Sell your home sooner with these effortless landscaping tips

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(NC) Curb appeal is essential when selling a house. A well maintained lawn, for example, proves you care about all the details of your property and provides onlookers confidence that the house is well preserved.

“A big percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house based on what it looks like from the outside,” says Michelle Sordi at Husqvarna, a world leader in outdoor power products. “Proper maintenance and investing in the right tools will make sure your house and lawn looks great at first glance and demonstrates to potential buyers how much you care for your home.”

Sordi supplies some additional tips from the pros:

∙ Great yards begin in the spring, not the summer: Start the spring-cleaning when the snow has melted and the soil has dried up a bit. Remove layers of leaves that can lead to the grass molding or decaying by using a leaf blower or a rake. However, don't rake the lawn until it has started to grow.

∙ Would you buy it? Walk around your entire home's exterior with a critical eye. Take notes on what needs repairing, replacing or cleaning.

∙ Add color. Replace overgrown bushes with leafy plants and colorful annuals. Surround bushes and trees with dark or reddish-brown bark mulch; this will give a rich feel to the yard. Potted plants are another way to add a splash of color and can be taken with you when you move.

∙ Mow the lawn. Remember not to cut the grass too short. With a grass level of 5 to 9 cm you will have a fine, sustainable lawn.

∙ Trim the hedges. The way to get a good-looking hedge always starts with the right tool. With an ergonomically balanced and lightweight hedge trimmer, creating clean cuts and a smooth line will be easy.

∙ Get out of the weeds: Get rid of any weeds as early as possible. Also be sure to cut away withered leaves and grass from cultivated parts of the garden bed.

∙ Shape and edge your lawn. If you want your lawn to look really great, don't forget to trim the edges.

∙ Bright idea. Landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home's curb appeal while also providing safety and security. It isn't unusual for potential buyers to drive by homes in the evening and lighting can provide an attractive view of your house at night.

More lawn tips and information about tool options for proper maintenance can be found online at www.husqvarna.ca.

Prepare your home for spring

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(NC) Winter weather can wreak havoc on homes and gardens across Canada. Complete this home maintenance checklist from The Home Depot Canada before the warm weather breaks to ensure your outdoor space is ready for spring enjoyment.

1. If your home experienced any leaking or flooding, you must first dry out the area. Use towels, a mop and bucket or a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water that entered your home. Ensure you replace any affected drywall and clean carpets or upholstery thoroughly to prevent mould growth.

2. Your roof takes quite a beating through the winter months. Once the warmer weather hits, take a look for any shingles that blew away or were damaged. Replace them to ensure your roof is waterproof ahead of spring showers.

3. Remove debris from your gutters using your hand or a leaf blower and run water from a garden hose down the eaves troughs. This will keep drainage running smoothly away from your home as rainfall increases in the spring.

4. In early spring, clean your deck with a power washer to remove stains and dirt build-up. On a dry day, apply a new coat of sealant to protect the deck from moisture damage, fungus growth and ultraviolet light in the summer ahead.

5. Get your yard ready for growing season by raking your lawn to remove winter debris, and pruning your perennials and trees ahead of their new growth.

5 tips for buying a new condo

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(NC) It's no secret that there's an ongoing condos boom in Ontario – just look around you. Our cities are going up vertically, and that means more and more people are enjoying high rise living. So if you are joining the crowd and thinking of buying a condo, here are some tips to make your purchase a smooth one:

1. Delays happen. It could be two or three years between the date you sign your purchase agreement and the date you take occupancy of your unit. If construction runs over schedule, it could be even longer. Read the statement of critical dates, outlined in the Addendum attached to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale to get a sense of how long it may take for your condo to be ready for occupancy.

2. Know your rights when it comes to delayed closings. Builders are entitled to extend the occupancy date specified in a purchase agreement as long as they provide proper notice. (When proper notice is not given, buyers are eligible for delayed occupancy compensation.) It's a good idea to read up on your rights and responsibilities in delayed occupancy situations, which you can do online at tarion.com. If a builder fails to close the sale or substantially complete construction, deposits are protected up to a maximum of $20,000 with any excess deposit amounts being protected by the trust provisions of the Condominium Act.

