Natick Real Estate

Deerfield Forest Natick 2 Bed/2 Bath For Rent

2015-07-17T08:54:00.000-04:00

Billionaire Says Real Estate is Best Investment Possible

2015-03-25T18:31:00.001-04:00

Billionaire Says Real Estate is Best Investment Possible

by The KCM Crew on March 19, 2015 in For Buyers

Billionaire money manager John Paulson was interviewed at the Delivering Alpha Conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. During his session he boldly stated:

"I still think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment you can make is to buy a primary residence that you're the owner-occupier of.”

Who is John Paulson?

Paulson is the person who, back in 2005 & 2006, made a fortune betting that the subprime mortgage mess would cause the real estate market to collapse. He understands how the housing market works and knows when to buy and when to sell. What do others think of Paulson?
According to Forbes, John Paulson is:

“A multibillionaire hedge fund operator and the investment genius.”

According to the Wall Street Journal, Paulson is:

“A hedge fund tycoon who made his name, and a fortune, betting against subprime mortgages when no one else even knew what they were.”

Why does he believe homeownership is such a great investment?

Paulson breaks down the math of homeownership as an investment:

"Today financing costs are extraordinarily low.”

The latest numbers from Freddie Mac show us that you can still get a 30-year mortgage for under 4%.

“And if you put down, let's say, 10 percent and the house is up 5 percent,” as many experts predict, “then you would be up 50 percent on your investment."

How many are seeing a 50% return on a cash investment right now?
Paulson goes on to compare the long term financial benefits of owning verses renting:

“And you’ve locked in the cost over the next 30 years. And today the cost of owning is somewhat less than the cost of renting. And if you rent, the rent goes up every year. But if you buy a 30-year mortgage, the cost is fixed.”

Bottom Line

Whenever a billionaire gives investment advice, people usually clamor to hear it. This billionaire gave simple advice – if you don’t yet live in your own home, go buy one.

Home Upgrades That Pay Off

2015-03-24T10:11:00.001-04:00

Remodeling Projects: Evaluating Cost vs. Value

Home renovations can be tricky. You want to improve your space (and the way you live in it). But you don't want to end up in the red when it comes time to sell. Before you splurge on that chef's kitchen or a steam shower in your bath, make sure your projects enhance your home in the eyes of future buyers as well.
Here are few improvements that Remodeling magazine says will return the most on your renovation dollars. (The examples below reflect 2014 numbers.)
Under $5,000: Functional, secure and energy-efficient entries are chief priorities in this price range. Your best bet is replacing your front door with a sturdy steel unit. Finish it with an antique brass lockset, and you can expect to recoup 96.6 percent of your investment. A garage door replacement offers an equally respectable 82.9 percent return.
Between $5,000 and $25,000: A wooden deck is tops for a mid-range budget, recouping 87.4 percent of the $10,000 you can expect to spend. A minor kitchen remodel also fares well: Budgeting $18,000 for fresh paint, a new oven, new floors, fixtures, countertops and new doors on existing cabinetry typically results in recouping 82.7 percent at resale.
From $25,000 and $100,000: An attic bedroom is a romantic notion, and it offers the best return at this price range. Converting the space into a bedroom and bathroom (with shower) will get you back 84.3 percent of your spend. Likewise, a newly finished basement returns 77.6 percent.
Have other plans in mind? Read Remodeling's summary on cost vs. value trends, and jump into your home improvement projects more informed.

Interesting Real Estate News Link

2015-03-23T15:26:00.000-04:00

Boston Agent Magazine

New England Home Show

2015-03-20T20:20:00.000-04:00

Title:	New England Home Show
Date:	3/20/2015 - 3/22/2015
Address:	Gillette Stadium , One Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA
Location:	Foxboro, MA
Hours:	Friday 2PM - 9PM, Saturday 10AM - 9PM, Sunday 10AM - 6PM
Cost/Cover:	Adults: $10, 17 and under: Free, Buy tickets online and save $2
Web Page:	http://www.gillettestadium.com/calendar
Contact Info:	(800)543-1776; (508)384-4389

Details:

From lighting to flooring to siding for your home, from techniques to tools, over 500 experts are on hand to answer your burning DIY questions! Located at the Dana Farber Field House at Patriot Place. Bring the kids and enjoy live cooking demonstrations, furniture building zone and a craft and specialty food area.

