If you’re on the hunt for a new home, townhouse, or condominium, you may encounter listings that require you to join a homeowners association (HOA). The members of this association take on the responsibility of maintaining the value, safety, and aesthetic of the neighborhood. For first-time homebuyers, this can seem like a daunting contract to sign off on, but in order to allay the fears of any hesitant newcomers, we’re here to describe what you should know before joining a homeowners association. [Read more…]
What to Know Before Joining a Homeowners Association
Safety Tips for Using Portable Generators This Winter
Experiencing power outages during New England winters is an unfortunate inevitability that many of us have to contend with. With frigid temperatures that can quickly make one’s home uninhabitable without electricity, many Massachusetts residents have invested in portable generators to keep their heat running when the power goes out. However, despite the convenience of generators, they come with their fair share of risks. If you’re looking to safeguard your home from power outages, learn these safety tips for using portable generators this winter. [Read more…]
Does Insurance Cover a Heating Unit Replacement?
In New England, the mid-winter hovers around the low teens, and if a home’s heating is not in proper working order, it can be extremely dangerous to the inhabitants. Obviously, one would immediately look to replace their furnace, boiler, or HVAC unit should it break, but it’s an expensive undertaking and one that many may not have the finances to support. In such situations, it’s important to determine whether insurance would cover a heating unit replacement. [Read more…]
5 Steps to Take After Falling Victim to Porch Pirates
Online orders often ramp up over the holidays as people scramble to get in their last-minute shopping. With a pandemic now confining many of us to our homes, online orders are sure to increase even more. However, with an uptick in home deliveries comes an increase in unscrupulous activity: namely, porch pirates. These unsavory folks are those looking to cash in on unsupervised packages that are left at homeowners’ doorsteps. If you’re unlucky enough to miss out on a delivered package, learn about the steps you can take after falling victim to porch pirates. [Read more…]
What to Consider Before Refinancing Your Home
People often consider refinancing their homes in order to lower their monthly payments and interest rate or switch their loan from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed rate. Both scenarios sound beneficial to every homeowner, and the application process is relatively simple. So, why wouldn’t everyone choose to refinance? Unsurprisingly, this isn’t an option that suits every household, and there are some things to consider before refinancing your home. [Read more…]