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.
Spring has Sprung on Cape Cod!
Thinking about planning a Cape Cod Vacation? Think Spring! When you think of taking a Cape Cod vacation you think of summer, right? You have good reason to – our beaches, seafood, shopping and people are some of the best in the country! We love having you here during the height of the season, but experienced tourists and locals alike know that the spring can be one of the best times to come and visit. Here are some reasons why: 1.) Smaller Crowds Ask anyone that visits us here on Cape Cod what the most frustrating part of their trip is and they almost always answer traffic, especially coming on and off the Cape…UGH!! Everyone has their own theories on how to avoid it but let’s face it in the middle of August it is unavoidable. Well, getting around Cape Cod in the spring is a piece of cake, and even better is that by the first weekend in May, almost all restaurants, resorts and attractions are open. If you want to spend an extra weekend with your special someone or the family, May and early June are great times to do it! 2.) Spring Festivals There’s way more to Cape Cod than beaches! Everybody knows about our summer traditions like huge fourth of July fireworks and celebrations, Carnival Week in Provincetown, concerts at the Cape Cod Melody Tent and catching the stars of tomorrow at the Cape Cod Baseball League games. But did you know that there are awesome festivals in the spring as well? Events like the Toast of Harwich, the Chatham Spring Fling and the Figawi Charity Ball and race all happen in May. At the Toast of Harwich you can sample food from Harwich’s best restaurants, sample wines from around the world and listen to live music. The Chatham Spring Fling is a similar event, but with a uniquely Chatham feel. The Cape Rep Theatre also starts it’s spring schedule so why not make one of the first weekends in May a cultural and culinary adventure? Going to these events will make you feel like a local, and you get to experience something you can’t do in the summer! 3.) It’s a Great Time to Run, Bike or Hike. The spring is a great time to be outside – especially on Cape Cod. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, it simply can’t be beat. In May, it’s usually warm enough to run or bike outdoors in shorts, but cool enough that you won’t risk getting heatstroke or dehydrated. Plan a trip to come down and take some time exploring the Cape’s great biking, hiking and running trails. Many runners and bicyclists make the mistake of thinking that Cape Cod is endlessly flat. On the contrary, we actually have some of the hilliest terrain in the region, and biking the National Seashore’s trails (especially in the Provincelands in Provincetown) can prove to be a challenging endeavor. May also plays host to several road races. Plan an “active vacation” around spending a weekend exploring Cape Cod’s trails or a road race, and spend dinnertime enjoying a restaurant serving local, organic food from one of our many farms. 4.) You Can Get Up Close with Nature Here on Cape Cod, we’re equally closely tied to the land and sea. Without the cranberry bogs that dot the Cape, and Truro’s little known history with turnips, the earliest Native American and English settlers would never have stayed around to give us the region we have now. The spring is an important time for the whales, a time during which some return to the region and when others leave. The endangered North Atlantic right whale leaves the waters around Cape Cod the first weekend in May every year, making it a great time to come down, book a trip on a whale watch and catch these majestic creatures. However this year the whales are on the move a bit early and up to 85 have been spotted in the Bay already this year! It is a great time to get up close with some of the most amazing creatures on earth. Other attractions, like botanical gardens such as the Pilgrim Monument and Museum in Provincetown and the Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich are just now starting to open their doors meaning you can wander through, climb to the top and enjoy the views with no crowds! 5.) The Deals are Great It’s easy to take a Cape Cod vacation on a budget in the springtime. Many resorts don’t start charging peak season rates until Memorial Day, meaning you can get a great value on your stay if you come in the Spring! . Even a lot of regular vacationers don’t know that a good number of their favorite restaurants from the canal to Provincetown stay open year round, and that almost all of them have off-season menus, pricing and specials. Visiting in the Spring, you blend the best of both worlds – some of the nice weather you look forward to in the summer, with the value you’d get if you visited in the winter. ]]>
Getting Your Vacation Home Ready!!
