Valentinus. Several stories were invented for the various Valentines that belonged to February 14. A popular account of Saint Valentine of Rome states that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were being persecuted under the Roman Empire. According to the legend, during his time in prison, he healed the daughter of his jailer, Asterius. An embellishment later added to this story states that before Saint Valentine’s execution he wrote her a letter and signed it “Your Valentine” as a farewell. Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Community as well as in the Lutheran Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine’s Day, however it is celebrated on July 6 and July 30 in order to pay homage to the Roman leader Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Heiromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni). A heiromartyr is defined in Wikipedia as a bishop or priest that has died for his beliefs. How did Valentine’s Day then become associated with hearts, flowers and love? The day was first associated with romantic love by Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages when courtly love began to flourish. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering candies and sending greeting cards or “Valentines”. In Europe, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers as a romantic symbol and acts as an invitation to “unlock the heart” of the one that gave it to you. They are also given to children and are said to ward of epilepsy (also called Saint Valentine’s Malady). Valentine’s Day symbols commonly used today the heart outline, doves, and a winged Cupid. Handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards dating back to the 19th century. So whether you are giving a hand written note or a greeting card, don’t forget the flowers! Valentine’s Day falls on Sunday this year, so how about bringing your Valentine to the Cape for a weekend getaway…Don’t forget to call Pat Foran at Foran Realty to go look at some homes that could become your very own Summer Cape Cod getaway! Now that would make a great Valentine! ]]>
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.
Learn From Every Storm
Restock your emergency supplies to be ready in case another storm hits. What happens if you aren’t available during the storm? Be sure that you have someone watching out for your home. You want someone reputable that can be entrusted to make sure your home is ready. Pat Foran is an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association. Call today before the next storm hits! Information gathered from http://www.ready.gov]]>New Rental Website!
www.RentCapeCodProperties.com is live! There will be updates made regularly and be sure to keep an eye on our “Guest Services” section for some great ideas for your Cape Cod Vacation! When browsing the site be sure to take in some of our favorite vacation rentals. The availability calendar will help you with your planning! This fabulous 3 bedroom 3 bath home sleeps 6 and is Waterfront on Cape Cod Bay. Breathtaking views, beautiful sandy beach and great swimming are all amenities in this casual laid back 3 bedroom beach house. Easy access to beach brings you right to the nice sandy stretch for long walks. This home is close to Dennis restaurants, shops & golf. Ask about house PMA 83. Be sure to take a look at this well maintained 4 bedroom home. It is ideal for families as it is located in a quiet, private area, on a cul de sac. It is approximately 200 yards to the private neighborhood beach & public beach at Corporation. Call the office today and ask about Home PMA 19. This adorable vacation rental is located just a short walk to both Dr. Lord’s beach on Cape Cod Bay as well as Scargo Lake. This 3 bedroom 1 bath home that sleeps 6 is sure to please. An outdoor shower is the perfect place to rinse off after a day at the beach. A large front yard complete with picnic area and gas grill is the perfect place to entertain or relax. Ask about home PMA 21. We are your premiere Cape Cod Vacation Rental Management Company and look forward to assisting you with all of your Cape Cod vacation rental needs down to the smallest of details. We recognize we exist solely due to our clients enjoyable vacation experiences. Our goal is to make your stay on beautiful Cape Cod as enjoyable and hassle free as possible. Our company motto sums it up best….”We love the Cape and Show It!” So be sure to visit our new website at www.RentCapeCodProperties.com and pick out your Cape Cod vacation rental for this summer. We are available in the office at 508-385-9114 to help with any questions or concerns you may have. ]]>
Summer Rentals!
