Protecting your home from burglers may seem like a no-brainer to some. Unfortunately for many homeowners, it takes an actual break-in for them to turn their attention to securing their homes against intruders. Here are a few preemptive steps that you can take in order to put your mind at ease. 1. Install a security system. Many modern homes come equipped with some form of security alarm. However, if you find yourself purchasing a home that doesn’t already have a security system in place, you should consider your options for outfitting your home with one. There are many different types of security systems to choose from, and picking the most expensive plan doesn’t always mean you are getting the most protection for your dollar. If you live in a rural area, for instance, focusing on a deterrent-based form of home security might better suit you than one that places police response as their most-prized feature. If it will take 15 minutes or more for a police officer to respond to your property, then you may need to consider a plan that places emphasis on loud alarms, or even a form of motion-sensor lighting to deter a break in. TopConsumerReviews.com has compiled an up-to-date list of some of the most comprehensive security plans on the market today. http://www.topconsumerreviews.com/home-security/ 2. Keep your doors and windows locked. Many break-ins don’t actually require anything being “broken” in order for an intruder to gain access to your home. Keeping your windows and doors locked may seem like an obvious step, but you’d be surprised at the number of burglaries and home invasions that occur from homeowners ignoring this very practical safety measure. Also, if your home doesn’t already come equipped with them, consider purchasing deadbolts for all of the exit doors in your home. Additionally, consider installing a peephole in your door if you don’t already have one. Sometimes, all it takes is opening your door in response to a knock that can set off a home invasion. Never open your door to a stranger unless you are comfortable and secure in doing so. Don’t feel foolish asking for credentials when opening your door to someone claiming to work for the water or gas company, either. Many times, a burgler can shut off certain things in your home from the outside to pave the way for knocking at your door, claiming to be there to help restore your services. 3. Alert a trusted neighbor when you go on vacation. Having a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers will give your home the appearance of being occupied, and will take the attention away from the wandering eyes of a potential burglar. Also, if the neighbor sees suspicious activity, it will give you an extra line of defense in the event that your security system and safety measures happen to fail. 4. Leave an electronic appliance on that is visible through a window. Many burglers prefer to do their work in your home while you are away. Leaving a television on in a room, or a light on in a window visible from the outside will give them the impression that your house is currently occupied. Many former burglers have stated that they avoid break-ins where there is an obvious risk of coming into contact with the homeowner. 5. Keep track of your spare keys. Putting a spare key to your home under the mat isn’t the smartest option, and is in fact one of the first places many burglers check in order to ensure they can get into your house quickly and quietly. Consider hiding your spare key under a rock, away from the front door. This will ensure a tougher hunt for the potential burgler. 6. Landscaping. Many people haven’t considered landscaping being an enabler of home invasions, but many landscaping options we use for our privacy concerns can actually end up HELPING a potential burgler gain access to your home. Privacy bushes and fences outside your first-floor bathroom window might seem like a good idea at first, until you consider that you are also giving a potential burgler an easily concealed place to work on entry into your home. Consider more sensible options, like window tinting or decorative cling wraps instead. If you must have a privacy hedge, consider one that loses it’s concealment capabilities when viewed from the front yard. This will ensure that your neighbor cannot see you get out of the shower, but would severely limit the amount of concealment a burgler could take advantage of. For more information on how to secure your home, as well as tips for protecting yourself against home invasions, please visit the following links. http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/security/home-security-tips.htm http://www.statefarm.com/aboutus/_pressreleases/2010/burglary_is_probably_the_most_preventable_crime-az.asp http://www.crimedoctor.com/homeinvasion.htm]]>
Yarmouth Food Pantry Food Drive
Yarmouth Food Pantry Food Drive is a Big Success! On Sunday December 14th from 9 – 1 , the Yarmouth Police Department in conjunction with the Yarmouth Rotary Club are hosting a fill a cruiser to benefit the Yarmouth Food Pantry. Collections will be held at the Stop and Shops on Station Ave and Long Pond. Collections will also be held at Shaws on Route 28. The pantry serves over 2600 clients, roughly 40% are elderly, 30% are children and the balance adults. The majority of the clients are from Yarmouth but serve families from Bourne to Truro. In the spirit of the season, Foran Realty will be making a financial contribution to the Pantry during this event. We would like to encourage you to do the same and help those in our community who are less fortunate. To learn more about the Pantry please visit Yarmouth Food Pantry ]]>
Beware of the Hidden Costs of Moving
If you are planning a move you are probably busy thinking about the new costs of living, how much the rental truck will cost, packing and how you will get there. What you may not be considering is the hidden costs of moving. Here just a few of the surprise costs of moving and some ideas on how to avoid them: Late Fees When you are moving things get lost in the mail or are slow to be forwarded to your new address. If you miss paying your bills on it can add up in unnecessary late fees. Switch all of your bills to online billing that way you are sure not to miss a payment that is lost in the mail. Overdraft Fees Don’t close that bank account just yet. You may have checks or bills still being drawn on that bank account. Leave your bank account open for approximately three months to allow all checks to clear. Doing this will help you avoid any overdraft fees. Contract penalties All of those contracts you have signed may come back to haunt you. Memberships at the gym, country club, day care facility, community association, etc. can cost you. Typically there is some type of annual or monthly contract associated with membership and cancelling early will usually cost you. Some of these contracts will have an exception for a move so read the terms and conditions before you pay a hefty cancellation fee. Auto insurance Part of the cost of your auto insurance is determined by your address. For example, moving from an area with less population, to a more highly populated area will cost you more in auto insurance. Different states also have different laws regarding insurance coverage. States have different minimum liability requirements so in some states you will need to purchase personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage and in others you will not. Health insurance Health insurance can also change when you switch states. Just like auto insurance, health insurance mandates vary among states, too. Some states require some types of medical procedures are covered while another has not mandated coverage. Be sure to comparison-shop for your health insurance. While adding up the normal costs of moving expenses like boxes and storage also be sure to check for these hidden costs and try to avoid losing money in your next move. ]]>
Baxters Fish & Chips is For Sale!
