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! ]]>
What To Look For When Buying A Home To Build Equity
Buying a home will be the biggest purchase of your entire life. It’s not a decision that anyone should or will take lightly. You want to buy a house that you can live in. Sometimes, it’s even best to think of your home purchase from the perspective of others. Ask yourself, “Would other people want to live here?” When it comes to your home, the financial buzzword is “equity.” As the buyer, you want to be able to build some equity into your home so that if you should choose to sell it, you’ll make a profit. Whether your home is only meant to live in for a few years until your family outgrows it, or you think it’s going to be a forever home, life happens and you don’t want to be stuck with a home that you must take a loss on. Keep these aspects of the home in mind when you are ready to buy: Size Most people search for 3 to 4 bedroom homes. Whether they are married and want to have children or just need extra space for another baby that is on the way, families typically look for places where they have room to grow. The number of bathrooms in a home is also key. Families don’t want to share one bathroom among 4-5 people. These factors are even more important than the actual space available in the home by square footage. On the flip side, you don’t want your home to be too big either. Larger homes aren’t as energy efficient and can cost more to maintain. Know that there is a “sweet spot” for your square footage. Usually this is somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet of living space. Room To Expand Look at the home to see if there is room to expand. Perhaps you need another bathroom, but there’s some space to construct an additional half bath. This factor of expansion is key when it comes to a home or property. Look Past The Appearance Things like paint colors, floors, carpets and other aesthetics aren’t as important as the big things when it comes to buying a home. You can easily change these without much cost or effort on your part. While everyone loves a move-in-ready home, don’t let a little paint separate you from a home that you love! Curb Appeal Helps While it’s easy to fix some things like the color of a home or the shrubs, find your vision to give the home you’re about to purchase some curb appeal. If you can see past the imperfections and make your home your own from the outside in, your home will be attractive. There’s plenty of things you can add and fix from doors to landscaping to paint to a new mailbox. All of these can give your home some serious curb appeal. Sound Structure If the structure of the home is not in good condition, you’ll face many problems down the road. You want to avoid costly repairs by ensuring that you buy a home without serious structural damage or wear. The most important part of a home’s structure is that of the foundation. If a home has a cracked foundation, it’s going to cause some problems. Be sure that you hire a reputable inspector and attend the inspection so you know exactly what’s going on with the home you are about to purchase. You can prepare yourself for any problems or issues this way, and make a decision from there. A home that has a good structure to start will undoubtedly continue to help you build equity in your purchase.]]>
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.
How to Sell Your Home Quickly
The real estate market remains in constant flux. However, this does not necessarily mean you’ll need a significant amount of time to sell your residence. Regardless of the size and quality of your home, there are many quick, easy ways to set up your residence for a quick sale, including: 1. Price your home appropriately. As a home seller, your goal is to maximize the value of your residence. Doing so, unfortunately, can be a major challenge if you fail to set realistic expectations. Getting your home appraised before you add it to the real estate market ensures you’ll be able to determine the true value of your home. Furthermore, consider any recent home improvements you’ve completed, as these enhancements may help increase your residence’s value. Also, don’t forget to check out the prices of similar homes in your area. This enables you to get a better idea about the value of your residence relative to others that are available. Pricing your home often can be difficult, but those who perform plenty of research will be better equipped to set a fair price that generates interest from many prospective homebuyers. 2. Make your home easy to show. Those who only enable homebuyers to view their residences at certain times will limit their opportunities for a quick sale. Conversely, you should try to remain as flexible as possible after you add your home to the real estate market to maximize your home showings. Homebuyers likely have many great residences at their disposal. And if you turn down an opportunity to show your house to an interested homebuyer, this buyer may choose to look elsewhere for his or her dream residence. Comparatively, home sellers who maintain a clean house can make their residence easy to show at any time. In the event that a homebuyer wants to show up on short notice to view your residence, you’ll be ready to depart and ensure this interested party can check out your residence without delay. 3. Ensure your home is listed in plenty of places. Your real estate agent should try to do everything he or she can to make your home an attractive commodity. As such, hiring a real estate professional who will showcase your residence to as many prospective homebuyers as possible is essential if you want a quick sale. For example, your real estate agent should have no trouble adding your house to a wide range of real estate listing websites. Social networks like Facebook also make it simple for real estate professionals to showcase your home to a broad range of prospective homebuyers. With a superior real estate agent at your disposal, you’ll be able to spread the word that your home is for sale to a large group of homebuyers. Thus, you’ll be better equipped to boost your chances of a fast sale, and potentially, a major bidding war among interested parties as well. Selling a home is rarely simple, but with these tips, you can improve your chances of optimizing the value of your home and selling your residence quickly.]]>
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
Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal
Are you familiar with “curb appeal”? If not, you could be missing out on the opportunity to generate interest in your home. Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of your home in relation to a homebuyer’s first impression of your residence as he or she passes it. For instance, a home with a great exterior, pristine front lawn and other dazzling exterior features likely will appeal to homebuyers the moment they see it. On the other hand, a home that includes a front lawn loaded with high grass and weeds, an exterior that consists of chipped and faded paint and other negative qualities is unlikely to garner significant interest at first glance. For home sellers, you’ll want to do whatever you can to increase your home’s curb appeal. Luckily, we’re here to help you do just that – here are three tips you can use to boost your residence’s curb appeal: 1. Use plants to your advantage. Who says you need to have a green thumb to set up a garden in front of your home? Fortunately, many wonderful plants are available that can help you add a splash of color to your home’s exterior. And ultimately, these plants will enable you to bolster your residence’s curb appeal as well. Ready-made plant containers are available, or you can try to grow your own plants with seed kits. Either way, incorporating plants into your home’s exterior is sure to help your residence generate attention from a wide range of prospective homebuyers. 2. Replace old gutters and downspouts. Installing new gutters will help you enhance your home’s curb appeal as well as provide another feature that may help you differentiate your home from others on the real estate market. Gutters will deteriorate over time, but home sellers who install new snap-fit vinyl gutter systems can enjoy high-quality gutters that will look and perform well consistently. Remember, the benefits of replacing gutters and downspouts are two-fold, as they will allow you to improve your home’s curb appeal as well as give homebuyers yet another reason to consider your residence over others. 3. Add outdoor lighting. Curb appeal represents a 24-hour phenomenon, and those who want to ensure their residences look great at night should add outdoor lighting. Low-voltage landscaping lighting often is easy to install and can brighten up your residence’s exterior at night. Plus, this lighting can provide extra security – yet another feature that may help your residence stand out in a highly competitive real estate market. Lastly, don’t forget to consider the homebuyer’s perspective as you explore ways to enhance your residence’s curb appeal. And if there is a flaw that stands out as you look at your residence’s exterior, prospective homebuyers likely will see this problem too. As such, you should work to eliminate any issues that may damage your home’s appearance as quickly as possible. Dedicating plenty of time and resources to improve your home’s curb appeal is essential, and home sellers who understand the importance of curb appeal can work toward making home exterior improvements and generating significant interest in their residences.]]>
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. ]]>