Now in its fifth year at the New England Home Shows, the Craft Pavilion is an amazing aisle of handcrafted products made by talented artists and artisans from the northeast. Their creations include furniture, jewelry, pottery blown glass, stained glass. clothing, photography, paintings, sculpture, metal, crafts form other media, and specialty foods. The artists and artisans are the actual makers of their goods and they are in their booths selling directly to the public. So, while at the Show, take the time to meet the artists, view their works, and support locally made handmade products.

Agent Snapshot

2015-03-16T20:12:00.000-04:00

Agent Snapshot: Ed Hughes, Realtor, Andrew Mitchell & Company, Natick

by James McClister March 16, 2015

Ed Hughes is a Realtor with Andrew Mitchell & Company working in Natick.

What was your first job in the realty industry? After working in senior management for 25 years in several high tech/start ups, I decided to get into real estate. My first job in real estate was as a Realtor with Dewolfe Realty. Within a year, Dewolfe was bought out by Coldwell Banker Residential Realty. This was particularly disturbing to me because all of the high tech companies I had worked for were ultimately bought out by a larger company.

Where did you grow up? Natick, Mass.

Growing up, what did you want to be? My father was a sales vice president, so I always thought I would become some kind of business person.

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed? I do yoga and meditate. Although I was brought up Catholic, I enjoy the teachings of the Buddha.

If you could have lunch with a well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why? I would love to have lunch with Jackie O. She had such a fascinating life, I would love to quiz her about all the people she knew and what she thought about them.

Where is your favorite place to hang out? My home.

What do you love most about the industry? It’s all about the people. I love meeting new people, listening to them and then developing a plan to meet their objectives, whether they are buyers or sellers. Then after a successful transaction, having them call me years later to help them with their next move!

How do you distinguish yourself from the crowd of agents? I find that many Realtors, even those with many years of experience, don’t understand business. They do what they have always done, treat every buyer and seller the same. I see each buyer and seller as individuals with individual needs. I tailor my service to the client’s needs…not the needs of previous clients or my own biases.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job? The three most important things in real estate are location, location, location. I think the three most difficult aspects of real estate are negotiation, negotiation, negotiation! Having both the buyer and seller (no matter who I am representing) complete a transaction and both parties feeling it was a win-win, fair deal. It isn’t an easy task. There is the first negotiation at the offer stage and then in many cases another negotiation after the inspection. Being able to negotiate a deal that is satisfactory to all parties can be difficult and is one of my major objectives.

Where do you go to network and meet new clients? I’m not great at networking through business associations. The way I prefer to network is through previous clients and with people I meet through the course of a normal day. I was having dinner at the bar of a local inn and struck up a conversation with the woman sitting next to me. To make a long story somewhat shorter, she had a child, was in a relationship with a man who also had a child. They both had homes and were wanting to live together. Neither of their homes were “right” for how they wanted to blend their families. Over the course of five years my meeting this woman resulted in seven transactions…and there will be more.

What has been your greatest accomplishment? I feel like there have been many. While I answered “negotiations” as being the most difficult aspect of being a Realtor, I feel my greatest accomplishments have been in my ability to keep deals together. Buying and selling property is so filled with emotion, it is critical for Realtors to maintain perspective. If a deal doesn’t make sense, I will be the first to make sure it doesn’t happen. But if I am working on a deal that does make sense but emotions have taken over, I do everything I can to help the buyers and sellers see this.

What was the last good movie you saw or book you read? “A Course in Miracles” by Dr. Helen Schucman.

What is your favorite restaurant? Tomasso’s Trattoria. It is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Southboro Mass. with “creative,” local, seasonal offerings with just about perfect wine pairings; some feel it’s “expensive,” but when factoring in portions that can be “shared,” the bright, trattoria-inspired atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, most find it well worth the price. This comment from a Zagat review.

What kind of car do you drive? Scion FR-S. It is a two seater sports car. After years of driving sedans and SUVs, I finally decided to get a car I enjoyed driving. The day of needing a big car to drive clients around is gone. I meet listing clients at their homes and typically buyer clients have children and prefer to meet at the home we are viewing.