3. Hire a lawyer. A condominium lawyer will help you interpret your purchase agreement. It's to your benefit to understand both your own and your builder's responsibilities. For example, the Condominium Act entitles you to a 10-day "cooling off" period that begins on the day you receive the purchase agreement or a document called the disclosure statement, whichever comes later. During this time, your lawyer can negotiate changes to the offer, like capping adjustments to the purchase price, restricting amendments to the size, design or dimensions of the unit or even getting out of the contract.

4. Be prepared to move into a construction zone. Condo projects are different from single family homes in that the purchase is usually completed in two steps. Step one is interim occupancy. Many buyers find out the hard way that they're required to take possession of their completed unit before common element features like front reception, landscaping and the swimming pool are finished. This means you could live for many months without the anticipated amenities.

5. Know what's yours, and what's shared. A new condo unit comes with a seven-year warranty from your builder that is backed by Tarion Warranty Corporation. The shared areas in your condo, such as the roofing, parking structures, exterior cladding and any shared amenities, are covered under the common element warranty. This is a separate warranty from your unit's warranty. Condo owners are responsible to submit warranty claims for their units only, whereas the condo board handles the warranty for the common elements.

More information is available online at tarion.com or toll-free at 1-877-982-7466. Information about the Condominium Act can be found through the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services.

Add CO alarm safety to your home by April 15 deadline

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Carbon monoxide has gained a significant profile in the past few years as accidental fatalities and near misses make headlines. Now, as the April 15 compliance period arrives for Ontario's new law that says homes with any potential sources of the deadly gas must have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside all sleeping areas, here is a refresher on the 'silent killer.'

CO alarms monitor airborne concentration levels of carbon monoxide in parts per million (ppm). They are designed to sense low concentrations over a long period of time as well as high concentrations over a short period of time. Per CSA requirements, all CO alarms will sound when concentrations of 70 ppm are detected. Some alarm models feature a digital display which helps you see if lower levels are present so corrective action can be taken.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of “incomplete combustion” of fossil fuels burned for energy or heat, such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, charcoal, gasoline and wood.

The usual suspects in most homes are wood or gas fireplaces and wood stoves; gas, oil or propane furnaces; gas water heaters or portable generators; and gas stoves and clothes dryers. Vehicles are also prime CO producers, so leaving them running in attached garages is a no-no.

Proper venting is key to ensuring deadly CO does not accumulate in your home. Cracked or blocked chimney flues (carbon, bird's nests), appliance vents and other ductwork are often the cause seepage back into a home. A yearly inspection of all devices by a licensed technician is the first step to CO safety.

Other than an emergency, most recent alarm models chirp to tell you that their battery is low or that it has reached the end of its lifespan.

Alarm location is key. Never install a CO alarm in a furnace room or near windows. Install them outside all sleeping areas so that people will be awakened at night.

It is a small investment for safety. On average, CO alarms cost between $30 and $60, depending on features. New “worry-free” models from manufacturer Kidde Canada have a 10-year lifespan and a sealed lithium battery that also lasts 10 years without needing to be changed.

More CO and fire safety tips can be found at www.safeathome.ca.

Home ownership builds strong communities: Toronto Real Estate Board

HOMES

TREB: Home ownership builds strong communities 

0

 BY PAUL ETHERINGTON

FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, MARCH 06, 2015 02:54 PM EST | UPDATED: FRIDAY, MARCH 06, 2015 03:06 PM EST

— Paul Etherington is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 40,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.

If like thousands of people throughout the Greater Toronto Area you have worked with a REALTOR® in recent years, you probably have an appreciation of the many variables that can occur in a transaction. 

While working in the real estate profession demands a considerable knowledge base, throughout my 30 years as a REALTOR® I have found that one of the most important aspects of the job has remained the same: the simple act of bringing people together. It is immensely gratifying to see the enthusiasm in buyers’ eyes as they envision their new lifestyle and the sense of achievement that sellers experience when an agreement is reached. 

It has been said that when people come together we can accomplish great things and this extends beyond the context of a real estate transaction to the communities that each of us calls home.

According to a 2012 study by Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area, homeowners play an important role in strengthening communities throughout our city.  The organization, which develops affordable housing communities throughout the GTA, undertook the study in 2012 in order to gauge the experiences of people transitioning from rental housing to home ownership, and a number of significant findings were reported. 

