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.

Support our Soldiers

Since July is a very patriotic month we thought we would share these great websites we found in the Hallmark magazine. They listed all these great websites to help wounded soldiers and their families. We thought it was such a great article because we didn't even know that these websites were out there. As the proud daughter and granddaughter of a World War II veteran we was wounded in battle we are happy to pass them on. Thanks to the Hallmark magazine for bringing them to our attention.

Show Your Support For Families Of Wounded Soldiers. This month we celebrate our countries independence. Lets not forget the men and women who help protect our great country. Many of them have been wounded in war so here is the great article we found that listed five ways you can help the families of wounded soldiers. They are:

1. Donate funds for a rental car or hotel room to a family visiting a soldier undergoing long-term rehabilitation at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital in Washington DC; log onto yellowribbonfund.org for more details.
2. Give a laptop to a military hospital so that recovering soldiers can stay in touch with family and friends; log onto laptopsforthewounded.com for more details.
3. Hire a returning soldier if you are an employer; log onto hireahero.org for more details.
4. Offset the cost of activities, like dance lessons and Little League, for the children of deployed and seriously injured National Guard and Reserve military personal; log onto ourmilitarykids.org for more details.
5. Send a veteran to a concert or sports event through Tickets for Troops, or opt for other ways to show your appreciation; log onto thethankyoufoundation.org.

Reverse Mortgages A Good Idea? That Depends

Reverse mortgages are not what they are cracked up to be and may not be for everyone. Beware of the hidden costs. People do not realize there are steep fees. When you get the reverse mortgage they will pay off your outstanding debt like your mortgage, or home equity loans etc. but in most cases they will charge you more than 5% of the loan amounts to do so. You must realize that you would still be responsible for property taxes on the home, the utilities and the repairs and maintenance of the house. A helpful website about reverse mortgages is: www.aarp.org/money/revmorgt.

Remember you must be 62 years of age or older to qualify.

Flying the Flag

Since the 4th of July is approaching this coming weekend - can you believe it is coming so fast - we found this great information on how to fly our flag. We thought it was pretty informative and that it would be great to pass on. Here it is:
How to Fly The Flag

• Raise the flag briskly. Lower it ceremoniously.
• Never allow the flag to touch the ground or floor.
• Do not fly the flag in bad weather, unless it is an all-weather flag.
• The flag can only be flown at night if properly illuminated. Otherwise, it should only be flown from sunrise to sunset.
• The flag should always be allowed to fall free.
• The flag should never be used to carry, store, or deliver anything.
• Never fly the flag upside down except to signal an emergency.

We hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July.

Pool Safety

Since Summer is officially here, we thought we would share with you some great tips for pool safety. It is so important at this time of year to be aware of the dangers that can happen.

Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim--this includes adults and children.
*Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is recommended.
*Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
*Learn Red Cross CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR.
*Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
*Enclose the pool completely with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide. The house should not be included as a part of the barrier. The gate should be constructed so that it is self-latching and self-closing.
*Never leave furniture near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.
*Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are recommended.
*Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
*Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use.
*If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

-Information taken from various magazine articles.

The State of Things.

The cost of oil is driving up the price of everything. It is costing the trucking companies to drastically increase the price to deliver products because of their fuel costs. In other words the cost of food in our markets have sky rocketed. It has hurt the construction trade because of the cost of materials has increased for the contractors and because of the state of the economy it makes it tougher to afford new construction. This has also effected us personally because we are Realtors who have two fantastic pieces of property on the market, one on 3.9 acres in Carlisle and a piece of property sub-divided into 3 build able house lots in Westford. Builders are hesitant to buy because of the cost of materials, would they be able to recoup? This coupled with the rise in foreclosures have this country in a bit of a state of emergency. Somewhere, somehow something has to give and we hope it happens sooner than later.
As we are waking up this morning we are hearing that the postal service is in trouble because of the price of fuel. Now this sounds like another increase in postage is on tap soon. When will this all end? Everyone is affected some way or another.

Gas Prices ...Where Will They End Up?

Gas prices...who would have ever believed that this could happen. Unfortunately we don't believe we will ever see gas being $2.00 or even in the $3.00 range again. It certainly doesn't make us fee any better to hear that in England they pay $7.50 a gallon and in Germany it is $10.00 a gallon. All we know is that it is pretty painful when we fill up and it costs $85.00. We looked back and here is a range of prices we found:
In 1998 gas was $1.00 a gallon
In 2003 gas was $2.00 a gallon
In June of 2007 gas was $3.00 a gallon
In June of 2008 gas is $4.00 and counting a gallon.