Smartphone or paper? Smartphone.

What is your favorite city after Boston? San Francisco.

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry? Develop a business plan that is Internet focused.

What’s your favorite real estate iPhone/Android app? My own.

Who are your favorite people to follow on Twitter? Depak Chopra, HGTV.
- See more at: http://bostonagentmagazine.com/agent-snapshot-ed-hughes-realtor-andrew-mitchell-company-natick/#sthash.MyPnDznA.dpuf

Travel & Taste of Newfoundland

2015-03-15T21:14:00.002-04:00

Title:	Travel & Taste Newfoundland: Fins, Feathers and Fossils
Date:	3/26/2015 (Thursday)
Address:	280 Eliot St.
Location:	Natick, MA
Hours:	Dinner at 6:30 pm, Lecture at 7:30 pm.
Cost/Cover:	Dinner/Lecture: $26M;$32NM/Lecture only: $12M; $15NM (7:30 start)
Web Page:	http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/program-catalog#prog ...
Discounts:	http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/program-catalog#prog ...
Contact Info:	508-655-2296

Details:

Over a 5 week adventure in Newfoundland, from cute Atlantic puffins, terns, gulls and Leach’s storm petrels to the cliff nesting Northern gannets and only breeding colony of manx shearwaters in all of North America, Ed and Janet discovered Newfoundland was for the birds! On land, one can “travel back in time” from Viking settlements and beyond to evidence of continental collisions and Cambrian layers on “The Rock.” Here you can see folded rocks from continents colliding and million year old fossil layers. Newfoundland is only one of two places in the world you can see trombolites, the critically endangered flower-shaped mounds formed from algae & bacteria, the only known forms of life from 3.5 billion to 650 million years ago. Never more than 50 miles from the ocean, one can see much from shore including humpback whales and the largest animal in the world, the blue whale, while below the surface are slowly recovering populations of salmon and cod. Join us as we explore the nature of this ancient land.

Location-themed buffet dinner and lecture or lecture only. Pre-registration required for dinner by 6pm Tuesday, March 24. Online registration available.

Instructions and Directions:
Location-themed buffet dinner and lecture: Dinner at 6:30 pm, Lecture at 7:30 pm.

Please let us know at the time of registration if there are any dietary restrictions.

Economic Update

2015-03-13T17:16:00.000-04:00

	Tightening labor market conditions are another sign of an improved economy. Labor market confidence could help the Fed decide to raise policy rates in June.

	The dollar continues to improve against overseas currency like the yen and euro. Nearing 12-year highs, the strong dollar is good for interest rates.

	Wholesalers report more inventory and decreased sales for January. Blamed by economists on the plunge in oil prices, the changes are good for interest rates.

	The number of new homes being built suggests that housing growth continues. The type of homes built points to interest in home ownership by first-time buyers.

	Millennials accounted for 32% of all home purchases in 2014. With a median age of 29 and income of $76,900 they were also the largest percentage of buyers.

	The housing market continues to rebound. Foreclosure inventory decreased 33.2% and completed foreclosures dropped 22.5% year-over-year in January.

The 5th Annual Taste of MetroWest

2015-03-12T09:12:00.003-04:00

Title:	The 5th Annual Taste of MetroWest
Date:	3/24/2015 (Tuesday)
Address:	Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701
Location:	Framingham, MA
Hours:	5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Cost/Cover:	Early Bird On Line Only $28.00 At the Door $40.00 Corporate Sponsor Tickets $28.00 Children under 12 $14.00
Web Page:	http://www.metrowest.org/

Details:

Announcing the 5th Annual Taste of MetroWest!

TUESDAY MARCH 24, 2015
5:00PM - 8:00PM
SHERATON FRAMINGHAM HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

The region's finest restaurants, caterers, gourmet and ethnic markets, gift boutiques, wineries, brew houses and local purveyors of fine liquors will offer delicious samples of food and beverages at this event at the Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center.

Share your feedback through the “People’s Choice” awards for various food and beverage categories. Cast your vote and celebrate the “Best of MetroWest.”

Click here for a list of last year's exhibitors and sponsors!

Don't miss out on this fabulous event...The 5th Annual "Taste of MetroWest!"

