 It’s no surprise that this year’s top home trends are all about practicality and comfort. And while you’ve probably already taken steps to improve your space over the last few months, there could be a few more ways to make the most of your property. Whether you have safety in mind or you’d like some design inspiration, take a look at the most exciting home trends for 2021: Colors and Moods Did you see Pantone’s color of the year for 2021? It’s actually two colors: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating (a vibrant yellow) are together described as “a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness.” And speaking of warm and comforting, natural wood is also on the rise. When it comes to design, 2021 is all about mixing traditional and modern for a cozy feel. Connecting With Nature Feeling cooped up at home has motivated people to get closer to nature. You can tap into this trend by buying indoor plants, adding earth tones to your living room, freshening up any outdoor space you have, or going big with a brand new deck, porch or landscaping project. Smart Features for Health and Safety Smart and wellness-oriented features such as touchless faucets and flushers, motion sensor lighting, bidets and heated floors will continue to be in demand this year. Distinct Spaces This trend began a few months ago and will unsurprisingly continue in 2021. Both homeowners and homebuyers want separate rooms for work, Zoom, play, exercise, intergenerational living and more. Accomplishing this can be as simple as buying room dividers. Or, you can go big and renovate an existing open floor plan or add a new room or wing to your house. Do you have questions about how a home update will affect your coverage? Just need to check in? Reach out anytime.
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 If you're looking to sell your home — and get top-dollar for it — staging the property can help you do it.
Put simply, staging means preparing the home for a potential buyer — or "setting the stage," if you will. It involves redecorating, rearranging furniture, cleaning and other aesthetic strategies to present the home in the best possible light. The goal is to make the home as appealing as possible to the most potential buyers. Benefits of Home Staging Home staging comes with many benefits. For one, it can make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the home. It provides a clean palette of sorts — one without clutter, personal photographs and other items that might turn off a buyer or make it hard to imagine themselves living on the property. According to a study from the National Association of REALTORS© (NAR), 77 percent of buyers say it's easier to visualize a staged property as a future home.1 Staging also makes a home look more "move-in ready" — meaning that it doesn't seem to need a lot of work or repair before a new buyer could move in. Seventy-one percent of buyers are looking for a move-in ready home.2 Staging could help give that impression, which could be a nice advantage for you in successfully selling your home. Finally, staging a home makes it easier to market. It looks better in listing photos (which can play a big role in today's home-shopping process), and it is also more eye-catching when shared on social media, printed on flyers and displayed in other visual marketing mediums. As a result, staged homes typically sell faster. According to NAR, 62 percent of agents say staging has an impact on a home's time on the market.3 Options for Home Staging You have a few options when looking to stage your home. You can choose to do the process yourself (DIY); you can look to your real estate agent for help; or you can bring in a professional staging company to do the work on your behalf. In some cases, you could also do a combination of these options.
