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.