2015 Home Show

2015-03-06T22:21:00.000-05:00

Title:	Worcester Spring Home Show
Date:	3/6/2015 - 3/8/2015
Address:	DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester, MA
Location:	Worcester, MA
Hours:	Fri 4-8; Sat 10-7; Sun 11-5
Cost/Cover:	see website for free pass
Web Page:	http://www.worcestershows.com/SpringHome/index.html
Contact Info:	508-836-2222

Details:

The Worcester Spring Home Show, presented by the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Central Massachusetts is the oldest Home Show in Worcester County. Since 1946 area home owners have found the products, services and advice they need at the Worcester Home Show. But the Home Show is not only the oldest; it’s also the biggest with over 300 displays displaying the latest products and services for your home, your lawn, your patio and your garden. From roofing to flooring, from windows to doors, from siding to paint; if you can’t find it at the Home Show you probably can’t find it anywhere.

With spring right around the corner the Home Show is the perfect place to shop for all your needs. Many exhibitors will be offering money saving show specials.

There is no better time to get going on the projects you have been delaying. Today’s low interest rates make now the time to turn your house into the home you’ve always wanted.

Animal Tracking at Broadmoor

2015-03-05T22:26:00.001-05:00

Title:	Animal Tracking at Broadmoor
Date:	3/8/2015 (Sunday)
Address:	280 Eliot St.
Location:	Natick, MA
Hours:	2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost/Cover:	Adults: $12 Members; $15 Non-Members
Web Page:	http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/program-catalog#prog ...
Contact Info:	508-655-2296

Details:

Winter is a great time to look for signs of animals as they forage for food and shelter at Broadmoor during the cold winter months. Learn to identify the tracks, chews, scat, burrows and other clues left by many creatures including deer, fisher and coyote. Enjoy a guided walk as we search for signs of our local winter wildlife.

Instructions and Directions:
Will be held with or without snow. Please dress for the weather. This program also includes walking over uneven terrain. Pre-registration required. Online registration available.

March $600 Gift Card Sweepstakes!

2015-03-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

Enter my March sweepstakes to win $600 in gift cards from popular retailers such as Pottery Barn, Home Depot and Target. To enter, just like or comment on this post or click the link below!

Enter now: https://read.n-play.com/gateway/sweepstakes/141864102531887

Help with Ice Dams

2015-02-20T21:32:00.000-05:00

Ice dams can cause major damage to a home. Roof leaks, gutter failure and foundation damage can all occur due to ice dams!
After that wicked winter storm hits, you'll want to prevent any possible (or further) damage from the ice and snow.

Roof tips: Long icicles hanging from your gutters are a warning sign of possible ice dams on your roof. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. This can cause serious roof damage.

Here's how to deal with ice dams:

Remove snow from the roof.
Chip away at the ice.
Call a professional. Removing an ice dam can be quite dangerous if you do it yourself. Ensure you hire a professional, like ourselves, with experience and great references!
Properly ventilate and insulate the attic. The main cause of ice dams is an overly warm attic.

Don’t wait until the ice dams cause leaking!

Call or email us today to schedule! 1800.734.1660 or617.780.4518

PACKAGE 1:

Price for one to two story homes (one hour minimum)

$375 first hour, four men (4 total hours)

$60 hour afterwards, per men hour

PACKAGE 2:

Price for one to two story homes (one hour minimum):

$325 first hour, for three men (3 total hours)

$ 65 hour afterwards, per men hour

AVERAGE COST

(Depends on factors that impact timing, such as amount of accumulated snow, temperature, roof pitch, height and dams):

Ranch Home
$400.00
Ranch Home With Hip Roof
$600.00
Raised Ranch
$700.00
Cape Home
$600.00
Colonial Home
$795.00
Colonial Home With Hip Roof
$990.00

If You Are Planning a Home Renovation......

2015-02-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

......you will want to check out this link

Construction Contracts: How to Understand What You Are Buying

Home Winterization Tips

2015-02-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

Seal drafts (from Bob Vila):
Who doesn't love playing with a caulk gun? Seal up the gaps around your window and door frames and save a bundle on energy.