This home on Horsefoot Path in Dennis is a very short walk to Mayflower beach and has a waterview. Enjoy the family room on lower level. This great family home is on Old Hills Rd in Dennis. It is in a quiet charming area with a peaceful walk to the village. It is a short distance to Mayflower beach, close to Dennis Village, golf & restaurants. There is also a great home right on Main Street in Dennis. It is a spacious 4 bedroom home. The walk to the beach is only 3/10 of a mile to private beach on bay (Dr Lords Beach). Princess Beach at Scargo Lake is a close distance. Only a short drive to Dennis Village, restaurants, & golf courses! No matter how big or small your group is, whether you want to be close to Main Street or on the beach. Foran Realty has rental homes for you from Truro to Yarmouth. Call us today at 508-385-9114 and tell us what your need for your family this summer. We have the rental home that is perfect for you! ]]>
New Disclosure Regulations
paperwork that needed to be signed but made little to no sense to those of us signing it? Well that is hopefully being changed with the new disclosure regulations that went into effect October 3, 2015. The new rules, known as TRID, the new rules effect buyers and those that are refinancing will see two new documents: the Loan Estimate (LE) and the Closing Disclosure (CD) documents. Replacing the Good Faith Estimate and the early Truth-In-Lending statement (let’s be honest…that one never made any sense!) is the Loan Estimate (LE) Form This form summarizes the terms of a mortgage and estimates any and all loan fees and closing costs. The new form combines the original Good Faith Estimate with the early Truth-in-Lending statement into one shorter and hopefully easier to decipher document. Replacing the final Truth-in-Lending statement and the HUD-1 settlement is the Closing Disclosure (CD) Form. This form provides a detailed account of the entire real estate transaction, including loan terms, fees and closing costs. The new document combines the Truth-in-Lending statement and the HUD-1 Settlement statement into a form that is shorter and more user-friendly. It’s easier for consumers to read. “Fifteen years ago lenders and title companies weren’t held to their estimates of what a loan would cost, so occasionally you would hear horror stories of borrowers forced to pay an extra $5,000 at the closing table,” says Mark Dietz, senior vice president and area sales manager for EagleBank in Potomac. “Earlier revisions to transaction documents made it clear which fees could change and which ones couldn’t. These new revisions are taking clarity one step further, which is a good step to make consumers feel more confident that they understand their loan terms.”1 The experts that have worked diligently to create the updated forms say that the new documents are designed to make it easier for consumers to compare loan options as well as to understand and become aware if something changed between the time of loan application and settlement. If you buying a home, be sure that your lender provides you with the documentation that you need to make the process a seamless one. Review the documents with your Realtor to ensure that the fees are the norm and that there isn’t anything that you should be concerned about. You should also be aware of new time lines for disclosure requirements. Deals that used to close in 30 – 45 days you should now plan for 45 – 60 days. It is imperative that work with you lender closely to get the necessary paperwork and supporting documents to them in a timely manner, delays could cause a delay in your closing! Your friends at Foran Realty can help you find a lender and help guide you through the new process. 1 https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/]]>
Home Ownership in 2016
Resolution #1: Figure Out What You Want This is the fun part! You need to decide what, where, and when! What style house are you looking for, how big, how many bedrooms, bathrooms etc.? Do you want a wooded lot, an open lot? Take your time with these decisions as buying a home is a major commitment and you want to be somewhere you can live happily for several years! Resolution #2: Get Your Finances Ready Once you have an idea of what you are looking for it’s time to determine what you can afford. How much do you have available for a down payment? What is your monthly budget for a mortgage payment? Do you have money for closing costs and taxes? You should start the mortgage process before bidding on a home. Meet with your local lenders and determine not only which program best suits you and your needs but how much you can qualify for. Resolution #3: Get Your Pre-Approval “Pre-approval” means you have met with a loan officer, your credit files have been reviewed and the loan officer qualifies you for a given loan amount with one or more specific mortgage programs. The lender will provide you with a pre-approval letter, which shows your borrowing power. You can visit as many lenders as you like and get several pre-approvals, but keep in mind that each one carries with it a new credit check, which will show up on future credit reports and could damage your credit score. The more inquiries you have the lower your score goes. We recommend you work with a local lender as they have the best knowledge of the local market. Resolution #4: Find Your Realtor or Real Estate Agent: Most sellers will list their homes for sale through an agent. But be aware that those agents work for the seller, not you. You need a buyer’s agent. Get in touch with a Real Estate Agent that you are comfortable with and that can help you find the home that is best for your personal situation. A buyer’s agent has the same access to homes for sale that a seller’s agent does, but their loyalty lays with you not the seller. We are partial to the folks at Foran Realty, give them a call at 508-385-1355 or shoot them an email at sales@foranrealty.com and you will be in great hands! Resolution #5: Find Your New Home Now we are back into the fun stuff. A home is more than just a collection of bedrooms and bathrooms. Several properties with similar amenities may very well represent completely different designs, commuting distances, lot sizes, tax costs, interior dimensions, and exterior finishes. Here’s where the information you gathered in Resolution #1 comes into play. You already know what you want. Resolution #6: Make An Offer Once you find the house you want, it is time to make your offer. When working with a buyer’s broker, get advice from him or her on an initial offer. Try to line up comparable data on at least three houses that have sold recently in the area. If you really want the house, don’t lowball the offer. The seller may give up in disgust. Remember, that your leverage depends on the pace of the market. In a slow market, you’ve got muscle; in a hot market, you may have none at all. Once it is time to formally make your offer don’t forget about your contingencies. Typically we see Mortgage, Inspection and Title V as “standard” contingencies. Other types of