In the Event of a Hurricane, Don't Forget to Protect Your Boat, Too

Hurricane season traditionally runs from June to November, with August and September being the most volatile months for these violent storms. And with the potential of high winds, storm surges, rising sea levels, increased tides, and more than two or three inches of rainfall per hour, it’s absolutely crucial to plan ahead. The National Hurricane Center can help keep you up-to-date on any hurricane or tropical storm-related weather events.

Once you’re confident that your family and home are secure, you can turn your attention to making sure your boat is prepped for the storm.

Before the Storm
Prepare your boat for the hurricane season well in advance. Start with a detailed written list that includes:
•    An evacuation plan. Your plan should include the removal of all detachable items, such as canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, and other equipment. If your boat is docked in a marina, talk to the operator so there are no questions or confusion when the time comes to tie up or pull your boat from the water.
•    Boat evacuation drills. Practice drills frequently to help prevent panic in case an unexpected hurricane hits.
•    Stocking of emergency supplies. Stock up on supplies ahead of time to avoid the likely shortages that occur once a hurricane alert is announced.
•    Charging your boat’s radio. Always charge the radio before your vessel leaves port, so you can always get up-to-the-minute weather bulletins.
•    Securing essential documents. Keep boat insurance policies, photos of your vessel, registration, equipment inventory, contact phone numbers, and other essential documents in a safe, secure location on dry land.

When a Hurricane Is Imminent
With global weather tracking, you generally have 12 to 24 hours of advance warning before a hurricane. Start implementing your plan as soon as possible after learning of a storm.
•    Prepare the boat. Turn off the boat’s electrical system and remove the battery. Take any moveable equipment off the vessel to prevent breakage. Lash down anything that can’t be removed, such as tillers, wheels, and booms. Wrap protective covering wherever the ropes touch the boat to prevent chafing. Seal off all windows, doors, and hatches, and make sure to shut off your boat’s fuel lines.
•    If you plan to keep your vessel in the water. Anchor your boat with at least two anchors and position the boat’s bow in the direction of the prevailing winds. Ensure that anchor lines are 10 times the water depth at the mooring location to counteract the effects of a storm surge. Cover engine room vents and plug the stern’s exhaust pipes to prevent water from flooding your motor.
•    On dry land. For small, lightweight boats, it is best to trailer the vessel as far inland as possible. Lash the boat to the trailer securely and place blocks around the wheels to prevent the trailer from rolling. For bigger boats, lash the vessel to its storage cradle with several heavy lines. Depending on the weight of the boat, consider pumping water into the bilge to hold the vessel down more securely. Never leave the boat on davits or a hydraulic lift.
The United States Coast Guard has more details on how best to prepare your boat.

Check Your Boat Insurance
A hurricane can be a very frightening experience, but with the right preparation you can help minimize loss. Make sure you have sufficient boat insurance — it can help protect you against many of the risks of owning and operating a boat. For more information, contact your local insurance agent.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

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The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1,349,900. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Buying a Home? Has the Seller Requested to See Proof of Funds?

First, don't take it personally- it's standard operating procedure for all cash purchases, or offers that include a substantial down payment.  You may be the most honorable person on the planet, but the seller doesnt know that- they don't know you.

Proof of funds is just that- a letter or statement from a financial institution that clearly shows you have the liquid cash on hand to perform.

The process is basically the same  whether the verification of funds is to prove that a  buyer has  the cash necessary to close the transaction, or  the down payment for teh purchase.
In either case, the buyer will need to produce a document, which is usually requested by the seller, or his/her agent.

Some examples include:
Online banking statement
Original bank statement
Copy of money market account balance
Open equity line of credit
Certified financial statement

Words of Caution: Before releasing originals or copies of any sensitive personal information, make sure you remmove any traces of  your account number and / or Social Security number. ( A black magic marker  covering these sensitive numbers should do the trick easily and effectively)

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The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1,349,900. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Packing Smarter For Your Move in Fairfield County CT

Moving day will be here sooner than you think. You probably wish you could blink your eyes and everything would arrive in its proper place in your new home. But you’re not a genie. It’s going to take careful thought, smart preparation, and plenty of muscle to get your belongings from their places in your current home to the right spot in your new one. Here are some ideas to help you get ready for moving day.

