple and easy.

Sure, there will be some work to do. You may need to prepare your property so that it looks appealing to potential buyers – cleaning, decluttering, doing some repairs, etc. Of course, you will also need to view some properties for sale in order to find your next dream home. But those activities may not be as time-consuming or difficult as you had imagined. In fact, you and your family might actually enjoy the experience – and see it as an adventure.

The trick is to work with the right REALTOR®, someone who can guide you through the process, show you the shortcuts, and generally make things easier for you.

It's a little like baking your first cake from scratch. The task seems daunting, unless you have a master baker by your side to guide you step-by-step through the process. Then it's a lot easier, and even fun!

That's what a good REALTOR® can do for you.

Looking for one? Call today.