Though these pros do come at a fee, they typically do the work for you. They will evaluate your home's current condition, make recommendations on how to improve its overall appeal to potential buyers and marketability, and then put those suggestions into action by rearranging the furniture, bringing in new décor or helping you declutter. Often, stagers have a large inventory of furniture, décor, artwork and other items they can pull from to help your home look its best. Just be aware that using a stager's inventory may come with an extra fee, so be sure to ask about that. Travelers Insurance allows you to customize your coverage to fit your unique needs. We focus on understanding you, so you'll feel right at home working with us. How Much Does It Cost to Stage a House? According to the National Association of Realtors, the median cost of home staging is $675.4 These costs vary, though, and depend on several factors, including the size, location and price of the home, the exact type of staging services you're looking for, and whether you need additional furniture, décor or other items in your staging efforts. Some agents recommend spending between 1 to 3 percent of your home's listing price on staging. If you're staging your home yourself, you'll want to consider the costs of things like:
Is Home Staging Worth it? From a financial standpoint, staging can add measurable selling appeal to a home. According to NAR, nearly a third of real estate agents say staging increases the dollar value offered by buyers, in comparison to similar homes, by 1 to 5 percent. Another 21 percent of agents say it increased the dollar value of the home between 6 and 10 percent.5 To determine if staging a house is worth it, you'll want to consider a few things, including:
If you're ever unsure of whether staging is in your best interest, consider speaking to a local real estate agent. They can help assess your property as well as make recommendations based on the market and preferences of local buyers. Selling your home is an important life moment. Why not also take it as an opportunity to review your homeowners coverage? Learn more about Travelers’ innovative suite of homeowners insurance products.  How to Budget for Home Improvements
Your home has probably been through a lot this year. Between normal wear and tear and the extra hours spent at home these last few months, you may find yourself in need of an upgrade or repair sometime soon. Some projects can’t wait, but if you have time to save, here are a few strategies to help you manage that add-on, appliance replacement, or whatever else your property might need in 2021. 5 Tips for Managing Your Project 1. Compare Estimates Gather estimates from a few reputable contractors and compare them. Calculate the average cost of your project and plan your budget around that number. 2. Create a Sinking Fund Banks love to advertise home equity loans and lines of credit. However, financing your home improvement means paying interest, which raises the total cost of the project. If it can wait, try to save up first by creating a sinking fund: Set aside a certain amount each month so you know you’ll reach your goal within six months or a year. 3. If You Need to Finance, Do It Wisely Send me a Home Insurance Quote Cape Cod Massachusetts -Some projects, such as a leaky roof or broken furnace, can’t wait. If you need to finance, look for the lowest interest rate and don’t treat the loan like “free money.” Spend only what you have to and then make a plan to pay the loan back early if possible. 4. Prepare for Surprises Even when you do everything right, construction projects and remodels are notorious for going over budget. Leave a cushion in your budget for last-minute surprises so you won’t have to go into debt or pull from other areas. 5. Check Your Coverage Of course, preparing for surprises and avoiding unnecessary expenses also means having adequate homeowners insurance in place. If you're unsure about your coverage or want to review your current policy, reach out with your questions anytime.  Your dog just took down the neighbor’s fence while chasing a squirrel (and your neighbor isn’t happy). Will your homeowners insurance cover the damage? The short answer is, “it depends.”
Policy coverage and exclusions can vary, and when important factors like pets are involved, the fine print matters. Want to know more? Here are a few common questions about pets and home insurance. Does your policy cover damage caused by pets? Many home insurance policies do not cover damage your pets cause to your own property — like a torn sofa or broken TV. However, liability insurance may cover damage your pet does to other people’s property. What if your dog bites someone on your property? Most home liability policies offer coverage for damage a person may suffer on your property, including dog bites (up to a certain limit and provided you’ve disclosed you have a dog). Note that after the first dog bite, you may face additional exclusions. Are different breeds treated differently? Some insurance policies may offer limitations on coverage if you have what is considered a high-risk breed. When you share what kind of pet you have we can let you know what to expect. Are backyard animals covered? Home insurance policies don’t provide coverage for damage your pets, including backyard animals like goats or chickens, cause to your property. However, liability coverage may still apply (with some limitations). Will your home insurance pay your pet’s medical bills? Unfortunately, you’re likely on your own for your pet’s medical bills even if they are hurt during a covered incident (like breaking through your neighbor’s fence). Have questions about your coverage? Reach out anytime.