Plan. Plan. Plan.
You may have the urge to start tossing your things in boxes and sorting them out in your new place. Resist that urge. Plan ahead to make sure you move out and move in as easily possible.
•    Think about your new home: layout, size, number of rooms. Chances are you’re going to have to organize your stuff in a different way than it is in your current home. Those changes affect how you pack.
•    Draw out a floor plan of your new place. Look at the bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchen. Start planning where things will go. Literally draw objects into the floor plan so that you can visualize them in your new home.
•    Download MoveTools™, an iPad moving app to help you plan and organize the move.
Buy Supplies
Having the right equipment ready will make your move a little less painful. You’ll want these supplies on hand:
•    Boxes for your stuff. This one is obvious. Get about double what you're thinking, because you don’t want to overload them, and you definitely don’t want to run out of boxes at the last minute!
•    Bubble wrap and packing paper to protect valuables. Use packing tape to seal boxes.
•    Plastic sandwich bags, blank stickers, and permanent markers. You’ll find out why later.
Sort. And Purge.
Let’s face it: We all have a lot of stuff that we just don’t need. Do you really want to pack up, haul, and unpack stuff you never use and don’t care about? Before you pack anything, start by separating stuff you need from stuff you don’t.
•    Start in the storage area of your house. The basement, the attic, a closet – wherever you keep that mass of stuff you think you need but never use.
•    Go through things. If you haven’t used, looked at, or at least thought about something in a couple of years, separate it into the “purge” pile.
•    Don’t be afraid to keep valuables or special items – even if you don’t use them often. Put these types of objects together, and pack them safely in case you don’t open them for a while.
•    Decide how you’re going to get rid of stuff. Donate it to charity? Hold a garage sale? Leave it by the curb and hope someone takes it?
Get Packing
The moment of truth has arrived. All your planning has come down to this. Keep a few things in mind while you’re packing:
•    Don’t forget to wrap breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper.
•    Make sure to line the bottom of your boxes with peanuts or crumpled-up newspaper. Place the heavier items on the bottom and the lighter items on the top.
•    When everything is packed in a particular box, sprinkle in some more packing peanuts, tape up the box, and label it.
Preparing Furniture
It’s tempting not to prep furniture and hope that everything survives the move without a scratch. But taking a few extra minutes on the front end can save you from getting a big headache. Here are a few ideas to keep your furniture protected during the move:
•    Remember the plastic sandwich bags, blank stickers, and permanent marker we suggested earlier? They come in handy when you’re disassembling things like tables, bookshelves, and cribs. Nuts, bolts, and washers go in a plastic bag, which can then be taped to the underside of a piece of furniture. For items that have a lot of individual components, use the stickers to label each item so you can easily assemble the furniture again.
•    Apply wax to fine woods to prevent scratches.
•    Put pillows and coverings in plastic garbage bags. Make sure to fasten the bags so debris can’t get in.
•    Wrap important furniture with blankets or bubble wrap for extra protection.
Take A Deep Breath
You’re finished packing. Relax, but don’t lose too much steam: You’ll need to unpack everything soon. Get some rest before the big day. Go visit some of your favorite places, or spend time with friends and family. And keep things in perspective: Moving is hard work, but there’s an end in sight.

And a helpful hint from Judy- When we place your home on the market, start packing! Not only because you will need to pack anyway, but you can get a head start on some of the seasonal items that you won't be needing until you move, and reduce clutter at the same time.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 5/20/13

Mortgage interest rates spike back to recent highs and more possible volatility is in the near future.  Mortgage interest rates moved higher at their fastest pace in two weeks, after having their best day in more than 6 weeks just yesterday.  There's no question that the month of May has been exceptionally volatile for rates.  With all of this news about interest rates rising the rates are still very low compared to recent years and it's uncertain how long these low rate levels will last so making a move soon would most likely be your best bet.  If you are looking to close in the next few weeks then I would suggest locking in a rate with your lender.

 *Note: I currently have a Spring Special $555 off coupon for your closing costs if you're looking to refinance or purchase a new home.  Contact me for more details.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30 year fixed          3.875%              APR 3.928%

Conventional 15 year fixed          3.125%              APR 3.215%

Conventional 5/1 ARM                3.5%                 APR 3.551%

Conventional 7/1 ARM                3.375%             APR 3.426%

This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under any applicable law.

The above rates are based on a loan amount of $417,000 for a single family home, a borrower’s middle credit score of 780 and a 20% down payment.  If you would like a customized rate quote for your own specific loan scenario then please feel free to email me at nima@primeres.com or call me directly at 203.913.6016. 

 

As a lending professional, Nima Rezvan meets a wide range of real estate lending needs, whether it be a first time purchase, second home purchase, or refinance. He welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs with quick and accurate real estate financing advice. With his expertise and knowledge, he will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose and that it meets your unique financial situation.

With more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience, Nima specializes in  Conventional Mortgages,  Jumbo Loan Financing, Refinance, First Time Home Buyers and Federal Housing Administration/Veterans' Administration (FHA/VA)

782 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Phone: 203.913.6016

Email: nima@primeres.com

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The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Moving in CT? Have You Thought About Transferring Your Insurance?

We all know how stressful moving can be: There’s a massive list of tasks to perform. So it’s no surprise that making new insurance arrangements might not jump out as your first priority.
But do yourself a favor: Don’t wait. The process isn't as tough as it seems. Below are a few key questions to investigate about moving and insurance. They don't cover everything, but they should get you going in the right direction.

1. Are Your Possessions Covered While You’re Moving?
Depending on how you've chosen to move – hired movers, rental truck, a portable container, or DIY in the back of your old Honda – your property may or may not be covered between the time it leaves your home and arrives at its final destination. Some homeowner policies will cover your property everywhere, regardless of whether it’s in your home, or in a moving truck. Other policies won't cover anything once it’s out your door. So double-check your policy or call your agent.
If your own insurance policy won't cover your property, you can get coverage through your moving company. By federal law, moving companies have to offer supplemental insurance for your property that will cover a set percentage of replacement costs, but you’ll need to increase that amount to get full coverage.



2. What About New Insurance? And Transferring Insurance?
Talking with an agent is the best way to find out what you’ll need to do to get new insurance or transfer your insurance to your new address. Your agent will also help you understand insurance requirements in your new location.
If you're moving between states, keep in mind that insurance coverage varies across states. For example, in California, due to the high frequency of earthquakes, you need to take special precautions to make sure your home is safe and secure in case an earthquake occurs. That’s not the case in Indiana! Different states also have different auto insurance laws, and if you’re moving to a new state, you’ll need a new auto insurance policy – plain and simple.
Most state laws require you to have homeowner’s insurance before you even buy a home. If you’re covered by State Farm, you should be able to get a prorated credit from your old homeowner’s policy when you’re signing up for a new one in a new state.


3. Have You Talked To Your Agent?
If you're happy with your insurance company, give your agent a call. Your agent should be able to tell you whether you'll need to find a new agent and how to transfer your policies to your new address.
If you want to find a State Farm agent in your new neighborhood, you can use the Find an Agent app to search by ZIP Code. You'll see a map of offices and a list of agent profiles, including contact info.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY