13 Highland Rd. East Dennis Never before offered this custom built 5 bedroom 3 bath home is Located on Sesuit Neck, East Dennis. It is set on a hill with spectacular views of Sesuit Harbor. The eat in kitchen is perfect for entertaining. The living room and guest bedroom each offer cathedral ceilings and access to the expansive deck. The lower level offers 3 additional bedrooms and a full bath. The huge ensuite master suite is located in its own wing on the second floor and offers two large closets, one of which is a walk in, as well as a secondary vanity area. The adjacent home office/Den boasts a fireplace, wet bar and cathedral ceilings. Take in breathtaking views from the Widow’s Walk. Forced hot air gas heat along with electric baseboard. Central AC and newer solar panels are among the many amenities. Includes a 2 Car Garage, Outdoor cedar shower and for the golf area Practice Putting and chipping area! Walk to Harborview Beach, Dennis Yacht Club and Sesuit Harbor. Spoil yourself! 59 Indian Field Dr. Dennis First time offered this Magnificent Custom build 4 bedroom 4 bath Colonial will melt your heart the moment you step inside. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Gorgeous eat in kitchen with Thermador appliances and soapstone counters. Both the living room with a gas fireplace and the dining room offer crown molding with paneled wainscoting. Large front to back family room with gas fireplace is the perfect place for entertaining. Beautiful second floor ensuite master offers walk in closet, tiled shower and whirlpool tub. Finished bonus rooms in the basement are perfect for entertainment, exercise and workshop. Additional full bath located in basement. Attached 2 car heated garage. Too many amenities to list include Whole House Generator, irrigation system, alarm system, 2 HVAC systems, Central Air, Outdoor Shower, Private Yard. A must see. Buyers and Buyer Agents to confirm all information contained herein. This is a Colonial style home and features 8 total rooms, 4 full baths, 2 bedrooms, 0.61 Acres, and is currently available for $879,900. 57 Hope Ln. Dennis One of the oldest residences in Dennis Village, this south-facing spacious antique modified salt box offers 3 BRs/2.5 BAs plus detached 3 bay garage and licensed 1 BR/1 BA apt. Nestled on a 1.95 ac parcel, with irrigation system, close walking distance to Dennis Playhouse,Cinema & museum, (3) restaurants & takeout services, shops, ice cream havens, several Cape Cod Bay beaches, post office, and other popular venues. Kitchen wing added (1732) and current owners added master BR suite (1969) to match architecture of main house. Both outside and interior, the house gives the feeling of a vintage inn from earlier centuries. For many who have admired this wonderful property over the years, the 200+ yr old Elm Tree majestically shades the entrance from Hope Lane and this tree has its own historical recognition. For information on these or any other Dennis properties please call the office today! ]]>
Thanksgiving History
assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the New World. After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth. Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from an Abenaki Indian who greeted them in English. Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition. Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans. In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621, the meal did not feature pies, cakes or other desserts, which have become a hallmark of contemporary celebrations. Pilgrims held their second Thanksgiving celebration in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened the year’s harvest and prompted Governor Bradford to call for a religious fast. Days of fasting and thanksgiving on an annual or occasional basis became common practice in other New England settlements as well. During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving a year, and in 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States; in it, he called upon Americans to express their gratitude for the happy conclusion to the country’s war of independence and the successful ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His successors John Adams and James Madison also designated days of thanks during their presidencies. In 1817, New York became the first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday; each celebrated it on a different day, however, and the American South remained largely unfamiliar with the tradition. In 1827, the noted magazine editor and prolific writer Sarah Josepha Hale—author, among countless other things, of the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”—launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. For 36 years, she published numerous editorials and sent scores of letters to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians. Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request in 1863, at the height of the Civil War, in a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to “commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.” He scheduled Thanksgiving for the final Thursday in November, and it was celebrated on that day every year until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s plan, known derisively as Franksgiving, was met with passionate opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November. Whether it is your first Thanksgiving or your sixty first…all of us at Foran Realty would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving]]>
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.]]>Holiday Season 2016
Kick off the season on the night before Thanksgiving with the lighting of the Pilgrim Monument. The 2016 lighting ceremony will take place on November 23, 2016 from 5-7pm at the Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum(PMPM) and honor Coast Guard Station Provincetown. Officer in Charge James Zerinskas will ‘’flip the switch” at approximately 6 p.m. Last year almost 1,500 people came to this iconic event to witness the Monument festooned with more than 3,100 “landing lights” which shine nightly through January 6 of the following year. Admission is free, and light refreshments and entertainment are provided. November 26th brings about the lighting of the Lobster Pot Christmas Tree in Lopes Square, Provincetown. This ”tree” is assembled every year by Julian Popko and his family. Made up of 112 lobster pots, red bows and plastic lobsters, the lobster pot tree stands 2 stories tall and will be lit with 3,400 lights. During the ceremony the last 2 pots with 58 lobster buoys attached are lifted by crane and placed on the top of the “tree” as the spectators count down. This event has become very popular with both locals and visitors and is a fun way to ring in the holiday season! The Dennis Christmas Stroll will be held on December 11th from 12:00 – 3:30. Stop by the local businesses to enjoy some complimentary hot chocolate and receive a gift of your own! There will also be additional parking available for those taking the “stroll”! Take a horse drawn ride down Rte 28 or a trolley ride that will stop at the Playhouse. Take advantage of the festive atmosphere and the specials being offered by so many of the local businesses. The season will culminate with some of the most popular First Night celebrations outside of Boston. This year join us in Sandwich, Chatham or Provincetown! First Light Provincetown will stretch the celebration into a fun-filled weekend! Highlights will include live performances and the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. For events in your area visit your local Chamber of Commerce’s website. For a Cape wide schedule visit the Cape Cod Chamber’s website at http://www.capecodchamber.org/christmas-cape-cod.]]>
Dana-Farber Fundraiser Silent Auction is Live!
http://dana-farbergreatwhitegalaagainstcancer.weebly.com/ We have a handful of tickets left, if you are interested in attending this Friday, please email pforan@foranrealty.com or call Pat at 774-836-0182 ASAP. These are extra seats we opened up due to the overwhelming response we have had, they are not expected to last long. Thank you once again for your support! ]]>
The Latest in Real Estate Technology
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!]]>
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.
Labor Day Weekend
Summer on Cape Cod is truly a blessing, but Labor Day Weekend is always a symbol of the coming Fall! But why do we celebrate Labor Day? Here is some great information provided by the United States Department of Labor!