When is this going to stop? The thing is we will pay it because we have to- but we don't have to like it.

June is National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month. We do our Monthly Newsletter and anyone who receives it will note that one of the informative stories for June is about the new Hands-only CPR for adults that we found in the Costco Connection. We decided that it was worth repeating for those of you who don't receive our newsletter. It goes as follows:

THE NEW HANDS ONLY CPR

The American Heart Association has simplified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines, calling for a hands-only approach with the goal of saving more lives. The previous guidelines called fro a combination of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions, but many potential responders failed to take action because they feared doing those procedures in the wrong order or for the wrong duration, or feared mouth-to-mouth contact. Only about 25% of Americans who experience cardiac arrest receive CPR, but it does make a huge difference. Quickly getting CPR doubles or triples survival chances. The new hands-only approach is aimed at bystanders who witness sudden cardiac arrest. If you see an adult suddenly drop over, be quick to do the following:
1) Have someone call 911 immediately, or do it yourself.
2) With the patient flat on his or her back, place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and the other hand on top of the first. Lock your elbows and perform fast, forceful chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute, lifting your hands slightly after each push to allow the chest to recoil. Take turns with a partner if one is available, and continue until paramedics arrive.
3) If an automated external defibrillator is available, attach it to the patient and follow the voice prompts. Otherwise, keep compressing the chest.

A child who collapses is more likely to have breathing problems, so mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should still be used with children.

We thought it was very interesting and a good thing to know.

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day and the day that we should all honor our soldiers. Those who fought for our freedoms and lost their lives doing so. And for all those who are still on foreign shores as well as all those brave veterans who served this wonderful country. We thank you. Memorial Day also has great meaning to all of us who have lost loved ones, to honor their memory and pay homage to them as well. Personally we spent a few hours traveling to several cemeteries with plants and flowers which make us feel it's the least we can do for our loved ones. Memorial day means many things to many people and it gives us all food for thought.

Conserving Energy & Water

This year more than any other we have been trying to conserve on our energy bill. After getting hit with a $300. electric bill last month, we have been looking for ways to cut some of our energy bills.
Here are just a few ways to consider to cut energy costs as well as still being comfortable during the hot summer. Turning up the air conditioner to 72 degrees instead of 68 or 70 degrees will cut down on the electric and will be just as comfortable and cool enough to enjoy. While showering turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair. When brushing your teeth shut the water off. This can save many gallons of water monthly. We should always try to find little ways to cut energy costs because they add up. It helps us individually as well as it helps the planet.

Caring for Your Furry Friends

Anyone who knows us know that we have two furry members of our family. Our Golden Retriever Cooper and our Yellow Tiger Cat Frankie. They are our little loves. It is true when people say that pets give unconditional love. When life deals you some unhappiness, there is nothing like hugging and holding your pets. It helps. It has been a proven fact that pets can actually be good for people with high blood pressure and depression. They have a great calming effect on our lives.
This weeks blog is about caring for your best friends. We have been sad to find out that a dog is considered a senior at the age of 7, which Cooper just turned on April 29th. We make sure that both our pets go to the vet at least twice a year and have all their shots. Even though Cooper was immunized for Lyme disease we were shocked to find out he had it. We were devastated but the vet told us there are so many dogs and other animals with it. Even the dog ticks are carriers as well as deer ticks. We had to give him a months worth of antibiotics and now we make sure he has his Front Line on as well as checking him over every time he goes out. Frankie is lucky because he is an indoor cat and doesn't have the same access to ticks and bugs as Coop does. All we have to watch Frankie for is the occasional times when he is cranky with Cooper.
We just can't express enough to be vigilant with both your pets and yourselves because ticks with Lyme disease can be very serious and sometimes fatal to you and your pets.

