Thanks to federal tax incentives and a growing concern for the environment, many Americans are installing rooftop solar panels to cover or offset the cost of their utilities. In the last ten years, the solar industry has grown by an unprecedented 1,600 percent and it shows not signs of slowing. As solar becomes more affordable, however, debates have opened up around the use of solar power and its effect on older ways of producing electricity (like coal-fired and nuclear power plants). Solar power is a complicated process that is part of an even more complicated industry. If you’re thinking about making the switch, consider this your crash course in rooftop solar power.
Water Damage & Your Home
It’s many homeowners’ worst fear to come home to a water disaster in their home. Water damage can cost thousands to repair and will include a lengthy process in order to adhere to safety standards, potentially disrupting your home life for weeks. In this article we’ll give you tips on how to avoid water damage and what to do when you discover it.
Water damage vs. flood damage
Many people are unaware of the difference between water damage and flood damage. Water damage can occur when you have plumbing issues such as a leaking pipe or overflowing bath tub. Flood damage, on the other hand, is defined by FEMA as an “overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters,” or even mudflow. Flood damage tends to be the more costly and the more dangerous of the two, as it puts home inhabitants at serious health risk. Part of the stipulation in differing between the two types of damage is insurance coverage; water damage is often covered by homeowner’s insurance whereas flood damage is not.Avoiding water damage
To avoid costly and time-consuming repairs, follow these steps to prevent water damage from occurring in your home:- Keep your gutters clean to avoid backups and drainage issues
- divert rain water away from your house with downspouts
- Disconnect hoses and turn off their water supply when temperatures drop to freezing overnight
- Don’t leave water using appliances running while you are away from home for extended periods of time
- Keep up with maintenance on your dishwasher, washing machine, toilets, and tubs
- Turn off your water main when you go away on vacations
- Check the water pressure to your home. High water pressure can be nice in the shower, but pressures too high can cause your plumbing to fail
- Check regularly for leaks. Some water damage may go unnoticed for weeks or months, which subjects you to another danger: mold
What to do if you have water damage in your home
If it’s too late for prevention and you’ve discovered water damage in your home there are several steps you’ll need to take to ensure the safety of your home.- Turn off electronics in the affected area. If possible switch off power to whole the whole section of your home at the circuit breaker. This first step is to ensure your own safety. Once you’ve turned off power to all potentially dangerous electronics, you can move on to the next step.
- Remove electronics and other perishable items from the area. If you remove the items soon enough you might be able to salvage them by drying them out.
- Soak up the bulk of the water. You can do this the old fashion way by using towels and buckets. Or you can use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to suck up the water from rugs, carpets, and other surfaces.
- Dry the area completely. To avoid mold, use fans and a dehumidifier to fully dry out the area.
- Disinfect. Spray the area to remove any bacteria that may have accumulated due to moisture.
- Contact the professionals. A contractor will be able to tell you the full extent of the damage and whether any serious repairs will need to me made.
Foran Realty Purchases the Matterport Virtual Tour 3D Showcase Tour Program
FORAN REALTY ANNOUNCES TECHNOLOGY ADVANCE
Dennis, MA – Patrick J. Foran, President of Foran Realty, Inc., has announced the Firm has recently purchased the Matterport Virtual Tour 3D Showcase Tour Program.