 We make it easy to find the best value on homeowners insurance from multiple companies. We run our business with a value system of love (concern for others), trust, respect, a commitment to excellence and fun. And thanks, in part, to the customer service focus way we run our business, Calfee Insurance, has consistently been rated 5-Stars (superior) on Google & other platforms by current clients for more than 40 Years. We offer a wide range of coverage, including auto, home, renters and life insurance. It doesn't stop there - we also provide motorcycle and small business insurance.   We offer a comprehensive set of home insurance coverages to protect your property and your family. Once you start a quote, we’ll recommend to you the appropriate amount of insurance needed for your home by calculating property and building construction information from multiple databases. Using innovative thinking, cutting-edge tools and insurance expert resources at national and local levels, we deliver the best possible outcome on every policy we manage. Our local insurance agency underwriting professionals focus exclusively on finding the best home insurance products for our Massachusetts home buying residents. Easy, Fast, & Secure Homeowners Insurance & Car Insurance. Get a Free Quote 100% Online Now! Real-Time Pricing. Affordable Rates. Available 24/7. Insurance coverage: Wind Damage, Fire Loss, Water Damage. Compare home insurance quotes today and save on protection for your biggest investment. Build a Custom Policy & Make the Switch! When purchasing property insurance, doing your due diligence is more than a turn of phrase. The period when a house is under contract is an essential part of the home insurance buying process and requires careful attention to detail. Being thorough in the due diligence phase will help you uncover potential issues and make the right choices for you and your family by calling us at: tel (508)540-2601.  Task Force Members Working In Unison to Prepare for Summer 2020 as Memorial Day Weekend Approaches5/26/2020  The Cape Cod Reopening Task Force released a statement regarding the outlook for Summer 2020 today, after Governor Charlie Baker announced the reopening plan for the Commonwealth on Monday. “We are cautiously optimistic that our friends, relatives and guests will return to the Cape this summer for respite and a return to a traditional vacation,” said Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Facilitator for the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force. “This optimism is supported by our recent traveler sentiment survey. The volume and pace of this summer is expected to differ from prior summers, but 67% of our opt-in visitor database is reporting they are likely to visit the Cape this year.”The Chamber is the region’s tourism council, which promotes Cape Cod and the Islands to visitors from around the world. While beaches officially open statewide May 25th, most town-owned and Cape Cod National Seashore beaches on Cape Cod have remained open and will be open this Memorial Day weekend. There is hope that restaurants will begin to serve dine-in customers and expand to outdoor dining where able, beginning at some point in June. Many restaurants are open for take-out service with new safety and ordering protocols including dozens of the region’s famous take-out seafood establishments, clam shacks, and ice cream parlors. Accommodations of all types are clean, stocked with supplies and are scheduled by the state guidance to reopen in early June as well. Governor Baker’s reopening plan lists a return to dine-in for restaurants (with a possible restriction to outdoor only seating) and allowance of leisure accommodations in phase 2 of his reopening plan, which would begin no earlier than June 8th. The Governor has made clear that decisions on moving to phases 2, 3 and 4 of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will be dictated by public health surveillance data including rates of hospitalization, positive tests, and morbidity. While Memorial Day has traditionally been the unofficial start to summer, this year’s calendar is creating an ironic opportunity, with 14 more days of summer in 2020, Northcross reported. Memorial Day falls this year as early as possible on May 25th, and Labor Day falls as late as it can, on September 7th; the additional 14 days of summer provide a cushion to summer business cycles that may be muted by stay at home orders just now lifting. “Over the past several weeks as we have planned for reopening on Cape Cod our aim has been to save lives and livelihoods,” State Senator Julian Cyr (D- Truro) Member and Public Information Officer for the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force. “We all know that the 2020 summer season will be different than what we are used to; indeed we expect a muted season. But opportunities to enjoy this special place will still be plentiful this summer with all Cape Cod has to offer.”