Generosity

This weeks blog is about generosity. We find that giving of yourself is so very enriching. There are many ways of giving or helping and it doesn't have to be monetary. It can be giving a person in need a helping hand. It can be as simple as when some of us grow vegetables in our garden, to share the bounty with an elderly neighbor or take some surplus to the food bank. You can even take time to stop in with a cake or some cut flowers for a shut in who would be thrilled to have a visit with a caring person. We have always enjoyed making up gift bags for the senior center and for the meals on wheels folks. We would fill them with fun items for the holidays, such as flags for the 4th of July or an ornament for Christmas time. It gives us a great feeling when we would get thank you notes from the seniors.
If you can give some time to help a person in need such as Habitat for Humanity or just mow the over grown lawn of someone who needs a little help with their yard. Also run an errand to the store for someone who just isn't feeling well enough to do it themselves.
To sum it up, just give a little of yourself and enjoy the feeling that it brings to help your fellow man. Especially this day in age it makes you feel so good. We are also proud contributors to the Children's Miracle Network and the Susan G. Komen Sell for The Cure, but if you can't contribute monetarily (we know times are tough right now) just giving a helping hand can make all the difference to someone. You would be surprised.

Should You ReModel?

We are often asked in this market should I remodel my house or not? Well our answer is - why not - as long as you are planning on staying in your home until the market turns. It is always a good idea to do updates to your home. However in this market buyers are looking more for a deal than whether your home has hardwood floors or not. In a "Sellers" market improvements to the home like tile floors or fancy bathrooms are always deciding factors in a buyers mind. But in this market a deal is what they are looking for - even if they have to remodel after they move in. If you are pre-approved and can get financing it is the greatest time to buy but sellers have faith - better times are coming. Real estate always runs in cycles. Remember if you are looking to buy or sell just give us a call and we will be happy to help.

When To Fly The Flag

Did you ever wonder the Dates to fly the American Flag? We have so we found this information that helps. We always fly the flag but there are certain days that the flag should be flown. Remeber that the flag should always have a light on it if it is flown at night.

DATES TO FLY THE FLAG
New Year's Day, January 1
Inauguration Day, January 20
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, third Monday in January
Lincoln's Birthday, February 12
Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February
Easter Sunday (variable)
Mother's Day, second Sunday in May
Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May
Memorial Day (half-staff until noon), last Monday in May
Flag Day, June 14
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, first Monday in September
Constitution Day, September 17
Columbus Day, second Monday in October
Navy Day, October 27
Veterans Day, November 11
Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Day, December 25
and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States;
the birthdays of States (date of admission);
and on State holidays.

Richie Green - You Were One of Kind and Will Be Missed

Normally each Monday we blog about something real estate related but this Monday we quite frankly are not in the mood. This past week we lost a very dear friend of ours Richie Green. He was an on call fireman for the past 21 years and a successful businessman. We first met Richie thru J & R Autobody, a company he co-owned, and then we were lucky enough to become his friend. He was truly one of a kind. He would give you the shirt off his back and ask nothing in return. If you stopped into his shop he would stop whatever he was doing, no matter how busy he was, to help you out or even just chat. You always knew he would be there for you no matter when or what with his trade mark 100 watt smile. He will truly be missed and we are proud to say he was our friend.

Increasing The Value Of Your Home

Last Thursday evening the two of us went to a broker open house for a Realtor in our office. Can we just say this is an example of "Yes you can make a silk purse out of a sows ear". We saw this place a few months ago and the transformation is amazing. Check it out at 25 Hornbeam Hill Road in Chelmsford, MA. It is a lovely home in a great neighborhood.

This brings us to our subject today on remodeling and how you can increase the value of a home. Whether you are presently living there or you are just going to flip the house for re-sale, there are some important facts to keep in mind. According to Realtor.com you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune to spruce up your home.

To attract buyers, sellers must up the ante to convince them that their property offers what many want most — top value for dollar expended. Here are eight fast fixes:

1. Buff up curb appeal. You have heard it before, but it’s critical to get buyers to want to look on the inside. Be objective. View listings from the street. Check the condition of the landscaping, paint, roof, shutters, front door, knocker, windows, house number, and even how window treatments look from the outside. Add something special — such as big flower pots or an antique bench — to help viewers remember house A from B.

2. Enrich with color. Paint’s cheap, but forget the adage that it must be white or neutral. Just don’t let sellers get too avant-garde with jarring pinks, oranges, and purples. Recommend soft colors that say “welcome,” lead the eye from room to room, and flatter skin tones. Think soft yellows and pale greens. Tint ceilings a lighter shade.

3. Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom. These make-or-break rooms can spur a sale. But besides making each squeaky clean and clutter-free, update the pulls, sinks, and faucets. In a kitchen, add one cool appliance, such as an espresso maker. In the bathroom, hang a flat-screen TV to mimic a hotel. Room service, anyone?