things could be the inclusion of furniture, appliances or just about anything else. You also need to make a good-faith deposit — usually 1% to 10% of the purchase price — that will be deposited into an escrow account of the listing agent’s broker. The seller will receive this money after the deal has closed. If the deal falls through, you will get the money back only if you or the home failed any of the contingency clauses. For planning purposes you should have your home inspections completed within 2 weeks of the accepted offer and before you sign the purchase and sale. Plan on closing at least 30 – 45 days from the signing of the P&S. On October 3, 2015 new closing regulations came into effect. Collectively these are known as “TRID”. Under TRID the process has changed and the length of time to close has extended. Your agent and mortgage officer should be well versed in this and be able to walk you through the process to ensure a smooth and on time closing. Resolution #7: Understand Your Mortgage Options Now call your mortgage broker or lender and submit your formal mortgage application. Be sure to include the information from your preapproval as you want the process to be as streamlined as possible. Resolution #9: Close On Your New Home At three days before the actual closing, you will receive a final Closing Document (CD) from your lender that lists all the charges you can expect to pay at closing. Review it carefully as it will detail all of the closing costs you will be required to pay at the closing. It should also detail all expenses that you have already paid including inspections, application fees etc. The actual closing is somewhat anticlimactic, but your buyer’s agent can brief you on the particulars. Resolution #10: Tie Up Loose Ends You’ve done it. You’ve looked at properties, made an offer, obtained financing and gone to closing. What’s next? Those papers you received at settlement are extremely valuable, so hold on to them! Also at closing, determine the status of the utilities required by the home, items such as water, sewage, gas, electric and oil service. You want utility bills to be paid in full by owners as of closing and you also want services transferred to your name for billing. Usually such transfers can be done without turning off any of the utilities and should be done prior to closing. When you move in, you may want to replace all of the locks just to be safe. Finally and most importantly……Enjoy your home!!!! Owning real estate involves contracts, loans, and taxes, but ultimately what’s most important is that home ownership should be a wonderful experience! The Experts at Foran Realty are ready to assist you with all of your needs, whether it be as a selling agent or a buyer’s agent we are just a phone call away! ]]>
Selling Your Home During The Holidays
The holiday season from November through January is often considered the worst time to put a home on the market however the season does have its advantages: holiday buyers tend to be more serious and competition is less fierce with fewer homes being actively marketed. Make selling your home during the holidays a little bit easier by following these great tips:
- Deck the halls, but don’t go overboard. Homes often look their best during the holidays, but sellers should be careful not to overdo it on the decor. Adornments that are too many can crowd your home and distract buyers. Also, avoid offending buyers and opt for general winter decorations rather than items with religious themes.
- Hire a reliable real estate agent. That means someone who will work hard for you and won’t disappear during Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. This will ease your stress and give you more time to enjoy the season.
- Seek out motivated buyers. Anyone house hunting during the holidays must have a good reason for doing so. Work with your agent to target buyers, including people relocating for jobs in your area, investors on tax deadlines and college students and staff.
- Price it to sell. No matter what time of year, a home that’s priced low for the market will make buyers feel merry. Rather than gradually making small price reductions, many real estate agents advise sellers to slash their prices beforeputting a home on the market.
- Make curb appeal a top priority. When autumn rolls around and the trees start to lose their leaves, maintaining the exterior of your home becomes even more important. Touch up the exterior paint, clean the gutters and spruce up the yard.
- Take top-notch real estate photos. When the weather outside is frightful, homebuyers are likely to start their house hunt from the comfort of their homes by browsing listings on the Internet. Make a good first impression by offering lots of flattering, high-quality photos of your home.
- Create a video tour for the Web. You’ll get less foot traffic during the holidays thanks to inclement weather and vacation plans. But shooting a video tour and posting it on the Web may attract house hunters who would rather not drive in a snowstorm.
- Give house hunters a place to escape from the cold. Make your home feel cozy and inviting during showings by cranking up the heat, playing soft classical music and offering homemade holiday treats. When you encourage buyers to spend more time in your home, you also give them more time to admire its best features.
- Offer holiday cheer in the form of financing. Bah, humbug! Lenders are scrooges these days, but if you’ve got the means, then why not offer a referral for a local reputable mortgage broker or bank loan officer.
- Relax! The holidays are stressful enough with gifts to buy, dinners to prepare and relatives to entertain. Remember that if you don’t sell now, there’s always next year, which is only a few days away!!
Winter Preparations For Your Home
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.
The Holiday Season on Cape Cod
This week as well as the month of December will have countless special events and holiday celebrations! Festive events include holiday strolls, Santa arriving on the Cape by boat of course, craft fairs, harbor light parades, concerts and so much more! Kick off the season on the night before Thanksgiving with the lighting of the Pilgrim Monument. This year the Monument will be honoring the Provincetown School Children Past & Present. The Provincetown Business Guild provides cider and cookies on the expansive lawn while John Thomas provides the musical entertainment. Join the community from 5-7 as we wait for the moment the lights are turned on! November 28th 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 13th from 12:00 – 3:30. Your friends at Foran Real Estate will be outside their office at 585 Route 6A. Stop by 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 6A 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 – new this year – Provincetown! First Light Provincetown will stretch the celebration into a fun-filled weekend December 30-January 2! Highlights will include a spectacular fireworks display, 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. ]]>