Foran noted “the acquisition of the Matterport System will allow our Clients to remain on the leading edge in today’s technology driven new real estate environment”. Foran continued, “This new program will allow Prospective Residential and Commercial Buyers as well as Rental Guests to review properties from the comfort of their home and view the property at any time displaying an entire property in great detail. This new program makes today’s virtual tours utilized by our competition virtually obsolete”. Foran has also indicated this new program will be utilized on all new sales listings both in the residential and commercial sectors, as well as to present the Firm’s growing base of seasonal rentals. Foran added, “we believe our investment in the Matterport System demonstrates our commitment to excellence to both our Clients and prospective Buyers and Renters. While other firms will likely follow our lead, we are proud to be among the first on Cape Cod to introduce and own this new system allowing us flexibility and control of how and when it is utilized to best support our marketing initiatives. With more than 90% of all residential sales beginning in the comfort of one’s home via the internet, this new tool is critical in today’s emerging internet based real estate arena.” About Matterport Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, Matterport is an immersive media technology company that delivers an end-to-end system for creating, modifying, distributing and navigating immersive 3D and virtual reality (VR) versions of real-world spaces on Web, mobile devices and VR headsets. The Matterport Pro Camera and Cloud Services make it quick and easy to turn real-world places into immersive virtual experiences. Matterport has stated, “Matterport’s 3D and VR photography solutions bring listings to life. A Matterport 3D virtual tour adds amazing value. With one shoot, you get all the benefits of incredible photos and the power to immerse home buyers in the experience of a property so they can create both an emotional and intellectual connection with the property. As camera technology continues to advance – in terms of both SDLR cameras and those on your smartphone – high resolution real estate photography will continue to be a critical part of any real estate marketing campaign. But technological innovation never stops. Today, amazing real estate photos are only part of a successful equation for the buyer and seller. The future is in 3D virtual tours.” About Foran Realty Founded in 2005 by Patrick Foran, Foran Realty, Inc. is a full service real estate boutique that combines yesterday’s old fashioned personal customer service with the utilization of the most up to date technology to fulfill all of the individual and unique real estate needs of our valued clients. We are a client Centric Organization ensuring our Clients best interests are our top priority. Foran Realty offers Residential sales as well as Vacation Rental Management and Property Management Services. In 2015, Foran Realty acquired Peter McDowell Associates, a Dennis MA based real estate firm with a stellar reputation – earned after more than fifty years of experience. Peter McDowell remains with the firm as a Broker Associate. In 2016, Foran Realty expanded once again by welcoming Dubin Associates to our expanding Family. Recognized as the premiere entity in East Denis for more than forty years, the acquisition of Dubin Real Estate was a logical step in our progression to better serve the Mid-Cape market. Judy Dubin remains with the firm as a Broker Associate. Also in 2016, Foran Realty established a commercial realty division specializing in the sale and acquisition of commercial properties in the Mid-Cape area. Foran Realty is Cape Cod’s Premiere locally owner and operated Real Estate Firm. As an independent firm we pride ourselves on the exceptional level of details provided to our clients. Our foundation continues to be providing Extraordinary Personalized Customer Service to our Valued Clients. Patrick Foran is personally involved with every transaction that that the firm is involved with. At Foran Realty, our Motto is ‘we love the Cape and Show it!” Talent, Experience and Vision For more information on how Foran Realty and our Matterport System can benefit you, please contact our office at 508-385-1355, or e-mail Patrick Foran at pforan@foranrealty.com.]]>Are You Ready To Rent Your Home?
Getting your Home Ready to Rent
- Keep careful records.Rental income is taxable, but many of the expenses you will incur as you prepare your rental are tax deductible. Keep detailed records of the money and time you spend getting your home ready to rent so that you can maximize your deductions at tax time.
- Apply for a rental permit.Permits are not necessary in all areas, especially for short-term rentals, but many cities are responding to the growth of new rental trends by creating new forms of regulation. If a permit is required in your area, give yourself plenty of time to get through the application process before your first guests arrive. Remember that permitting and inspection fees, like all other expenses you incur while preparing your rental property, are tax deductible so be sure to keep careful records.
- Acquire landlord insurance.Call your local insurance agent and ask if your current homeowner’s policy will cover the kind of rental situation you will be offering. Many policies will cover the occasional short-term rental, but for more long-term arrangements, you may need special coverage.