4. Add old-world patina. Make Andrea Palladio proud. Install crown molding at least six to nine inches in depth, proportional to the room’s size, and architecturally compatible. For ceilings nine feet high or higher, add dentil detailing, small tooth-shaped blocks used as a repeating ornament. It’s all in the details, after all.

5. Screen hardwood floors. Buyers favor wood over carpet, but refinishing is costly and time-consuming. Screening cuts dust, time, and expense. What it entails: a light sanding, not a full stripping of color or polyurethane, then a coat of finish.

6. Clean out, organize closets. Get sorting — organize your piles into “don’t need,” “haven’t worn,” and “keep.” Closets must be only half-full so buyers can visualize fitting their stuff in.

7. Update window treatments. Buyers want light and views, not dated, fancy-schmancy drapes that darken. To diffuse light and add privacy, consider energy-efficient shades and blinds.

8. Hire a home inspector. Do a preemptive strike, since busy home owners seek maintenance-free living. Fix problems before you list the home and then display receipts and wait for buyers to offer kudos to sellers for being so responsible.

Sources: Ernie Roth, Roth Interiors, Los Angeles; Angel Petragallo, abrÒ, Group One, Boise, Idaho; Melissa Galt, Galt Interiors, Atlanta; Steve Kleiman, CEO, Oakington Realty, Houston; Sid Davis, Sid Davis & Associates, Farmington, Utah, and author of First-Time Homeowners’ Survival Guide (Amacom, 2007); Steve Hochman, Friendly Note Buyers, Roxbury, N.Y.; Margi Kyle, designer and spokesperson for Hunter Douglas.

Mold and How to Cope With It

After giving it much thought we decided to blog about an important subject that many of us may be facing in the coming weeks. Mold is in the future of many of us caused by the very wet snowy winter months. Wet basements and damp moist areas are breeding grounds for mold. We found this article recently that we think could be helpful in eleminating it. Many of us are allergic to mold and mildew and it can be debilitating. Here is some of what was written in the article :

Mold has been around forever, in thousands of shapes and forms. It’s as common as air and earth (in fact, both will most likely have mold spores in them). The one type of mold that has gathered so much publicity is actually rare.
Stachybotrys Chartarum is known as black mold, even though Stachybotrys isn’t always black, and there are many other types of mold that are also black in color (go figure). The goal is eliminate mold in the home, which in theory (and usually in function) is simple eliminate the moisture, and the mold cannot live.
For mold infestation, you need three things:
1. Mold spores (easy to find, since they’re everywhere)
2. Porous, organic materials (drywall, paper insulation, carpeting, wood - parts of your home)
3. Moisture (leaky faucets, sweating pipes, poor or blocked foundation drainage, bathroom ceiling fans that are vented into the attic and not outside, a dryer vent that blows into an enclosed area, etc.) Eliminate the moisture, and the mold problem is also eliminated. Plain and simple.
Now, let’s say you have a moldy area, and you’ve removed the water issue. Here are a few tips for permanent cleanup:

* If you’re sensitive to mold, use gloves, protective clothing and a mask to prevent the inhalation of excessive mold spores.
Remove moldy materials such as carpet, drywall, wood, etc. and replace with new materials after cleaning and disinfection.
* If the area is in a crawl space, line the gravel or dirt with heavy-duty plastic to prevent ground moisture from rising.
* For dark areas in bathtub or on shower caulking, spray a commercial mildew remover on the areas as needed.
* Make sure your furnace and air conditioner condensation lines, dryer vents, stove fans, and bathroom ceiling fans are all directed to areas outside the home. Problems have occurred in the past in attics and crawl spaces with improper installation.
* Immediately fix any cracked or loose tiles in the shower or tub area. Moisture will get behind the tile into the drywall and mold will grow.

We hope you find this helpful.

The Importance Of A Home Inspection

We hope that everyone had a peaceful and happy Easter yesterday. Easter and spring is a wonderful time to reflect and give thanks for all our wonderful friends, family, clients and business associates. We are blessed in all of our associations with the people we are lucky to have in our lives.

We have been working with several great home buyers as well as sellers. This week we decided to explain why we recommend to our buyers the importance of hiring a home inspector. A home inspection only takes a few hours and can save you heartache and headaches in the future. They usually cost approximately $250.to $350. and it is well worth having them examine all the systems and components to your future home. It is also helpful to have them explain problems and how to prevent them. There is a large list of home inspectors on line. Some of the important things that could be hidden such as radon, mold, environmental hazards like asbestos, lead paint and insect infestation just to name a few can be detected and corrected before you get to the closing table. We are committed to helping our clients find the home of their dreams and to try to avoid any unforeseen nightmares.