“Moving out of the ‘stay at home’ phase into the ‘start’ phase of reopening, allows everyone to plan, knowing there are at least three weeks between phases,” said Wendy Northcross. “Currently, accommodations and restaurants are serving guests under restrictions in Phase 1. Phase 2 plans for restaurants and accommodations and some attractions to reopen with guidelines.” Those guidelines include social distancing, hygiene protocols, staffing and operations training and cleaning rules, which apply to all business and social organizations. Northcross is participating in a working group organized by the Governor’s office on restaurants, accommodations, and tourism to advise on safe reopening prior to Phase 2, when these sectors are expected to begin reopening. Given the highly seasonal nature of many businesses on Cape Cod, which serve their guests on a leisure travel experience during the warm weather months, the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force has been instrumental in pushing for advancement of the reopening date and guidance for the region and state’s many tourism amenities,” said State Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown) Member of the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force. “If we do this right, giving confidence to the consumer and ensuring the health and safety of our workforce and residents, we expect to have the reawakening of our tourism businesses in just a few weeks’ time.” In order to help businesses follow best guidelines for mandatory safety practices, Sean O’Brien, Director of Barnstable Health & Environment and Member of the Cape Cod reopening Task Force has marshalled county resources to prepare information for businesses to access for best practices on cleaning and operations. “We will be publishing FAQs on topics like testing, best practices for entities ranging from boating to farmer’s markets and everything in between,” said Sean O’Brien. The County’s Department of Human Services will compile health metrics, and the Cape Cod Commission will publish a new economic data dashboard and track business impact through a new survey tool. All will be on one central Cape Cod website which will launch in the coming days. “Guidance to towns on how to quickly ramp up outdoor dining, accommodate more pedestrian flow and town-regulated activities that may need adjusting at this time is being vetted and shared with the 15 towns,” said Kristy Senatori, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Commission and Member of the Cape Cod Reopening Task Force. “The single biggest determinative factor for what’s possible this summer season depends on the personal responsibility of residents and visitors alike,” said State Senator Julian Cyr. “That means everyone covering their nose and mouth with a face covering when unable to keep distance between others, washing hands and surfaces, maintaining distance from others, and watching out for symptoms. Adherence to these health precautions will both prevent spread of coronavirus and allow us to safely reopen.”“While we expect this summer to be different from any we’ve experienced in our lifetime, we do believe the lure of Cape Cod’s plentiful and beautiful beaches, miles of hiking and biking trails, 47 golf courses, boating and outdoor recreation are the right prescription at the right time. We will be here to safely and warmly welcome our guests,” said Wendy Northcross.  The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to sweeping changes and disruptions in nearly every aspect of daily life. With mandates and guidelines changing all the time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by our own anxieties. It is important to practice empathy during this time, not only for others but for yourself as well.
There are many benefits to practicing empathy. Empathizing with others can help you feel less lonely and more connected. It also increases the likelihood that people will reach out and help others when they need it. In addition to boosting social connectedness and increasing helping behaviors, empathizing with others also improves your ability to regulate your emotions during times of stress. Feeling empathy allows you to better manage the anxiety you are experiencing without feeling overwhelmed. Stay Updated: A Detailed Timeline of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) Cases According to the CDC, WHO Ways to Build Empathy Some people are just empathetic by nature, but there are plenty of things that you can do to cultivate your own empathy skills. Research has also shown that empathy is an emotional skill that can be learned.1 Listening to others, engaging in acts of service, observing the empathetic actions of others, and imagining yourself in another person's situation are all strategies that can help build empathy. Here are some things you can do to try to stay empathetic even when it feels like staying in touch with other people is more difficult than ever. Stay Connected In a time when people are practicing social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine, it’s all too easy to turn inward and focus solely on yourself or your family unit. But research suggests that caring about others is one of the best ways to fight feelings of isolation. Showing empathy and engaging in helpful actions, whether it’s donating to a charity or writing a supportive note to a friend, can increase your feelings of social connectedness. So while you may be keeping your physical distance from others to prevent the spread