- Prepare your home to rent, inside and out.Make sure that all appliances work, that furniture is comfortable and in good repair, and that everything is clean and neat. Ensure that safety equipment like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order and are clearly accessible. Remove all precious personal belongings to a secure location, such as a storage unit or primary home. Do the same with all toiletries and anything else you wouldn’t want a stranger snooping through. Put clean linens on all of the beds (if you are planning on supplying linens), and make sure that bathrooms are stocked with clean towels, soap dispensers are full, etc. The requirements for safety equipment in rental properties vary widely by region. Smoke detectors are the bare minimum in most places. You will be informed of further requirements through the permitting process. Unless you are going for a very high-end rental, do not furnish your rental with extremely expensive furniture, linens, towels, etc. These items are likely to get damaged or disappear. Look for items of decent quality that are not too expensive but are still comfortable.
- Hire a reputable cleaning service.Some property owners are able to minimize costs by performing rental clean-outs on their own, but this can be a very time-consuming and difficult process, so it might be better worth your time to hire a professional service. If you do, be sure to do some research first and hire a reputable company that is licensed and insured. Get personal recommendations from your rental agent, other property owners, or look for a service with excellent online recommendations.
- Hire a landscaping service.As with cleaning, some property owners take on landscaping chores themselves, but you may be better off hiring a landscaping service to take care of routine lawn maintenance and care. Landscaping services, like cleaning services and other maintenance costs are all tax deductible, and a well-maintained yard is more likely to get good reviews and repeat renters.
- Create a system for providing a key or entry instructions to your guests. This is something that can be handled by your rental agent should you choose to use one. The check in and checkout instructions will be detailed with the lease and any inquiries etc. can be directed to the rental agent and their office, freeing you up to enjoy your time!
- Create a welcome book or informational packet to give to renters when they arrive.Include information about the home and the local area. Providing information on local attractions and dining options, as well as emergency contact information is an option that guests love. Leaving a welcome gift like a fruit basket or bottle of wine is another great way to welcome guests and keep them coming back year after year.
As The Leaves Fall
As the leaves fall, many of our friends and family members leave Cape Cod for warmer climates. Some leave for months at a time and others for a week or two. No matter how long you are away, you want to be sure that your Cape Cod home will be taken care of while you are away. What should you keep in mind when choosing someone to watch over your largest asset? Is the person you are considering licensed? Do you know that the Massachusetts State Police offer a licensing program for care takers? Is the person or company you are choosing insured and bonded? You want to be sure that while they are covering your bases, they are covering their own as well! Does your caretaker offer pre and post storm inspections? A winter Nor’ Easter on Cape Cod can wreak havoc on your home. You want to be sure that the property is checked before the storm to assure readiness for the unpredictable Cape Cod Weather. Inspections can be strictly exterior or can include the interior that is up to you. An Emergency Response Service is something that you hope you never have to use but you want to be sure that if there is an emergency that your caretaker will get over there as soon as possible. If you are interested in learning more about the caretaking services and property management services available from Foran Realty, be sure to call the office today. They have a list of services available for you to choose from and Patrick Foran is an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association for the second year in a row! The most important thing is that when you leave the Cape for the winter you know your home is taken care of until you return. ]]>
Home Preparations For Winter
climates….but what preparations are necessary when you are going to live in that home all winter? Bob Vila from “This Old House” has put together a thorough checklist to ensure the efficiency and lifespan of your home and its components. Preparing the exterior of your home for the harsh New England winds, the snow and ice is crucial for keeping the cold out and the heat in! So where do you start…..Here are several ideas from Bob Vila and Bobvila.com. Windows and Doors
- Check all the weather-stripping around windows and doorframes for leaks to prevent heat loss. Replace weather-stripping, if necessary.
- Replace all screen doors with storm doors.
- Replace all window screens with storm windows.
- Examine wooden window frames for signs of rot or decay. Repair or replace framing to maintain structural integrity.
- Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk inside and out, where necessary, to keep heat from escaping.
- Inspect windows for cracks, broken glass, or gaps. Repair or replace, if needed.
- Trim overgrown branches back from the house and electrical wires to prevent iced-over or wind-swept branches from causing property damage or a power problem.
- Ensure rain or snow drains are directed away from the house in order to avoid foundation problems. The dirt grade — around the exterior of your home — should slope away from the house. Add extra dirt to low areas, as necessary.