Curb Appeal Helps Sell Houses

It is just as important to stage the outside of your home as well as the inside, this is called curb appeal. The art of curb appeal can be as simple as planting a border of flowering plants along the walkway or replacing a rusted old mailbox with a new one with the address number on it. Other easy on the eye fixes would be a large planter with flowers at the base or top of the steps or a beautiful spring wreath on a nicely painted door. The first impression that prospective buyers see helps them picture themselves as owners of the property. The neater the property appears without clutter and toys the more inviting it is to the home itself. We can't stress enough how important an inviting entry way into a home makes such an impact to what is to come. Everyone enjoys being in a clean, clutter-free space, especially a potential home buyer and hopefully that is what will be found as they enter into the home.

Spring Market Ready to Bloom

The Spring Market is well on its way to being a busy buyers market with the many affordable homes for sale. This market provides a wide variety of homes for a wide diversity of consumers. We are just approaching the month of April which was Fair Housing month, we as Realtors have made a commitment to removing barriers to home ownership and a consumer's right to choose where they live. It is as basic and as important as the right to equal education, equal employment opportunity, and the right to vote. To real estate professionals, fair housing means equal access and equal housing opportunities. A person's ability to rent or own should be limited only by how much he or she can afford. It is the largest and most important purchase that most people will make and it should be done with the client's best interest in mind.

Ways Too Protect Your Family From Home Invasion

Ways Too Protect Your Family From Home Invasion

It is a sad state of affairs that it has become all too common that there is a rise in this terrible crime. The sanctity of our home is at risk. There are some safe guards that we can all find useful. Of course an alarm system would be the best precaution but not every one can afford one. So here are some other ways to help protect your family.

1. 
   Most people own cell phones and they should be brought into the bedrooms at night and can be used to call for help.
   
2. Have more than one lock on each door, and lock all windows as well.
   
3. Never answer the door at night even if it is a woman or child begging for you to open the door, instead call the police and tell them you have called. This could be a ploy they use to get into your home.
   
4. Install a motion light that will illuminate the yard, they would not want to be seen by neighbors or people passing by.
   
5. Get a dog. They have a keen sense of hearing and their bark will scare them off and wake you up.
   
6. Even if you don't have an alarm buy a sign that states that your home is protected by one. Post them at the front and back doors
   
7. Sliding doors should be locked and place some sort of thick piece of wood that runs the length of the slider track.
   
8. Buy a door alarm for each door. They're affordable and when opened it sets off a loud warning. The last one to go to bed should set it.
   
9. Always lock your doors - day or night!

Insurance & Homestead Act Protection A Must

Now that the Real Estate Market is picking up and more and more homes are being sold, insurance should be one of the first things to be addressed in home ownership. Your home is the largest single asset that you hold so it makes sense to protect that asset. It is wise to make a video or photo record of all valuable possessions and to keep these in a safe or safety deposit box. You want to maintain fire, theft and liability insurance. As the value of your property increases so should your coverage. In our opinion all home owners should also take advantage of the Declaration of Homestead. This allows home owners to protect their property up to $500,000 of the value of their primary residence. It protects against subsequent attachment levy on execution or sale to satisfy debts to the extent of $500,000. Check your local state website for more information. In MA it is http://www.sec.state.ma.us/rod/rodhom/homidx.htm

Implement a Fire Safety Plan

In the last few weeks we have had two major fires in Westford. With families losing their homes and what is worst, losing their beloved pets. All families should have a fire and safety escape plan in case of a fire. On a regular basis a family should have a fire drill. Make sure everyone, especially small children can exit easily. Designate a safe meeting place away from your home once evacuated, such as a near the lamp post or mail box. All homes should also have a fire extinguisher on each level of the home and know how to use it. In the upper levels have a fire escape ladder in each bedroom. You can purchase those at a store like Home Depot. They are not expensive. Install a dual sensor smoke alarm that can detect high flames as well as smoky fires. While your at it make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector as well. We also feel that it is very important to have a sticker on your door stating how many pets you have in your home. The fireman will then be aware and let them out if possible. In most cases fires start when the family is not home and the pets can not let themselves out. We are huge animal lovers especially our canine family member Cooper and our little feline friend Frankie. Untill next Monday please stay safe.
And oh by the way...we are never too busy for your referrals.