of the virus, it doesn’t mean you need to be emotionally distant. Show concern and stay connected to the people in your life. Be Aware Consider some of the ways that the pandemic has affected your life. Are you working from home or on paid leave? Are your kids out due to school closures? Do you have plenty of food in your pantry and freezer? Now think about how others might answer those same questions depending on their situation and circumstances. Many people have lost their jobs and are out of work, others have no choice but to continue working. Some people are worried about how to find childcare as they continue to work, and many may be struggling to find or pay for basic necessities. Empathy and understanding are a critical part of compassion and, more importantly, action. Think of others and look for ways that you can help. Be Kind Take it easy on yourself and others. It’s ok if you aren’t managing to do it all. It’s ok if your kids are watching a little too much tv or if you aren’t keeping up on your usual routines. It’s a lot to deal with and everyone copes with stress, anxiety, and fear differently. Cut yourself some slack and practice self-compassion. Working parents are struggling to manage kids who are home all day now that many schools have closed. Not only is the work situation unsettled, but parents are also trying to help kids with distance learning. Those working in healthcare and finance are busier than ever. Not only are they dealing with the stress of being on the front line of a public health crisis, but they may also be struggling to find someone to watch their own kids while they are at work. We all have our own anxieties, but that doesn't mean we should lose our kindness in the face of a crisis. Be Considerate Sometimes we may be quick to criticize others without making the effort to understand how their situation and experiences are impacting their choices. Yes, it’s easy to lob criticism at others in a time of crisis, particularly those who don’t seem to be taking the situation seriously. Try to remember that everyone copes differently. People may also feel overwhelmed by conflicting information from news sources and social media. While you cannot control how others behave, you can control your own actions and do your part by sharing health information from legitimate sources. Ask others to observe your desire for physical distance and try to gently encourage friends and family to stay home, wash their hands frequently, practice social distancing, and self-isolate if they experience symptoms. Help Others In the midst of something that seems overwhelming, helping others can provide a sense of control and empowerment. When the world feels unpredictable and chaotic, finding tangible ways to do good and make things better for someone else can be a source of comfort. Some ways that you can practice empathy:
Stay Home One of the best things you can do to support others is to simply stay home. Follow the guidelines outlined by the CDC. Avoid groups, stay home as much as possible, and practice social distancing. Staying out of the way helps prevent the spread of the virus, which helps ensure that healthcare professionals and resources are not overwhelmed. A Word From Very Well Empathy is always important, but it is particularly vital during a public health crisis. Practicing empathy during the COVID-19 pandemic not only opens your mind to what others are experiencing, but it can also provide social connectedness that can help combat feelings of isolation. During a large-scale event, it is important to remember that everyone is in this together—think of others, reach out however you can, and remember to ask for help if you need it.  Homeowners insurance financially protects you if something bad happens to your home. It also covers your personal belongings, the cost of hotel stays if your home is too damaged to reside in, and legal expenses if you’re sued because of an accident.
Although homeowners insurance isn’t required by law like auto insurance is, most mortgage lenders will require that you keep the home insured throughout the duration of your mortgage term.  We run our business with a value system of love (concern for others), trust, respect, a commitment to excellence. And thanks, in part, to the customer service focus way we run our business, Calfee Insurance, has consistently been rated 5-Stars (superior) on Google & other platforms by current clients for more than 40 Years. We offer a wide range of coverage, including auto, home, renters and life insurance. It doesn't stop there - we also provide motorcycle and small business insurance. Need Home Insurance? Easy, Fast, & Secure Home Insurance. Get Free Quotes 100% Online Now! Available 24/7. Affordable Rates. Compare home insurance quotes today and save on protection for your biggest investment. Build a Custom Policy & Make the Switch! We'll help you understand and customize the right home insurance coverage for you. Get started today with a free homeowner's quote — it only takes a few minutes. Click Here - for your FREE HOME INSURANCE REVIEWWe offer a wide range of coverage, including auto, home, renters and life insurance. It doesn't stop there - we also provide motorcycle and small business insurance.
