Just Listed

234 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 

$549,900, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom 

Prime North End Waterfront location. Steps from Harborwalk and bustling North Station developments. The Strada 234 offers 24 hour concierge service, on-site property manage, full time maintenance and on-site Fitness Center. Unit features granite countertops, hardwood floors and cozy breakfast bar. Floor to ceiling windows offer sunny exposure and city views. Conveniently located to major highways, the T, Commuter Line and TD Garden.

For Sale

7 Weeden Place, Quincy, MA 

$439,500, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom

Open floor plan with large Chef's kitchen, custom cherry cabinetry and Caesar Stone counters. All gas home with natural woodwork, updated systems and 2 car garage+ extra storage area. Spotless basement has multiple options. Very handy location walk to Red Line and quick ride to highway. Set on the end of a quiet street with ample parking and fenced yard. A wonderful offering!

Protecting Your Investment: A Home Security Checklist  

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“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” --Benjamin Franklin

As the creator of our country's first fire department, I'm positive 'Ol Ben would apply his famous idiom to home protection, as well as healthcare. Are you doing everything you can to protect your home? Read on for some simple, easy-to-take steps to secure your property and your peace of mind.

Home Security System

The most important home security system you can have is a deadbolt. As many as 1/3 of burglaries occur when people simply forget to lock the door. Extra security measures like peepholes, chain locks or alarm systems will enhance your home's level of protection. In many cases the presence of a security camera alone can deter criminals from attempting trespass.

Look Alive

An empty home is a vulnerable home, so become a master of illusion. Today's technological solutions can make this an easy task. Whether you opt for a mobile solution with app-based control of your home's interior lights and more or go old school with simple timers on your lamps and on a radio or TV, your efforts to make your home look occupied are excellent deterrents to theft as the majority of all home burglaries occur when the home is unoccupied. Exterior lights with motion detection are another good measure of protection. If your trip away from home will be more than a day or two, request that the post office hold your mail so that packages don't pile up and call attention to your absence. And don't forget the time-honored tradition of the watchful eye of a trusted neighbor.

Weatherizing

When a bad lightning storm strikes near home, it can affect your electronics as well as your home's water. Your best bet is to avoid showering, washing hands or dishes during severe lightning. While surge protectors are great for protecting devices from the storm across town, unplugging your electronics is the only foolproof guarantee against interference from a nearby lightning strike. A lightning rod will protect your home against potential fire from a strike but does not protect against electrical surges.

Whether it's extraordinary rain, an overfull nearby river or lake, or storm surge from a hurricane, water in your home is an incredibly destructive force. When storms threaten your area, make sure to keep abreast of your local forecast, and always follow any evacuation order for fires or hurricanes. Belongings to take with you include pets, valuables and anything else you would grab if fleeing a house fire. 

Simple steps like keeping trees trimmed off the roof and removing dead trees, as well as securing outdoor furniture can minimize any damage that strong winds can bring. In the event high-speed winds or tornadoes be aware of where in your home is best to take cover or utilize your underground storm shelter.

Get Insured

Last but not least, plan for failure. The costs to replace or repair lost or damaged belongings add up quickly. Shop around for the best rates and choose a respected provider. And don't neglect to get enough coverage of your property and its contents. Where most homeowners are required to get insurance, renters often do not. As many as 60% of renters leave themselves vulnerable in this way. If you take any of the steps above, you definitely won't want to skip this one. And depending on the security features of your home, you may be eligible for discounts on your coverage.

You've worked hard to find and purchase your home, and I hope these tips help you to secure its future – and your pocketbook! 

And remember, I'm never too busy for your referrals!

Dick Phinney, Realtor

Granite Group Realtors

7 Beale Street

Quincy, MA 02170

(617) 921-0373

rcphinney@aol.com