Clean your kitchen appliances inside and out (from Lowes):
Chances are good you'll do more cooking in your kitchen this winter, especially through the holidays. Be sure to give everything a good scrub, including the coils beneath your refrigerator and your dryer's vent hose.

Change the direction of ceiling fans (from Quick and Dirty Tips):
Taken from the article: By doing this, you create an upward draft that redistributes warm air from the ceiling. Directing the warm air back down towards the main portion of a room helps eliminate the temptation to up the thermostat on those extra chilly days
... the more your know.

Buy your snow-removal/emergency supplies now (from Bob Vila):
Salt. Salt spreader. Shovels. Even generators or snowblowers, if winter can get really bad where you live. There's nothing worse than having to drive around looking for salt when the slick stuff is already falling.

Insulate exposed water pipes (from Quick and Dirty Tips):
C'mon, duh. But it's important enough - and necessary repairs costly enough - that we thought it was worth highlighting.

It's Cold outside......

2015-02-05T18:31:00.000-05:00

.....but still a great time to buy a home. Now is an excellent time to start researching properties that are on the market, their prices, if they meet your criteria, plus you have time to investigate current mortgage rates. Even with all this snow, I am available to help you with all of this.

Call me 617-875-4132

e-mail me ehughes@andrewmitchellco.com

visit my web site www.EFHughes.com to search properties as well as viewing other helpful information.

I am ready to help turn your dreams into realities!

Regards, Ed

How Long Can You Expect Your Roof or Fridge to Last?

2015-02-05T18:12:00.003-05:00

When you know the life span of appliances and home fixtures, you can better decide whether to repair or replace.

If repairing your current appliance will cost more than half the amount of a new one, you're typically better off purchasing a replacement.

A major home repair can tax any budget. But you don’t have to be surprised when something in your home goes kaput.

It’s possible to know, more or less, how long most home components are likely to last and plan for their replacement. Plus, knowing the life span of appliances and home fixtures can help you decide when to repair and when to replace.

The most expensive components of a home are generally the roof, electrical system, plumbing, furnace and air-conditioning systems. The stakes are high for homeowners because replacing any one of these systems can mean a bill of four or five figures.

“The main systems are 90 percent of repairs of a house,” says Cannon Christian, president of Renovation Realty, which repairs and sells homes in Southern California. “Everything else is pretty much minor.”

Exactly how long your heating, plumbing, roof, air conditioning, water heater and other home components will last varies, of course, based on the quality of the items, how well they’ve been maintained and where you live.

Knowing the life span of home components is also helpful if you’re looking at homes to buy. A home that needs all its major systems replaced can cost you a lot more than the purchase price. That’s a reason to get a thorough home inspection, pin down the age of major systems and then negotiate from there.

“Each of these things is really ammunition for buyers,” Christian says. If systems are old, ask for concessions or a lower price. “Are you going to get everything you asked for? No. More than likely, you’re going to get some help buying it.”

An inspection won’t always reveal the state of your plumbing, especially if it’s inside a slab and walls. But if a home was built with galvanized pipe, used in most homes before the 1960s, anticipate that it will need to be replaced sooner rather than later. “You can’t tell what’s going on until you notice something” is beginning to fail, Christian says of plumbing. “As soon as you do, you want to correct it immediately.”

Before you replace your air-conditioning system, furnace, water heater or appliances, see if your utility company offers any rebates or incentives, Christian suggests. Kansas City Power & Light, for example, offers rebates on air conditioning systems and Energy Star-rated refrigerators and freezers. You can check for rebates at your utility company or at the Energy Star website.

In general, if an appliance is more than six or seven years old, and the repair will cost more than half the amount of a new one, it’s better to purchase a replacement, advises Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List.

“Replacing an appliance with a newer, more efficient one can also save in energy costs,” Hicks wrote on the Angie’s List website. Angie’s List has an infographic giving the average cost of appliance repairs, average maintenance cost, cost of a replacement and some advice on deciding whether to repair or replace.

The National Association of Home Builders did a survey of manufacturers, trade associations and researchers in 2007 and produced a report called “The Life Expectancy of Home Components,” with estimates of life spans for everything from appliances to windows. Based on the association’s research and the research of others, here is how long you can expect these 10 home components to last.

Roofs: Slate, copper and tile roofs can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found. Climate and weather conditions, such as snow, hail and hurricanes, can cut the life span of all types of roofs.