Opening a vacation home When it’s time to visit your vacation home for the first time, or start renting it out for the season, you’ll need to get it ready. A ski chalet might require you to shovel snow and chop firewood, while a summer retreat by the shore might call for cleaning patio furniture and staining the deck. Much depends on how well the house is maintained throughout the year. Opening your vacation home could be as easy as stocking the pantry, or if the house was neglected in the offseason, you could have multiple repairs on your hands. A well-maintained vacation home shouldn’t take more than a day to get in shape for the season, assuming no major repairs are needed. Here are some typical opening chores:
- Turn on utilities
- Clean and stock kitchen and bathrooms
- Look for evidence of plumbing and roof leaks
- Cut lawn and trim shrubs/trees
- Clear walkways and driveway
- Set up outdoor furniture
- Change light bulbs and smoke detector batteries and carbon monoxide detector batteries
- Replace furnace filters
- Check for signs of pest infestation
The Latest in Real Estate Technology
accurate and up-to-date real estate information right to your phone! With Foran Realty and the Cape Cod Properties app you have access to all homes for sale and MLS listings throughout Cape Cod. Use the Cape Cod Properties app anytime, anywhere to pull up homes for sale around you using the GPS search, or find homes based on address, city or zip code. Cape Cod Properties will show you all the details you want to know about a property, including price, square footage, estimated mortgage, taxes, features, descriptions, pictures, maps and more! Save your favorite homes to view later. You can also text or email homes to your family and friends. The app is available for Iphones, Ipads or Android devices! If you have questions or want a tour of the home for sale, press the “Contact” feature to call or email a Foran Realty and Cape Cod Properties representative that can assist you. Visit the App Store or Google Play today to download your copy of the app! We look forward to your feedback! ]]>
Why You Should Choose an Independent Real Estate Office
1 When you search for real estate in a specific geographic area, you want to be sure that the Realtor that you are contacting knows the area, knows the specific properties, the amenities etc. You don’t want to be passed from office to office in order to get the requested information. You want the information quickly and may want to jump on the chance to see a desired property before it is gone! Contacting an independent local Realtor just makes sense, in essence you are cutting out the middle man. The Realty Guild is an organization that supports and promotes the independent brokerages. The Realty Guild was established in 1987 by a small group of independent broker/owners as a forum through which to share ideas. Today the Realty Guild has more than 50 offices with 700 agents covering more than 200 communities in Massachusetts. Through the Realty Guild, members are able to keep their independence yet tap into the power that a larger entity can offer. The members of the Realty Guild must be Realtors (members of the National Association of Realtors), and must be approved by the membership as a whole. There is only one member per town, other than in large cities such as Boston.2 [video poster="https://capecodproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Foran-RE-m4v-image.jpg" width="1280" height="720" m4v="https://capecodproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Foran-RE.m4v"][/video] Foran Realty is a proud member of the Realty Guild. Foran Realty Inc. was established in July of 2005 fulfilling the need to bring the “local personal touch” of real estate agencies of the past back to Cape Cod. Foran Realty, Inc. was established with a primary focus on providing outstanding customer service and a pleasant buying and/or selling experience for our all of our valued clients. They realize that a satisfied customer is what it takes to consummate a sale. Foran Realty Inc. truly offers the highest level of customer service ever to be experienced on a local level. Their objective is to redefine the real estate buying and selling experience on Cape Cod. 3 Whether you are looking to buy a home or sell your home, contact Foran Realty Inc. today. They look forward to hearing from you and working to make your real estate dreams come true! 1 https://www.thebalance.com/independent-brokerages-franchises-technology-2867371 2 http://www.realtyguild.com/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3279 3 https://capecodproperties.com/why-foran-realty/]]>
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.
Time to Sell Your Home
aware that technology has changed how a buyer shops for a new home. According the National Association of Realtors and their most recent “Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers” for the past 3 years, 92% of all buyers have used the internet to search for a home. The report also revealed that 95% of those buyers shopping online for a home actually purchased their home through a real estate agent/broker or from a builder of builder’s agent. A minimal 2% actually purchased the home directly from a seller, without knowing them ahead of time. The buyers are searching online for their new homes, but still rely on the agent to find that specific home that fits their needs, negotiate the terms of the sale, negotiate the price and to help guide them through the process. There is so much information now available for a buyer to check out, research and read online, that the buyers are finding that they need to reach out to a real estate professional in order to sort through it all and connect the relevant dots! This is obvious as the percentage of overall buyers who used an agent to buy their home has steadily increased from 69% in 2001 to 95% in 2015. The bottom line is clear. If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate agent/broker can play in the process. They will be there to help you price the home, show the home, market the home and finally guide the seller through the offer, the purchase and sale and finally the closing. Having an agent/broker by your side has become crucial to the speed and efficiency in which your home can sell. Call Foran Realty today to see how they can help you sell your home. ]]>
Customer Satisfaction
manner, and customizing the responses based on each customer’s needs. Now we know that it doesn’t sound too complicated, however you would be surprised! It’s not as easy as it seems. Here are my top five tips on how to provide excellent customer service:
- Hire the right people for your real estate agency
- Show empathy
- Offer speedy response
- Provide easy accessibility
- Ask your customers and then listen to them
First Night Celebrations
First Night Sandwich Outdoor Venues are free and accessible to the general public and include the parade, exhibits, ice sculptures, storefront and street performances such as jugglers and clowns. Indoor venues are by admission only with the purchase of a First Night Sandwich Button. Buttons cost $10 for adults and $6 for children (3 to 12 years-old). They are available from now until noon Saturday, December 31 at the following locations: Beth’s Café & Bakery, Cafe Chew, Cape Cod 5, Dan’l Webster Inn, Heart of Stone, Sandwich Public Library, Splash Stationers, Stop & Shop – Route 6A, Stop & Shop – Quaker Meeting House Road, and Titcomb’s Book Store. Beginning at 3 PM on Saturday, December 31 buttons can be purchased at Sandwich Town Hall. First Night Chatham First Night Chatham is a family-friendly, alcohol free, town-wide celebration of the arts with over 70 performances and events. There are so many things happening in Chatham that the schedule is actually 2 pages long!! Click here for the full schedule of events. December 31st, 2016 will be First Night Chatham’s 26th New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s a full day of fun and entertainment, starting with the Town Photo at the Chatham Lighthouse at Noon, and culminating with Fireworks at Oyster Pond as the Countdown Cod takes us to the stroke of midnight. Adult Buttons are $20, Kids buttons are $5 and 2 and under are free! First Light Provincetown From the 7th night of Hannukah celebration at the Canteen Holiday Market to Drag Bingo, fireworks, Sound of Music sing alongs and everything in between….Provincetown is the place to be this New Years! Fireworks from MacMillan Wharf at Dusk on New Years Day promise to be an amazing show and free parking in town that weekend makes it an even more desirable destination! Whatever your destination is for the New Years Celebrations all of us at Foran Realty wish you a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year!
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Rent Your Home
Foran Realty that will help make it happen. Do keep in mind that renting out your home can be a big undertaking, so it is important to know what you are getting into, and to prepare accordingly. With a little bit of planning and hard work, you can put your home to work for you! 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.