Homeowners Insurance: Time for an Annual Check-Up - 12/30/10 06:15 AM
Okay...so this isn't a very exciting topic but it's necessary!  An annual check-up on your homeowners insurance can result in a healthier policy and a healthier pocketbook.
What type of coverage do I have?
The most effective type of coverage is known as "replacement cost," which covers, up to your policy limits, what it would take today to rebuild your house and restore your belongings, says Jerry Oshinsky, a partner at Jenner & Block in Los Angeles who has represented homeowners in litigation against insurers.
"Extended" replacement cost coverage provides protection to your policy limit, say $500,000, and then perhaps another 20% … (7 comments)

12 Top Remodeling Trends for 2011 - 12/28/10 07:16 AM
New year, new list of remodeling projects to start around the house. At least that's what remodelers and contractors are hoping.
So, what remodeling projects are on top of everyone's list?
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conducted an exclusive poll of their top builders and developers for us and found that while most people are not starting major renovation projects due to the economy, now is the time to take care of the smaller jobs around your home.
Call it the over-arching remodeling trend for 2011: Tackling small projects while you wait to do the really big remodeling … (5 comments)

Please help... - 12/27/10 08:55 AM
I don't usually use this blog to post personal items but I am reaching out for this one...When I was growing up there was a family that I was close with.  They lived down the street from my parent's house and we spent countless summer afternoons running through the woods and riding our bikes around the street.The youngest sister of that family has lost all of her belongings in an apartment fire in Enfield, CT last night.  She is a single mom with two boys - 3 months old and 7 years old.  We are looking for donations of gently used … (2 comments)

Snow is pretty. - 12/23/10 08:17 AM
No blog post today...just this picture of a home in Utah because I think it's a great picture

… (4 comments)

The house is open on Wednesday evening…and I will be there smiling! - 12/21/10 10:21 PM
RE/MAX Professional Associates in Spencer is having an open house on Wednesday evening from 4pm to 6pm and we would like to see your faces!  Please stop in and enjoy some great food and meet the group at our office on 294 Main Street.
We are also accepting canned food donations for the food pantry during the open house.  Which brings me to my next moment...
I am a very fortunate person to have so many great people in my life.  Such as my childhood best friend who now lives in Virginia and is still one of my very dearest and … (0 comments)

Would someone please turn the lights on? - 12/21/10 06:19 AM
I love Christmas lights!  Especially when people get very creative or go way over the top!  I have noticed that this year there seems to less lights - economy?  Time?  I am not sure but I went in search of "more lights" and using my good friend Google - I found them!
Here are some links to local light displays (besides Bright Nights at Forest Park):
Quincy:  http://www.christmaslightexplosion.com/
Oxford:  http://christmasonpinestreet.com
Tewksbury:  http://www.christmaslightpeople.com/
Stoneham:  http://www.holidaylandscapes.com/
Rockland:  http://www.HoliDaves.com
Bridgewater:  http://www.bridgewaterfestivaloflights.com/
Carver (over 7 million lights per the website):  http://www.edaville.com/
Millis:  http://www.milliswonderland.com/
And some with pictures from other states (it's nice to see what … (2 comments)

RE/MAX Wraps! From the RE/MAX Professional Associates blog - 12/19/10 07:35 AM
For everyone who doesn't know (all three of you)...there is a dedicated blog for RE/MAX Professional Associates "Today's Real Estate Information Network...for you!" .  RE/MAX Professional Associates has three central Massachusette locations in Spencer, Charlton and Sturbridge with agents in many other locations.  We work everywhere!
Recently, we gathered together to wrap and donate gifts, food, clothing and toys to two local families that Catholic Charities identified for us.  We also gathered up a healthy donation to the food pantry in our prime service area.
Here is the link to the blog post on the wrap and donate day - I just … (2 comments)

4 secrets to homebuyer budgeting - 12/18/10 07:01 AM
Renting and thinking about buying? Start with a solid budget plan that includes strong credit and savings.
Living from one paycheck to the next may be the norm for many people. But homebuyers need a better strategy.
"If buying a home is your goal, then it needs to be your priority," says Tim Kirchner, vice president of MetLife Bank in Irving, Texas. "Most people need to sacrifice a little and stick to a budget in order to save for a home."
A good budget plan begins one or two years before a buyer makes an offer. Here are four tips for … (2 comments)

7 fast fixes for scratched, burned and squeaky floors - 12/17/10 05:54 AM
In the home - as in life - it's often the little things that matter. And it's amazing how many small structural things can go wrong around your house.
Whether it's the front-door lock that won't let you into your own home or the cracked window that won't keep the cold out, small household problems can have a big effect. For most of these, there's no need to call for repairs; the solution lies in tapping your ingenuity and using a few common household materials in innovative ways.
Even when it seems that the roof is falling in or the floor … (3 comments)