Air conditioning system: These last 10 to 15 years. Having your unit serviced every year or two, keeping filters clean and trimming bushes around the outdoor unit can keep your it working longer, but eventually the components wear out.

Water heater: A conventional electric or gas water heater typically lasts about 10 years. If you have a tankless water heater, expect it to stick around for about 20 years.

Appliances: Expect most popular appliances to last no more than 15 years: refrigerators (six to 15 years), ranges (10 to 15 years), washers and dryers (eight to 12 years) and dishwashers (eight to 10 years), Angie’s List reports. The NAHB estimates the life span of a microwave to be nine years. In its report, the NAHB also noted that appliances are often replaced before they quit working because consumers want new styles or technology.

Furnace: A furnace lasts 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is nearing the end of its life, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model can also cut your heating bills.

Decks: Because of weather, the life span of a deck varies. In optimal conditions, a wood deck can last 20 years, the NAHB study found. A deck can last 20 to 25 years in dry areas, but is likely to last only 10 to 15 years in the South, where there is more rain and humidity.

Doors: Exterior doors made of fiberglass, steel and wood will last for decades, or the lifetime of the house, as will closet doors, according to the NAHB study. Screen doors last about 40 years, and vinyl doors typically last about 20 years.

Floors: Wood floors last 100 years or more, as do marble and slate floors if they are maintained well. Tile floors can last 75 to 100 years, and terrazzo lasts more than 75 years. Linoleum lasts about 25 years and vinyl up to 50 years, while laminate floors have a life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. Most carpet needs to be replaced every eight to 10 years, even if it’s maintained well.

Gutters: Aluminum gutters last about 20 years, while copper gutters last about 50 years.

Windows: Wood windows can last more than 30 years, while aluminum windows are expected to last 15 to 20 years.

Enter My February Sweepstakes

2015-02-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

Enter my February sweepstakes to win $600 in gift cards from popular retailers such as Pottery Barn, Home Depot and Target. To enter, just like or comment on this post or click the link below!

Enter now: https://read.n-play.com/gateway/sweepstakes/141864102531887

The Patriots Did The Job!!!!!

2015-02-01T22:21:00.001-05:00

Today is the day!

2015-02-01T16:42:00.001-05:00

Don't Miss My $600 January Sweepstakes!

2015-01-29T22:11:00.002-05:00

Visit Ed Hughes, Wicked Good Realtor on Facebook

Ensuring Fireplace Safety

2015-01-22T15:59:00.001-05:00

Source US Inspect January, 20 2015

In the cold of winter, many homeowners turn to their fireplaces for an alternate source of warmth and ambiance alike, but it's important to be sure you are operating your fireplace safely. Here's how:

In order to keep your family and home safe, it is important to always practice fireplace and chimney safety. Follow the three-foot rule. Combustible material too close to the fireplace, or to a wood stove, could easily catch fire so keep material at least 36" away from the hearth. Below, find more helpful information about fireplaces and chimneys.

How often should I have my chimney cleaned?

The quick simple answer is: The National Fire Protection Association standard 211 says, "Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance and repairs shall be done if necessary."

The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends that open masonry fireplaces should be cleaned at 1/8" of sooty buildup, and sooner if there is any glaze present in the system. Factory-built fireplaces should be cleaned when any appreciable buildup occurs.

Wood Stove Emissions

Approximately 10 million wood stoves are currently in use in the United States, and 70 percent to 80 percent of them are older, inefficient, conventional stoves that pollute. - Source:EPA

Today, there are wood stoves certified by the EPA to be cleaner-burning, as well as stoves that burn gas, pellets, oil, corn and coal. These same stoves are also sold as fireplace inserts, and can be added to a fireplace to reduce the amount of
emissions.

A Surprising Fact

Water causes more damage to masonry chimneys than fire. Chimney caps, also called rain covers, are probably the most inexpensive preventive measure that a homeowner can employ to prevent water penetration and damage to the chimney. Chimneys have one or more large openings (flues) at the top that collect rain water and funnel it directly to the chimney interior. A strong, well designed cap not only keeps this water out, but will also prevent birds and animals from entering and nesting in the chimney.