- Clean and dry patio furniture and cover with a heavy tarp or store inside a shed or garage to protect it from the elements.
- Remove any attached hoses and store them away for the winter to prevent cracks. Wrap outside faucets with covers to prevent water damage.
- Shut off exterior faucets. Drain water from outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to protect against pipe bursts.
- Inspect decks for splintering, decay or insect damage. Treat if needed, to prevent further deterioration over the winter.
- Clean leaves, dirt, and pine needles between the boards of wooden decks to thwart mold and mildew growth.
- Inspect outdoor lighting around the property. Good illumination will help minimize the chance of slips and falls on icy walkways at night.
- Check handrails on exterior stairs to make sure they’re well secured.
- Bring all seasonal tools inside and spray them with a coating of lightweight oil to prevent rust.
- Weatherize your lawn mower by cleaning off mud, leaves, grass, and debris.
- Move your snow blower and shovels to the front of the garage or shed for easy access.
- Prepare the snow blower for the first snowfall by changing the oil and replacing the spark plug.
- Inspect snow shovels to make sure they’re ready for another season of work.
- Make sure you have an ample supply of ice melt or sand on hand for steps, walkways, and the driveway.
- Check fireplace for drafts. If it’s cold despite the damper being closed, the damper itself may be warped, worn, or rusted. Consider installing a Chimney Balloon into the flue to air seal the area tightly.
- Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.
- Clean your whole house humidifier and replace the evaporator pad.
- Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
- Remove air conditioners from windows or cover them with insulated liners, to prevent drafts.
- Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, and use a sealant to plug up any leaks.
- Check for missing, damaged or warped shingles and replace, as necessary before you get stuck with a leak.
- Check for deteriorated flashing at the chimney, walls, and skylights and around vent pipes. Seal joints where water could penetrate, using roofing cement and a caulking gun.
- Check the gutters and downspouts for proper fastening, and re-secure if loose or sagging. The weight of snow and ice can pull gutters off the house.
- Clean gutters of any debris. Make sure downspouts extend away from the house by at least 5 feet to prevent flooding of the foundation and water damage from snowmelt.
- Clean leaves and debris from courtyard and pool storm drains to prevent blockages.
- Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent insects, birds, and rodents from getting inside to nest in a warm place.
Congratulations to Foran Realty Co.
Foran Realty Co., Inc. of East Dennis, MA, earns second-year Accredited Member status in the NHWA!
Greetings and salutations! Foran Realty Co., Inc., of East Dennis, Massachusetts, has earned Accredited Member status in the NHWA for the second consecutive year. President Patrick J. Foran is a Worcester native who grew up in Dennis. He currently lives with his wife and their daughter in Cummaquid. Patrick followed in the family tradition and attended Assumption College. He has a B.A. in Politics. Having been in the real estate sales and vacation rental business for over 10 years, Patrick saw a lack of dependable people to keep an eye on the property of absentee owners. One winter, an alarm went off at his parents’ home, alerting him to a flood. The emergency responders told him this happens a lot and that homeowners don’t discover these events until months later. Between this and the things he’s seen as a real estate broker, Patrick decided to offer Home Watch services. Patrick is a member of the Board of Trustees for Cape Cod Academy. He is also a founding member of the Assumption College Cape Cod Alumni Club. He has served on the Boards of Directors of the local Chapter of the American Red Cross; the Rotary; Cape Cod Children’s Museum; and Dream Day on Cape Cod. He has also served as Chairman of the Town of Yarmouth Finance Committee. Patrick enjoys golfing, boating, and spending time with his wife, their daughter and dog on beautiful Cape Cod Beaches! Foran Realty serves Barnstable County, MA. Patrick can be reached at pforan@foranrealty.com or (508) 385-1355. Learn more at www.capecodproperties.com. Congratulations, Patrick! As always, I wish you Much success, Jack ]]>Renting Out Your Home
Getting your Home Ready to Rent
- Keep careful records.Rental income is taxable, but many of the expenses you will incur as you prepare your rental are tax deductible. Keep detailed records of the money and time you spend getting your home ready to rent so that you can maximize your deductions at tax time.