Homeowners noted improved health, better academic scores among their children, and even increased recycling efforts. Equally notable however were the study’s findings regarding community involvement. Half of respondents reported feeling safer walking outside their homes and 72 per cent of those surveyed reported being friendly with five or more neighbors — a 25 per cent increase. Connecting with others in the community even applied to the youngest members of the household, with 81 per cent of respondents reporting an improvement in their children’s social life. Another finding suggests these homeowners are likely to deepen their engagement in the community in the long term, with 93 per cent indicating they don’t plan to move for a very long time, or never at all.

   A report published in the same year by the National Association of REALTORS® in the United States illustrates similar findings. It indicated that since homeowners tend to remain in their homes longer, their residential stability lends itself to home improvement efforts and civic participation, showing that home ownership builds strong communities.

One of the many reasons home ownership is vital to our city’s future is that it gives people the confidence to offer a hand up to others, generating a cascade of prosperity. The Habitat for Humanity GTA report findings support this theory, indicating that 66 per cent of respondents feel hugely better about themselves as homeowners and showing a 135 per cent increase in respondents extending invitations to visitors.

In the interest of your family’s well being and your financial future it’s wise to make the transition to home ownership at the earliest opportunity. 

  Greater Toronto REALTORS® can advise you as to neighborhoods and housing types to fit almost any budget, and they can also offer insight into government programs that can help with taking this important step. To learn more visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.

A fire in your dryer is more common than you think

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(NC) Did you know that laundry room clothes dryers are the cause of around 15,000 house fires across North America every year? It is essential, therefore, to put this hard-working appliance on your springtime to-do list. “The reality is that dryer fires are fairly preventable with proper maintenance and safety precautions,” says Ryan Michel, senior vice president and chief risk officer at Allstate Canada.

Most people know you should clean the lint trap after every dryer use and shouldn't overload your machine. However, here are six other tips you can follow to ensure it is operating safely:

1. Don't leave your dryer running if you're not a home.

2. Make sure there's proper ventilation for dryers located in closets or enclosed rooms.

3. Never operate your dryer with a damaged or missing lint filter.

4. Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible items.

5. Never dry fabrics that have been saturated by oils, gasoline or chemicals. And don't put rubber coated or foam items in your dryer either.

6. Always refer to the owner's manual for proper operating instructions.

And once a year be sure to:

• Hire a professional to service your dyer.

• Check that the dryer duct is clear of lint and connected to a vent outdoors. This can also help to reduce energy costs.

• Replace plastic venting pipes with flexible aluminum or steel material to sustain proper airflow and avoid crimping.

“Every family should have a fire prevention plan in place,” Michel adds, “and dryer maintenance and proper use of it should be a key component.”

Spring is also the perfect time of year to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors, and to ensure that you have one on each floor of your home. Also be sure to have an exit plan in place for emergency evacuation during a fire and make sure every member of your family is aware of the plan. Additional information on fire prevention is available at www.allstate.ca/learningcentre.

Reduce Your Home Ownership Expenses With These Tips

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Reduce Your Home Ownership Expenses With These Tips

(By Anne Miller, www.realtor.com)

Homes cost money.

Not just the mortgage and the taxes, or even the down payment, but all the myriad things—from the heating to the gutters—that sap your savings.

Aside from careful money management, how can you reduce your daily home expenses?

Think Big

Your biggest regular expense is likely your mortgage. You may be able to shrink it, with and without the bank’s help.

• Refinance to take advantage of low interest rates
• Cut the time left on your mortgage. Consider taking on a 15-year option. You’ll save on interest over the long term.
• Pay half of your monthly mortgage every two weeks. Doing so will also help you save on interest.
• Reduce your private mortgage insurance. If you made only a small down payment, you may be able to drop some (or all) of the insurance after you pay down your mortgage to about 80%  of the principal, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Save On Utilities

Your parents might have nagged you to turn off the lights when you weren't using them. Now that you’re paying the bills, you get it. You don’t have to replace every appliance in your home to cut the bill, though—a few simple steps can help.