Need Home Insurance? Easy, Fast, & Secure Home Insurance. Get Free Quotes 100% Online Now! Available 24/7. Affordable Rates. Compare home insurance quotes today and save on protection for your biggest investment. Build a Custom Policy & Make the Switch! We'll help you understand and customize the right home insurance coverage for you. Get started today with a free homeowner's quote — it only takes a few minutes. |
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Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. is a friendly local insurance agency proudly offering Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands. A-Excellent AM Best rating, A+ Excellent by the BBB
Using innovative thinking, cutting-edge tools and expert resources at national and local levels, we deliver the best possible outcome on every policy we manage. Need Home Insurance? Easy, Fast, & Secure Home Insurance. Get Free Quotes 100% Online Now! Available 24/7. Affordable Rates. Cover Your Biggest Investments. Get a homeowners insurance quote, find coverage options. We'll help you understand and customize the right home insurance coverage for you.
Home is where your heart is—along with a healthy chunk of your net worth. Get started today with a free homeowner's quote.
Compare home insurance quotes today and save on protection for your biggest investment. Build a Custom Policy & Make the Switch! Our local underwriting professionals focus exclusively on finding the best home insurance, homeowner's insurance, hazard insurance, investment property insurance, flood insurance, flood zone information, vacation home insurance, second home insurance, auto insurance, collector car insurance, business insurance, general liability insurance, property insurance, professional liability insurance, contractor's liability insurance, worker's comp insurance, key man insurance, whole life insurance, term life insurance, group or personal disability, & long-term care insurance policies to patrons in the following Cape Cod, Massachusetts towns, communities and villages: Barnstable, Bourne, Pocasset, Brewster, Buzzards Bay, Centerville, Chatham, Cotuit, Craigville, Dennis, East Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, East Falmouth, Hatchville, West Falmouth, North Falmouth, Woods Hole, Harwich, Hyannis, Hyannisport, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Marstons Mills, Mashpee, Orleans, Osterville, Provincetown, Sandwich, Sagamore, Sagamore Beach, Truro, Wellfleet, Yarmouth, and Yarmouthport. Real-Time Pricing. Insurance coverage: Wind Damage, Fire Loss, Water Damage. Protect your home and belongings. Low Rates For Your Best Options to Save Money On Great Coverage! Get a quote today. Home insurance helps protect your house and your family.
Using innovative thinking, cutting-edge tools and expert resources at national and local levels, we deliver the best possible outcome on every policy we manage. Need Home Insurance? Easy, Fast, & Secure Home Insurance. Get Free Quotes 100% Online Now! Available 24/7. Affordable Rates. Cover Your Biggest Investments. Get a homeowners insurance quote, find coverage options. We'll help you understand and customize the right home insurance coverage for you.
Home is where your heart is—along with a healthy chunk of your net worth. Get started today with a free homeowner's quote.
Compare home insurance quotes today and save on protection for your biggest investment. Build a Custom Policy & Make the Switch! Our local underwriting professionals focus exclusively on finding the best home insurance, homeowner's insurance, hazard insurance, investment property insurance, flood insurance, flood zone information, vacation home insurance, second home insurance, auto insurance, collector car insurance, business insurance, general liability insurance, property insurance, professional liability insurance, contractor's liability insurance, worker's comp insurance, key man insurance, whole life insurance, term life insurance, group or personal disability, & long-term care insurance policies to patrons in the following Cape Cod, Massachusetts towns, communities and villages: Barnstable, Bourne, Pocasset, Brewster, Buzzards Bay, Centerville, Chatham, Cotuit, Craigville, Dennis, East Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, East Falmouth, Hatchville, West Falmouth, North Falmouth, Woods Hole, Harwich, Hyannis, Hyannisport, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Marstons Mills, Mashpee, Orleans, Osterville, Provincetown, Sandwich, Sagamore, Sagamore Beach, Truro, Wellfleet, Yarmouth, and Yarmouthport. Real-Time Pricing. Insurance coverage: Wind Damage, Fire Loss, Water Damage. Protect your home and belongings. Low Rates For Your Best Options to Save Money On Great Coverage! Get a quote today. Home insurance helps protect your house and your family.
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