5 Ways to Brighten Your Home and Beat the Winter Blues

2015-01-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

Submitted by US Inspect January, 15 2015

Brighten your home (and your mood!) with these tricks for beating the winter-time blues!

After weeks and months of colder weather and reduced sunlight hours (especially in colder climates) it's not unusual to get a case of the winter blues. In fact, some of us get downright depressed! But fear not; though springtime is still a while off, we've got some easy ways to brighten your home and lift your spirits at the same time. So, hang in there, and meanwhile, give these ideas a try:

•Bring on the blossoms. Treat yourself to some fresh cut flowers or a flowering plant. Flowers remind us of freshness, beauty, nature, springtime, and new life. Not only do they make us happy, but they can infuse some much needed color into a dreary space. Choose your favorite flower varieties for looks, for fragrance, or, while you're at it, try choosing blooms in complimentary colors to your decor, which adds another dimension to the design of your space.

•Throw something new into the mix. Throw pillows and throw blankets are a great way to brighten a space or change the mood of a design. Pick fabrics with bright, vibrant prints and colors and layer them over your existing decor. The landscape ouside might be dreary and dull, but the inside of your home will be anything but!

•Let the light in. When the sun is shining (yes, it still does that!) open the shades and let the light in. Kick it up a notch by washing your windows so that the winter grime doesn't block those fantastic rays.

•Home is where the heart is. One of the best ways to lighten your mood and lift your spirits is to warm yourself from the inside out. And nothing warms the heart better than being around friends and family--or pictures of them! Go through the images on your digital camera or phone and finally print some of them out. Scatter them around your home so you can catch a glimpse of them throughout your day. Hint: This is the only idea on our list that we don't recommend for home sellers. Family photos in a home on the market (especially a lot of them) can make buyers feel uncomfortable and less able to picture themselves in your home. But don't worry- pictures of your favorite scenery, animals, or places around the world can work just as well. Rather than a family photo from your last beach vacation, try a postcard from that trip of a beach chair and flip flops. you'll be transported back to that trip each time you pass the picture, while buyers will start imagining their own happy memories in your home.

•Follow your nose. Sometimes the biggest changes in mood can be made with pleasant scents! With nothing else around us changing at all, we can lift our mood with familiar or pleasant aromas in our home. How about trying some candles or oil diffusers filled with familiar smells of spring like fresh laundry, berries or ther fruits, florals - or better yet, close your eyes and wish for summer with scents of the beach!

Whatever you choose to do for the rest of this winter, know that your home can be your haven. So grab a hot cocoa and a throw blanket and enjoy.

New England International Auto Show - One More Day!

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Title: New England International Auto Show
Date: 1/15/2015 - 1/19/2015
Address: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
Location: Boston, MA
Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cost/Cover: $6-15
Web Page: http://www.bostonautoshow.com/
Contact Info: (781) 237-5533; (800) 258-8912

Details: It’s the Biggest Auto Show in New England… and the perfect place to browse hundreds of the newest vehicles! Located at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in the Seaport District, the New England International Auto Show is the premier showcase of the newest model year imported and domestic vehicles — cars, vans, crossovers, hybrids, light trucks and sport utilities – cars to suit every budget and life style. Factory and dealer representatives are on hand to answer your questions in a no pressure environment, and with your favorite car lines all under one roof, it’s easy to compare prices and features, saving both time and money.

So come sit in the cars, pop the hoods, inspect the trunks, kick the tires. The New England International Auto Show is great entertainment for serious shoppers, car buffs and the entire family!

Adults $15.00
Children (6-12) $6.00
Children under 6 Free

You Don't Need a 20% Down Payment

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0% Down Payment

The Veterans Administration and US Department of Agriculture (USDA. Some Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offer properties with as little as $100 down.

3.5% Down Payment

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program can allow as little mas 3.5% down, and it is more lenient than most other programs on minimum credit scores and other factors.

5% Down Payment

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional loans are available with down payments as low as 5%! The minimum on these programs can change dependent on factors such as property type. credit score, occupancy, etc.

0-20% Down Payment

And there are many other options in between. I'll direct you to the right Bank or Mortgage Broker to get you into your "Dream House".

Your Wicked Good Realtor, Ed Hughes