• Keep the thermostat level, and make sure it works properly. If your house feels cold but you've jacked up the thermostat, you’ll want to figure out why quickly.
• Set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees in winter and no lower than 78 in summer.
• Consider high-tech solutions. Some thermostats can be programmed to lower during times when no one is home. Set your lights on timers.
• Close blinds in summer, and weatherproof windows in winter.
• Monitor your fridge—keep your freezer full and clean the appliance’s coils regularly.
• Run loads back-to-back in your clothes dryer so that the dryer will remain warm from the previous cycle.

Save On Water

• Bathroom: Fix any leaking toilets or faucets and install flow-restricting showerheads.
• Kitchen: Run full loads in your dishwasher and let the dishes air-dry.
• Laundry: Wash full loads as they use less water than multiple small loads.

Elsewhere, lower the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees. While most are factory-set to 140 degrees, you could lower the setting on yours and save up to 5% on your electricity bill.

Learn To DIY

Many large hardware stores, including chains such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, offer free home improvement courses such as repairing drywall or updating a dimmer switch—projects that would typically cost $50 an hour if done by a pro.

Some other projects you could learn to do yourself:

• Curtains: They’re simple to sew if their design involves straight lines.
• Cabinets: If you aren't looking to replace your cabinets but want a simple update, try refinishing or repainting them yourself.
• Gutters: If your gutters are easy to reach, it takes only a small amount of time to clear them of debris. Do this regularly, and you could spare yourself a significant headache down the road.

When times become flush for you, you could hire professionals to tackle these chores. But if your priority is keeping costs down, investing a little time now can pay off in the long run.

Updated from an earlier version by Ben Apple

How can I avoid frozen pipes during cold weather?

SMART TIPS   (Source: yp.ca)

Category - Plumbing

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to home plumbing; here are a few tips to prevent frozen pipes this winter.

Water freezing in your home’s pipes is a costly, inconvenient plumbing emergency for many home-owners—even more so if the cold weather comes at an unexpected time. The best advice is to try to make sure you’re ready for cold weather before it happens. Here are a few tips that might help you avoid this messy problem.

What causes frozen pipes to burst?

When water in pipes freezes, it expands and exerts a great deal of pressure on the plastic or metal pipe from the inside. It can break out of whatever space is confining it, even if the material is strong and otherwise durable. The pipes that freeze and break most frequently are those exposed to exterior cold, such as sprinkler lines, pipes leading to and from pools, and water supply lines in unheated parts of the home, such as storage sheds, garages, attics, crawlspaces, basements, and other rooms that may be exposed to below-zero temperatures. Pipes that run along exterior walls inside the home can also be at risk for freezing.

An ounce of prevention

There are ways to avoid having frozen pipes burst on your property and in your home. First, drain your pool or outdoor hot tub according to the manufacturer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in the water lines. Antifreeze is toxic to humans, animals, and plant life and it can seep into the water table through the pipes. It is crucial to avoid using it unless specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer or plumber.

Second, turn off the inside water valve that supplies outdoor hose attachments, but leave the outdoor tap open so residual water can leak out of the pipe and oxygen can be released. When the weather is unexpectedly very cold outside, let water run constantly through pipes with exterior exposure by opening the tap ever so slightly, so the water can drip on a continuous basis. Keeping water running through those pipes can help avoid freezing when you’re caught off guard and haven’t prepared them for winter.

A word of advice

Even if you think it’s a good idea to turn down the heat at night to keep your energy bill down, don’t lower the temperature too much when it’s very cold out. Turning the heat down at night, when it’s coldest, increases the chance of frozen pipes and bursting. In addition, when it’s very cold out, leave your garage door shut at all times to ensure any pipes in the garage don’t freeze. Inversely, during a cold snap, leave open kitchen and bathroom cupboards to let warm air into those spaces and keep pipes from freezing. If you’re not sure you've drained things properly, be sure to consult a local plumber. A plumber is always the best source of advice for anything involving your pipes and fixtures.

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Be Home Smart: What to Know When Buying a Home -- RECO Video Series

Drink more water to change your life

(NC) According to a recent survey conducted by Brita, more than three quarters of Canadians admit they aren't drinking enough water and choose a sugar-sweetened beverage over healthier options.
Human bodies are composed of roughly 60 per cent water, so that means when we are dehydrated, it affects the performance of the majority of our body. Adding more water to your diet will not only improve your overall health and wellness, but it will help the body to function better. Here are four everyday things that staying hydrated will improve:

1. Headaches – Often head pain is caused by dehydration.

2. Less joint pain – Drinking water can reduce join pain by keeping the cartilage soft and           hydrated.

3. Glowing skin – Regular water consumption can improve the colour and texture of skin.

4. Weight Management – Staying hydrated is essential to maintaining a healthy diet and can     aid in weight loss.

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How Commercial Realtor Helps!

