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. ]]>
Getting to Know Your Neighbors and Building a Neighborhood Community
In a world where we do much of our socializing online and can talk to people around the world in an instant it has become less incentivized to have a relationship with your neighbors. However, there are man benefits to having a tight-knit neighborhood that are sadly being forgotten. Some people are private by nature and like to keep to themselves, which is certainly okay. Others like to be involved members of their communities, getting to know the people who live around them and taking an interest in their well-being. Have you ever wished that your neighborhood had more things for your kids to do? Or maybe that you had a few friends next door to have cookouts with in the summer time? In this article we’ll talk about the many ways you can build a community in your neighborhood to get your friends and neighbors more involved.
Start a community garden
Is there a lot or patch on land in your neighborhood that is going unused? A great project to start that can benefit the neighborhood is to create a community garden. Gardening with others is a rewarding activity. You’ll be busy working so you won’t have to worry about awkward silences, and you will all share in the great rewards of seeing your creation grow. Here’s how to start:- Get permission for using the land, unless you own it
- Pass out flyers and post on Facebook to the people in your neighborhood to let them know about it.
- Add on the flyer that it would be appreciated if people brought some tools and supplies along which you can also list on the flyer
- Have a “breaking soil” day when your neighborhood comes out to commence work in the garden
- Before long, word of mouth and curious passersby will make your garden a popular place to hang out in the neighborhood
Host an outdoor movie night
It’s easier than ever to screen a movie outside. All you need is a laptop, some decent speakers, a projector, and a white sheet to hang against a wall. Just like with the garden, pass out flyers. And, be sure to choose a kid-friendly movie that people can bring the family to.Start a neighborhood book club and book swap
Books are great icebreakers. You won’t have to worry about having nothing to talk about because you’ll have all the material from the books to discuss. Once you get a few people in the neighborhood to join the club, you might think about creating a neighborhood book swap. Take an outdoor cabinet and put it on your front lawn with a sign says “Take a book, leave a book.” Then get some of your neighbors to join in as well.Spend time outside and go for neighborhood walks
Just by spending more time in the front yard and taking nightly walks you’d be surprised at home many new members of your neighborhood you’ll meet. Instead of hiding your benches in the backyard, put them in the front and remember to say “Hello!” to your neighbors when they pass by. ]]>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!
History of Labor Day
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 ]]>New Dennis Port Listing!!
Located at the end of a sandy lane in this new Dennis Port listing is where you will find this 3 bedroom 1 bath ranch. A large eat in kitchen offers access to the deck which is the perfect place for summer entertaining. Rinse off in the outside shower after a day at the beach or simply relax in the backyard or on the deck while you take in and enjoy the Cape Cod air. This home boasts a fire-placed living room and a full basement with interior and bulkhead access. There have been numerous upgrades made to this new Dennis Port lising in the last 10 years or so including windows, furnace, shingles and septic. The house is in move in condition, is listed at $289,000 and is easy to show so call Foran Realty today or click here for additional information. ]]>
Hope in Dennis!
A detached 3 bay garage includes licensed 1 BR/1 BA apartment. The home is nestled on a 1.95 ac parcel, in close proximity to the Dennis Playhouse, Cinema, Museum, restaurants, shops, ice cream havens, several Cape Cod Bay beaches, post office, and other popular venues. This historic home is the birthplace (1690)of Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Freeman and later owned by Raymond Moore who is best known for having brought the Dennis Playhouse to this quaint village setting. The kitchen wing added in 1732 and the current owners added master BR suite in 1969 that matches architecture of the main house. Both inside and out this 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 the tree boasts its own historical recognition. This is a Antique/Other style home and features 9 total rooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, 4 bedrooms, 1.95 Acres, and is currently available for $925,000. Don’t miss the Open House on the 17th! Call Pat Foran at Foran Realty for more information! ]]>
36 Christopher Hall Dr. Dennis
This 3 bedroom 2 bath Cape is located in highly sought after Signal Hill at 36 Christopher Hall Dr. The first floor offers a master bedroom, full bath with washer and dryer, a fire-placed living room and kitchen/dining room. There is a screen porch with access off of the kitchen. There are 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath on the 2nd floor, as well as storage closet under the eave along the front of the house. The home boasts an attached 1 car garage and a full unfinished basement which is accessible through the garage. Radiant electric heat panels are in all but one room. The furnishings are negotiable. This is a Cape style home and features 6 total rooms, 2 full baths, 3 bedrooms, 0.38 Acres, and is currently available for $369,000. For complete details click here.]]>
New East Dennis Listing!