Biometric Locks: Even the Jetsons Would be In Awe - 12/16/10 06:27 AM
This is so cool!  I really like the thought of not having to worry about forgetting my keys!
Biometric locks employ high-tech fingerprint recognition technology to verify your identity before allowing a locked door to be opened.
Biometric locks characteristics
Goodbye, keys. You'll never leave your fingerprints in your other pants, so biometric locks offer convenience and fast entry for an authorized user. Biometric power. Many biometric security systems provide alternate key access in case the battery-operated system fails. The ouch factor. Some biometric scanners will no longer recognize your fingerprint if you get a cut or develop a scar. Price … (6 comments)

5 Holiday Hosting Disasters and How to Avoid Them - 12/14/10 05:34 AM
Take a look at the most common things that can go wrong when you have guests and learn how to prevent them.
That's just one of many hosting nightmares that can end your holiday party before it even begins. Thankfully, some of the most damaging mishaps easily can be avoided. We collected five of the most prevalent issues and give you preventative tips to keep your holiday party on track.
Problem: The oven doesn't heat
For any holiday occasion, the oven is the most important appliance in your house. If it fails to work, the centerpiece of your meal could go … (3 comments)

Holiday Safety…get the chestnuts but avoid the fire - 12/11/10 06:01 AM
The lights, candles and open fires in the wood stove are all fun things to do around the holidays.  The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for household fires, so take note of these tips to reduce your risk.
To keep your household from becoming a holiday fire statistic, here are some safety tips to follow.
Cooking
Cooking is the top cause of holiday fires, according to the USFA. The most common culprit is food that's left unattended. It's easy to get distracted; take a pot holder with you when you leave the kitchen as … (3 comments)

Open house in my local office – please join us with your holiday donation! - 12/09/10 06:09 AM
Although I work from home most of the time (and when I say "home" I mean either my kitchen table, upstairs office, front seat of my Jeep, local wi-fi spot and smart phone) I really DO have an office.  That office has had some recent renovations and is looking FANTASTIC!
We are having a holiday open house to proudly display the changes and welcome our clients and community on December 22 that includes a canned food drive.
Please stop in and say HI!

… (1 comments)

New listing! 4 bed, 2 bath in Milford – minutes from EMC and 495 in a great family area - 12/07/10 08:45 PM
Amazing space in this multi-level with over 2k sq ft of living space and a possible in-law in the finished basement. Family room and open concept living/dining/kitchen on the main level with a beautiful screened-in porch.
This is a great space for your family with easy access to 495 and EMC. The street only has four houses on it so there is almost no traffic.
The four bedrooms and possible in-law allow for a growing family and with the many recent improvements (roof, windows, insulated garage, exterior paint) you'll have nothing to do but ENJOY your weekends with them!
You should … (3 comments)

High Tech Gift Ideas – Programmable Showers are a Low-Cost Luxury - 12/07/10 06:00 AM
Who doesn't like the perfect shower?  Especially on a cold morning like this!
Programmable showers feature easy-to-use digital controls that let each member of the family pre-set their ideal water temperature, pressure, and even the type of spray-from a steady stream to pulsating jets. The waterproof control panel mounts right on the shower wall where you can alter any setting at the touch of a button.
Luxurious, programmable showers suit nearly every budget, too, ranging from about $290 for a basic unit to $3,500 and up for one with lots of features and special finishes. Installation costs for a programmable shower … (2 comments)

New listing! Historic 5 bed, 2 bath home in Palmer - 12/06/10 07:48 AM
Step back in time with this historic house in downtown Palmer. Former home of John Brown, Town Clerk, this 5 bed, 2 bath home is just waiting for you to come in and make it shine!
Bring your imagination as you stroll on the hardwood floors and imagine what it could be! Many updates done already but this home needs skilled labor of love to bring it back to it's original pride. Stained glass windows, intricate ceiling moldings, hardwood floors and a feel for yester-year will get your mind racing with possibilities. Wrap around Farmer's Porch adds to the charm of … (2 comments)

Kitchen Cabinets in Motion: Even the Jetsons Would be Impressed - 12/04/10 05:51 AM
Wow!  I want THESE cabinets in my kitchen!  Oh yeah...and the magic food preparation that the Jetson had!
Cabinets in motion obey hand signals to open doors, and touch-sensitive drawers glide out with the brush of a fingertip.
Custom cabinet company Anvil Cabinet and Mill offers a creative approach with Anvil Motion, a luxury custom line with ultra-modern automated features that you can dress in any style.
Sliding doors. Motion sensors detect the wave of your hand near the cabinet you want to access and the panels comprising the door slide upward to reveal the contents. Wave your hand again and … (3 comments)

Holiday Lighting Safety Checklist - 12/03/10 05:34 AM
Before you plug in and light up for the holidays, run your decorations through this quick safety check.  So I guess I shouldn't staple THROUGH the light cord?  I also don't see where duct tape isn't recommended...hmmmm.  Who wants to help me with the lights?
Inspect light strings. Discard any that are damaged. Frayed or cracked electrical cords or broken sockets are leading fire hazards.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connecting multiple strings. The general limit is three strings.  Light strings with stacked plugs can usually accommodate greater lengths than end-to-end connections.
Replace burned-out bulbs promptly. Empty sockets can cause the … (6 comments)