                                                     
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How to be prepared for power failures

SMART TIPS

(Courtesy of yp.ca)   Severe weather conditions can lead to unexpected power failures. Learn more about what you can do to prepare your family for a power failure.

Power failures can leave you and your family without heating or air conditioning, electricity, hot water, or even running water. This can make life at home difficult or even unbearable. Here are a few simple steps you can take to lessen the effects of a power failure:

1. Learn what to do before, during, and after an emergency: Pay attention to what news broadcasts are saying before severe weather hits. You can learn what your family will be up against and be able to prepare accordingly. Know the risks and hazards your community or region may face during an emergency scenario that could cause power failures.
2. Create an emergency plan for your family: Let everyone know what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, your family might not all be together during a power failure. Discuss what to do if you’re at home, school, or work during an emergency. Write down the plan and practise it with the entire family at least once a year.
3. Put together an emergency kit with basic supplies: Be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours during a power failure. Your kit should include water, non-perishable foods, flash lights, batteries, a first aid kit, cash in small bills, and any necessary medications. Keep your kit in a duffel bag or backpack stored in an easy-to-reach place.

Steps to take during a power failure ..

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Save money and energy this winter

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Most of the energy used by individual Ontarians goes to heating and cooling homes – and by now, our furnaces have been up and running in full force for the past few months. During the long and cold winter heating season, there are a number of ways to cut back and save on bills, so here are a few top tips to put dollars back in your wallet this year from Enbridge Gas Distribution:

In the kitchen

• Turn the oven off a few minutes before the cooking time is over. The heat remaining in the oven will finish the job.

• Only preheat the oven for baking – and then, only for about seven minutes. Most foods, such as roasts and casseroles, don't need a preheated oven to cook properly.

In the wash room

• Sing shorter songs in the shower. The average shower is about eight minutes. Try reducing to five or six.

• Install energy-efficient showerheads.

• The best temperature for your water heater is 54 degrees Celsius. That's hot enough for washing, showers and baths, and reduces the risk of scalding.

In the basement

• When you replace your old electric water heater, consider a tankless natural gas water heater – as it heats water only as needed.

• Replace the furnace filter every three months (or clean a permanent one). When the filter is dirty, airflow is restricted and the furnace must work harder, requiring more energy.

• Keep vents and air returns free of obstructions. Furniture, dust, or pet hair can block vents, reducing airflow and the efficiency of the furnace.

In the family room

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, keep the damper closed when not in use. This helps prevent cold outside air from coming down the flue and warm inside air rising out of it.

• If you purchase a natural gas fireplace, consider a direct vent model. It uses outside air for combustion instead of drawing air from the home.

THE BUYER REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT

Guaranteeing You the Very Best in Real Estate Service

When it comes to just about every kind of contract, signing on the dotted line makes us all a little bit nervous. 

When selling a home, most people are aware they sign a Listing Agreement with a REALTOR®. There is, however, an agreement that REALTORS® ask their home buying clients to sign. It’s an agreement that works in favour of buyers, guaranteeing the very best in real estate service.

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), a public agency formed to protect consumers and regulate the industry, introduced guiding principles mandating that REALTORS® ask their clients to sign a Written Representation Agreement at the earliest possible time.

When choosing representation, home buyers have the option to sign either a Buyer Representation Agreement or a Buyer Customer Service Agreement. 

The Buyer Representation Agreement signifies that for a designated period of time, the buyer has engaged a specific REALTOR® firm to work exclusively on his or her behalf at finding a property. The agreement confirms the REALTOR®’s commitment to making his or her best efforts for the buyer.

By signing the Buyer Customer Service Agreement the buyer acknowledges the Broker has provided him/her with written information explaining agency relationships including Seller Representation, Buyer Representation, Multiple Representation and Customer Service.