Memorial Day Events
WES Fest is fast approaching! The Wellfleet Elementary School PTA is holding it’s 8th annual fundraiser…WES Fest! The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, May 28th from 10am to 3pm. With mechanical rides provided by North American Amusements their tubs of fun, Rapid 70′ slide and Giant Swings, and much more! They are sure to give your kids a mini carnival experience with a small town feel! Jo & Co will light up the stage for your musical pleasure! Don’t forget to stop by the Lewis Brothers homemade ice cream truck too! Add in mini carnival games like ring toss, clown toss, putting green, milk bottle toss, and balls in the basket, and we have almost completed your carnival experience! But wait! To give it even more of a carnival feel we will also have Barboleta Face and Body Art! Hot Dogs, popcorn, fried dough, snow cones and cotton candy round out the event! Come join for a day of fun and support a great cause at the same time! Located at the Town of Wellfleet’s Bakers Field by the pier and town playground. Women of Fishing Families 8th Annual Chatham Blessing of the Fleet will be held at the Chatham Fish Pier on May 28th. This free event, will also include live music, food and family activities; all proceeds to support W.O.F.F.’s ongoing assistance of area fishing families. On Saturday, May 28th, W.O.F.F. will honor a longstanding fishing community tradition; a blessing of the fishing fleet which is offered to ensure a safe and bountiful season for the fishermen. It is a centuries-old tradition in Mediterranean communities and a decades-old one on Cape Cod. In true Cape fashion, the 8th Annual Chatham Blessing of the Fleet at Chatham Fish Pier will also include food and fun. The free event is one of group’s major annual fundraisers. If you are headed to Provincetown be sure to embark on a tour of the Cape Cod National Seashore Dunes with Art’s Dune Tours. Along the way you’ll see the ‘dune shacks’ where famous artists like Eugene O-Neill and Harry Kemp stayed while creating their world renowned art. Cape Cod has plenty to offer the weary traveler to get you away from the rush of daily life and allow you to relax. You’ll also see the historic sand dunes of Provincetown and get a look into history at the remains of the Peaked Hill Life Saving Station where you’ll learn of the ‘life savers’ how they labored to save lives from shipwrecks off the cape. Natural Beauty and History come together on this unique tour that’s perfect for all ages. The tours run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and offer you the opportunity to explore the sand dunes in a unique way. Your knowledgeable guide will provide you with all of the facts you need to know and want to know as you travel across the scenic land. These trips are family-friendly, allowing all age groups to enjoy the experience. Following amazing reviews, Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire will be performed by the Cape Cod Theatre Company at the Harwich Jr. Theatre through June 12th! From the opening chords of vintage Country to Rockabilly, Rock n’ Roll, searing ballads, and gentle songs of love and deep faith, Ring of Fire packs a score that provides a rich fabric in which to lay down the story of Johnny Cash. The great biopic, Walk the Line, told the story of the events and incredible struggles and triumphs of Cash’s life. Ring of Fire gives the music the spotlight as a core group of talented actor/musicians celebrate the songs that are such a part of our collective experience. Many towns up and down the Cape will be honoring our veterans that gave their lives for our country. Please be sure to check with the local Chambers of Commerce to find out when and where you can participate in those events! Happy Memorial Day from all of us at Foran Realty. We hope you enjoy the weekend!]]>