It’s True… Baxters Fish & Chips is for sale! This iconic restaurant has been a gathering place for visitors and residents alike for more than 46 years. Situated on Hyannis Harbor this “clam shack” is accessible by both boat and car. A few years ago I took some relatives there from New Jersey by boat for their annual visit and as Dan said, “Once you go by boat, you can’t go by car”. Hopefully whoever buys the restaurant will keep it just the way it is so that future generations of visitors and residents can enjoy this landmark as those of us have for many years. By the way, if you are interested in getting more information about possibly purchasing Baxters, please give Patrick Foran a call! Baxters Fish and Chips]]>
Dennis Village Christmas Stroll
Dennis Village Christmas Stroll is Fun for the Whole Family! The Annual Dennis Village Christmas Stroll will be held on Sunday December 8th starting at noon. This years theme “Visions of Christmas” are sure to have something for the entire family! There will be music, food, face painting and a special visit from the North Pole! Dennis Village Christmas Stroll]]>
Cape Cod Homes and Land Magazine Ad – Foran Realty
Check out of new ad in Homes and Land Magazine! Foran Realty Cape Cod Homes and Land Magazine Ad 1 Foran Realty Cape Cod Homes and Land Magazine Ad 2]]>
Here are Five Reaons to Buy a Home
If there was ever a time to purchase real estate it is now. A unique combination of circumstances makes buying a home a no-brainer. Here are five reasons why you should buy a home NOW… 1. Houses are more affordable 2. Historically low mortgage rates 3. Prices are stable 4. Home ownership is the path to independence and wealth 5. Owning a home gives you pride of ownership Call today to find out what homes are available in your price range or do a quick search to look for homes and create a profile on this site to save your favorites.]]>
Quick and Easy Bathroom Updates
It is a room that is often overlooked on the decorating list but as the saying goes bathrooms and kitchen sell homes. Many people avoid remodeling a bathroom because they are typically one of the most costly rooms to remodel–generally second only to kitchens. A bathroom update can be easier than you think. Here are some budget-friendly updates that will give your bathroom a brand new look. Paint Paint is the most inexpensive way to transform any room. For around $25, you can have a brand new look. Bathrooms are typically small rooms so the process should be quick. If your wood cabinets looking tired, give them a fresh coat of paint. Make sure to give them good cleaning and a light sanding first. Lighting Don’t overlook the importance of lighting. Outdated bath bar (often called Hollywood lighting); can be easily replaced with newer fixtures for as little as $30. Hardware An instant update to any cabinet is the hardware. This is a place to where you can be creative and unique. Expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $15 for each knob or pull. Accessories A brand new look can sometimes be as easy as replacing a few of the accessories. Replace worn-out, faded towels with some soft, fluffy new towels. Expect to pay from $5 to $30 per towel. Try adding new towel bars and toilet paper holders too. If you update your cabinet hardware you will want to try to go with a similar finish. This will cost about $20 to $40. Giving your bathroom a fresh, new feel doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little elbow grease and some creativity you will have a new bathroom in no time.]]>
Get a Deal When Buying a House
Everyone wants a deal especially when purchasing a big ticket item like a house. In order to get a good deal you have to be a great negotiator. If you are on the hunt for a housing bargain you need to be prepared and sharpen your negotiation skills. Here are some tips to get you on your way to buying success: Do Your Homework: Gather information about the property. Find out about recent repairs and improvements or renovations. Review the seller disclosure statement look for details, such as the age of the roof and systems in the home. Know the Market: Find out what other homes are selling for in your price range. Ask your real estate agent to do a comparative market analysis on the home you are interested in. The comparative market analysis will compare the home to homes that have recently sold and homes that are currently on the market. Be Prepared: Before you start shopping for a home get your credit in order.The higher your credit score, the better the chance you’ll get a good deal on a home loan. Once you have your credit in order start the mortgage process and get pre-approved. If you are pre-approved the seller will see you are a well-qualified buyer. Be Reasonable: It is easy to let emotions get in the way. View the purchase as a business transaction. Approach the situation objectively, and don’t take the negotiations personally. Negotiate: Start off your negotiation on the right foot, don’t low-ball the seller with an insulting figure. This can immediately kill the transaction. Negotiation is a two way street. In most negotiations both parties compromise. Be Smart: Stick within your budget and don’t let emotion take over when you are negotiating. Know what price you’re comfortable with and stick to it. This way you will be sure to buy a home that you can afford. ]]>
Foran Real Estate Testimonials
At Foran Realty, we truly care about what you think! Please take a moment and let us know about your Real Estate or Vacation Rental experience so that we may share it with future Foran Realty clients. Our business has been built on providing outstanding Real Estate & Rental services in Cape Cod, MA for our valued clients. A completely satisfied client is our ultimate goal whether buying a home in Dennis, selling a home in Yarmouth or renting a home on Cape Cod. We offer the highest level of customer service ever to be experienced on a local level and by sharing your experience here, this is the best thank you we could ever receive!. [WPCR_INSERT]]]>