For more information on this important subject, call your local REALTOR®. The term REALTOR® is designated to those who have chosen to belong to local, provincial and national real estate associations, agreeing to adhere to a strict code of professional standards that ensures the highest levels of service and integrity. In Toronto, local REALTORS® belong to the Toronto Real Estate Board, Canada’s largest real estate board, serving more than 33,000 Members.

Watch this video- 

Benefits of a Buyer Representation Agreement (B.R.A.) - TREB

Ask Your Realtor To Put Their Commitment in Ink,Ask Them To Sign a BRA

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The Most Effective Stain Removal Products for Common Kitchen Stains

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Downsizing is easier with a guiding hand

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No matter whether you're an empty nester, a person looking to simplify your life, or someone who wants to help their ageing parents move into a more functional space, downsizing can be a stressful experience. A little guidance goes a long way however.

Designer Wendy Wilkinson of Oakville, Ontario specializes in helping people transition into smaller living spaces, so here are a few of her tips to make it easier:

Before you begin to pack: Take multiple pictures (from various angles) of every room in your house. Each photo will give you a record and act as a reference for what to get rid of and what to keep. Photos also provide good insurance information for any moving issues.

Decide ahead of time which items have sentimental value and will be making the transition with you. At the same time, if there are adult children, have them reclaim their belongings before the move. If going through sentimental items, such as photographs, is overwhelming, hire a professional organizer to help.

Place different coloured sticky notes on furnishings labelling them with an action plan like 'donate', 'new home', or 'sell'. Give yourself a few days to reconsider your decisions. Consult a designer to talk over what will work in your new space and what items should be kept to stage your home for sale. Wilkinson says that on one occasion she salvaged her client's children's furniture to create a play space that became a big selling feature.

Keep calm and carry on: Start de-cluttering in advance of your move, even if it is only one drawer or closet a day. Scale down by discarding what you don't use or wear. If you are not sure about anything, just drop it in a 'decide later' box.

Give books to your local library sale and dispose of electronic equipment. Think green and donate still-usable items to places like the ReStores of home-building organization, Habitat for Humanity. ReStores accept a wide range of household products and provide a tax receipt for the value of your donation. You can find one in your community at www.habitat.ca/restore.

Colour code rooms and corresponding boxes of the contents you'll be keeping, then colour code the doorway in the new space for an easy transition.

Draw up a floor plan and measure furniture pieces such as tables and sofas. They are often too large to go into a new downsized home.

Looking to the Future: Home-owners need to consider their furniture from an ergonomic standpoint. Is it too low or too big? Can you get in and out of it easily? It might be time to donate old furniture and invest in updated pieces that work with your new space.

Consider moving to a home that is within walking distance of stores, local library, and other favourite places. Depending on your age, think about a home with Accessibility Design Standards. This ensures that your new place will meet any possible needs in the future, such as wider doorways and additions to the bathrooms.

How should you drive in winter weather?

How should you drive in winter weather?










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1. Buckle up before you start driving. Keep your seat belt buckled at all times.
SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions.

2. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. "Black ice" is invisible.Be alert. Black ice will make a road look like shiny new asphalt. Pavement should look grey-white in winter.



3.Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires you to be in full control at all times.

4.Reduce your speed while approaching intersections covered with ice or snow.

5.Allow for extra traveling time or even consider delaying a trip if the weather is inclement.

6.Drive with low-beam headlights on. Not only are they brighter than daytime running lights but turning them on also activates the tail lights. This makes your vehicle more visible.

7.Lengthen your following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. Stopping distance on an icy road is double that of stopping on a dry one. For example, from around 45 meters (140 ft) at the speed of 60 km/h to 80 meters (over 260 ft) on an icy road surface.

8.Stay in the right-hand lane except when passing and use turn signals when changing lanes.

9.Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking or accelerating can cause skidding.

10.Be aware and slow down when you see a sign warning that you are approaching a bridge. Steel and concrete bridges are likely to be icy even when there is no ice on the asphalt surface, (because bridges over open air cool down faster than roads which tend to be insulated somewhat by solid ground.)

11.Consider getting off the road before getting stranded if the weather is worsening.
Be patient and pass other cars only when it is safe to do so.

               Either you are living in North America or anywhere in the world, winter driving needs maturity, patience, driving skills and common sense.Have a safe winter drive!