Update

It has been a while since we last blogged and a lot has happened. Our beloved Red Sox did not repeat as champions (that's OK they still had a great year and there is always next year!), we are in the middle of a financial crisis and we just elected our first African American President. We are hopeful that the new administration will bring back peace and prosperity to America. We look forward to a spring market that will hopefully rebound the housing market.

Be sure to check back because we are going to try to update our blog more frequently.

Update

It has been a couple of weeks since our last blog. A lot has happened since then. We sold a piece of property that we have had on the market and we just got a new listing. So it seems as though things are picking up a bit for us so hopefully it is a sign of things to come. We will still be doing our blog but not weekly. We are going to do it either twice a month or monthly.

Protect Yourself from Check Forging

We found this great article about protecting yourself from check fraud. It gives great tips on what to look for so you don't fall victim.

HERE'S A STARTLING FACT: More than 500 million checks are forged annually. Fortunately, sophisticated security features can be built into checks to help consumers, businesses and banks avoid check fraud. Most checks have these features.
Here's a look at the top safety features.
Micro print signature line. The signature line appears as a solid line and contains the words "AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE", printed in a small font that is legible when viewed closely or with a magnifying glass. If scanned or photo copied, the micro print text is not legible and appears as a broken line.
Padlock icon. A padlock symbol is printed on the check face to indicate that at least two overt (easily seen) security features are present. The icon alerts check handlers and criminals that security features are present.
Security warning box. A warning box printed on the back of the check indicates the security features present and what happens when a check is altered.Original document. "ORIGINAL DOCUMENT" is printed in very light ink on the back of the check so that it cannot be easily copied or scanned. -The Costco Connection

Your Credit Score

Know Your Credit Score

This is some valuable information whether you are getting a home loan or a simple cell phone account. Your credit history and your credit score makes all the difference in the world.
It's not your social security number, your phone number, or your birth date. While most of us don't know this number, it essentially dictates your finances. This number is your credit score. A credit score number is a number that lenders use to help them decide "if I give this person a loan or credit card, how likely is it that I'll be paid back on time?" Also, called a credit risk score, this number is a statistical measure of the risk that you'll be able to repay the debt as agreed.If you're planning on making a major purchase, taking out a loan, or applying for a credit card, you're going to need a good credit rating.

To check your credit rating you may go to one of the following web sites or call:
Equifax: www.equifax.com or 1-800-685-1111
Trans Union: www.transunion.com or 1-877-322-8228
Experian: www.experian.com or or 1-888-397-3742

Buffini & Co.

Keep Safe During Stormy Weather

In light of the tornado that hit N.H. It makes us wonder if this is what caused homes to implode. It is dangerous to open a window in a storm. Opening a window brings in high-pressure air, which then must escape. That's usually out other windows or doors, or through the ceiling or roof. Cracking the window could even cause a house to explode. A better defense is keeping all windows closed so air flows over, not into the house. If there is some warning it would be wise to cover windows with plywood.

This has been an active stormy summer with the threat of more severe weather to come. So please keep windows closed when the winds start blowing, and keep safe.


Contributing information found on the This Old House website

Keeping Kids In Mind When Moving

Here is some great information we found on the Remax site about kids moving. It can be a very anxious time for them as well so here are some things to keep in mind before, during and after your move

Moving is well known to be a traumatic experience. Families leave memories, friends, relations and activities. And while most of these can be replaced by new friends, memories, and activities, the move becomes no less traumatic.

Oftentimes the concerns and fears of the children are overlooked when families move to a new location. A move is especially hard on teenagers or youngsters who have a passion for a sporting activity, social club involvement or who participates in one of the various art forms. Teenagers and young adults are asked to leave their budding romances, their high school and college activities and to some extent abandon their personal dreams and ambitions.

It is paramount to include the children in the initial planning stage of a family relocation. Get them involved in the decision process. Ask your real estate associate to obtain information for the children that may ease their fears.

When searching for that perfect home, it is wise to involve the young adults of the family. Infants and very young children can sometimes hinder your search for a home because they quickly grow impatient and you may want to find a sitter during house hunting visits.

Remember, kids move too and they oftentimes require very special attention during this traumatic time of their lives.

Protect Yourself from Burglaries

It seems all you read about lately is the rash of burglaries going on in neighborhoods. With the state of the economy it is a sad situation. We had stumble across an article (we don't even remember where) that tells you how to make sure you are not a target for robbers. Here are the mistakes we make that put us at risk.

Mistake 1: Leaving the alarm off when you are running quick errands. Experienced burglars watch neighborhoods when people go to work and what their habits are. Set the alarm all the time.
Mistake 2:Posting company alarm signs. Experienced burglars can disable certain alarm company systems, they have diagrams that they study from Internet info or inquiring references from the company. Buy a generic sign such as: This House is Protected by an Alarm System.
Mistake 3: Most people hide valuables in the bedroom such as jewelry, money, rare coins etc. Hide such items in several unlikely places like the garage, freezer etc., that way it is less likely for them to get everything.
Mistake 4: Hiding windows with large shrubs. This allows burglars to jimmy windows without being seen. Keep bushes & shrubs trimmed to below window level.
Mistake 5: Leaving lights on. A light that always stays on day and night is a give away that people are away and once they are inside it helps them to see better. Always use timers in different areas of the house.
Mistake 6: Don't stop mail or newspaper deliveries. You may trust your mail or paper carrier but you don't know who else is getting the info. Keep your plans quiet and have a close friend or neighbor drop by at different times to pick it up and hold it for you.

These are good tips to keep in mind and help make your home safe.