- Apply for a rental permit.Permits are not necessary in all areas, especially for short-term rentals, but many cities are responding to the growth of new rental trends by creating new forms of regulation. If a permit is required in your area, give yourself plenty of time to get through the application process before your first guests arrive. Remember that permitting and inspection fees, like all other expenses you incur while preparing your rental property, are tax deductible so be sure to keep careful records.
- Acquire landlord insurance.Call your local insurance agent and ask if your current homeowner’s policy will cover the kind of rental situation you will be offering. Many policies will cover the occasional short-term rental, but for more long-term arrangements, you may need special coverage.
- Prepare your home to rent, inside and out.Make sure that all appliances work, that furniture is comfortable and in good repair, and that everything is clean and neat. Ensure that safety equipment like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order and are clearly accessible. Remove all precious personal belongings to a secure location, such as a storage unit or primary home. Do the same with all toiletries and anything else you wouldn’t want a stranger snooping through. Put clean linens on all of the beds (if you are planning on supplying linens), and make sure that bathrooms are stocked with clean towels, soap dispensers are full, etc. The requirements for safety equipment in rental properties vary widely by region. Smoke detectors are the bare minimum in most places. You will be informed of further requirements through the permitting process. Unless you are going for a very high-end rental, do not furnish your rental with extremely expensive furniture, linens, towels, etc. These items are likely to get damaged or disappear. Look for items of decent quality that are not too expensive but are still comfortable.
- Hire a reputable cleaning service.Some property owners are able to minimize costs by performing rental clean-outs on their own, but this can be a very time-consuming and difficult process, so it might be better worth your time to hire a professional service. If you do, be sure to do some research first and hire a reputable company that is licensed and insured. Get personal recommendations from your rental agent, other property owners, or look for a service with excellent online recommendations.
- Hire a landscaping service.As with cleaning, some property owners take on landscaping chores themselves, but you may be better off hiring a landscaping service to take care of routine lawn maintenance and care. Landscaping services, like cleaning services and other maintenance costs are all tax deductible, and a well-maintained yard is more likely to get good reviews and repeat renters.
- Create a system for providing a key or entry instructions to your guests. This is something that can be handled by your rental agent should you choose to use one. The check in and checkout instructions will be detailed with the lease and any inquiries etc. can be directed to the rental agent and their office, freeing you up to enjoy your time!
- Create a welcome book or informational packet to give to renters when they arrive.Include information about the home and the local area. Providing information on local attractions and dining options, as well as emergency contact information is an option that guests love. Leaving a welcome gift like a fruit basket or bottle of wine is another great way to welcome guests and keep them coming back year after year.
WBZ Radio and Patrick Foran – Dont Miss This Great Info About Renting Your Home!
WBZ Radio and Patrick Foran[/caption] [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOGqBUUX68g[/embed] Whether you are looking to purchase or rent a home Patrick Foran and the staff at Foran Realty can help you find exactly what you are looking for. Patrick Foran is also an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association and has been fully licensed to manage your property in the event that you are not available. Be sure to call Foran Realty today for additional information.]]>
Winter Storms , Extreme Cold & Your Home
While the danger from winter storms varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. The winds are almost always a factor here on Cape Cod. One of the primary concerns is the winter weather’s ability to knock out heat, power and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes. Before The Storm: To prepare for a winter storm you should do the following:
- Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
- Make a Family Communications Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.
- Download FEMA’s Be Smart. Know Your Alerts and Warnings for a summary of notifications at:www.ready.gov/prepare. Free smart phone apps, such as those available from FEMA and the American Red Cross, provide information about finding shelters, providing first aid, and seeking assistance for recovery.
- Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
- Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
Winterize Your Home
- Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
- Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
- Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
- If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER20472)
- Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries, medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.
- Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.