The New Trend in Building ... Going Green

The families of today are much more environmentally conscious than ever. They are much more concerned about the future of the planet and the well being of their families and communities. As a result, many are looking to incorporate green living practices and are building with natural materials like cedar, bamboo, cork & stone. The green design would also include non-toxic paints, carpets etc. and would also use recycled materials. Landscape planning would minimize a water guzzling lawn and would use indigenous, drought tolerant plants. Green building is more a lifestyle decision rather than a financial one. Going green may add to the overall home cost but can reduce utility and other costs in the long run. Green homes are healthier and more environmentally friendly without sacrificing comfort and style.

This weeks 411 - A Sad Day in Mudville!

What a strange feeling we are feeling this morning. One we haven't felt in a long time. What a heartbreaker of a game we all witnessed last night when our beloved Patriots just couldn't muster up that last win on a perfect season. They are still awesome in our book, but spring training is just around the corner! Any way that is all we want to say about that game - it is too distressing!
But speaking of great teams, we are a great team and so is Re/Max Prestige. During our Christmas and New Year lull we have all been pumped up and ready to go and hit the spring market. Will all the educational classes our brokers provide us with we have all bettered our selves and our understanding of the current market situation. Our Team, like both the Sox & the Pats, are a team to be reckoned with. With the lower interest rates the Spring Market should be gearing up soon.
Tuesday is primary day in Massachusetts and we urge everyone to get out and vote!!! This years election is one of the most important elections in recent years. So educate yourselves on the issues (and don't just listen to the "celebrity influence") and get out and vote on what matters to you.

News since our last blog

A lot of interesting things have happened since our last blog. First the Fed has dropped interest rates by 3/4% which is great, this can be good news for the pending spring market. President Bush has decided to give most tax payers $600 for singles and $1200 for couples to help stimulate the lagging economy. We heard a great quote from Donald Trump who said "people will spend by buying products from China" (which by the way flood our stores and markets. ) and this will surely help the foreign markets and not really ours. It sounds like it won't be coming until May or June which makes us wonder if it will be too little too late.
Well despite what people say about the economy and market, we know that Re/Max Prestige has grown by leaps and bounds and we continue growing and selling Real Estate at a high rate.
In closing we just want to wish the New England Patriots good luck this coming Sunday (we know they will not need it but never the less). Re/Max is a proud partner of the New England Patriots as well as the Boston Celtics! GO PATS!!

Don't Believe The Hype

We are just wondering if everybody is sick of hearing about politics and the bad real estate market by the media as we are? We say to the NEH-Sayer's --- Put A Sock In It! Maybe if they didn't put such a bleak spin on the market it might have a chance. Why not talk about the opportunities for first time home buyers and people who may now be in a more comfortable price range since the prices of homes are at such an all time low. Interest rates are great. Prices are great for buyers but the fear factor that people are bombarded with does not help.
Personally, we are expecting to have a very busy spring market. We have taken these last two months to expand on all our marketing ideas. We doubled our holiday "pop-bys" this year and have kept up with our monthly newsletter. We are thrilled that Stacey & Andy (Re/Max Prestige's owners) have added so many new Realtors and new offices and we feel that such a great Re/Max presence will only be beneficial to us all. We say Kudo's to them both. Eight offices and 117 Realtors and counting. And we are lucky enough to be two of them. That is exactly what we are blogging about. In a time where all you hear is negative Real Estate news our office has expanded greatly and continues to do so! Like our Broker always tells us : "You don't dress according to the National Weather so why go by the National Real Estate Market" just because the market is not good in California doesn't mean the market is terrible here.

Tune in Next Monday for the 411 on the market...same time, same place.

Our First Blog

Hello Everyone and welcome to our very first blog! For some of you who may not know much about us, we are Re/Max Prestige's only mother/daughter team - we also have another team member on all our land deals-Buddy Merrill. We just celebrated our 5 year anniversary with Re/Max Prestige - the fastest growing Real Estate company in the Northeast! On the first of each month we send out our Newsletter called "A Matter of Fact" the informational newsletter of Kathy & Peggy Wilson. The newsletter has all kinds of information in it and it varies from one month to the next. We will be blogging about some of the features at a later date - so be sure to check back with us for all the 411 on Real Estate, Re/Max and everything else.