click here for quick home insurance quote

How to Buy a Home on Cape Cod with Less Cash Upfront in 2026

Owning a piece of Cape Cod has always been the dream, hasn't it? Whether it’s the salt air in Yarmouth, the quiet charm of Sandwich, or the bustling energy of Falmouth, the appeal of the Cape never fades. However, as we move through May 2026, the financial reality of buying here has become a steep mountain to climb. With median home prices hovering in the $780,000 range and upfront costs often exceeding $90,000, many local families and first-time buyers feel like they’re stuck on the sidelines.

That changed on April 27, 2026.

MassHousing just launched a game-changing initiative that is specifically designed to help people bridge the "down payment gap." If you’ve been sitting on the fence because you don’t have six figures sitting in a savings account, the MassHousing 0% Deferred Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program might be your ticket into a Cape Cod home this summer.

At Calfee Insurance, we see the behind-the-scenes of the home-buying process every day. While we handle the homeowners insurance side of things, we know that getting the keys is the hardest part. Here is everything you need to know about this new program and how to use it before the window closes.

The $25,000 Opportunity: How It Works

The headline is simple: MassHousing is offering a fixed $25,000 in assistance for first-time homebuyers in Massachusetts. But the "how" is what makes this program special compared to previous years.

Traditionally, down payment assistance often came with a catch: either a higher interest rate on your primary mortgage or a second monthly payment that stretched your budget thin. This new 2026 program is different. It is a 0% deferred interest loan.

What does "deferred" mean for your wallet? It means:

• No monthly payments on the $25,000.
• 0% interest, so the balance doesn't grow over time.
• Repayment is only required when you sell the home, refinance the mortgage, or pay off your first mortgage entirely.

Essentially, the state is handing you the "missing piece" of your down payment so you can secure a home now, rather than waiting five more years to save up while prices continue to rise.

Are You Eligible? Breaking Down the 135% AMI Rule

One of the biggest misconceptions about state assistance is that it’s only for "low-income" buyers. In a high-cost area like Barnstable County, the state recognizes that even middle-class professionals struggle to save for a down payment.

The eligibility for this program is set at up to 135% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

On Cape Cod, where the median income is adjusted for our specific economy, 135% of the AMI is surprisingly inclusive. It allows many nurses, teachers, tradespeople, and remote professionals to qualify. If you thought you "made too much money" for help, it’s time to double-check the 2026 charts with your lender.

Property Types: From Condos to Multi-Families

Whether you are looking for a small cottage or a smart investment, the program is flexible. It covers:

1. Single-family homes
2. Condominiums
3. Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)
4. 1-4 Unit Properties

That last point is crucial for the Cape. Buying a 2-unit or 3-unit property allows you to live in one side and rent out the others: a strategy often called "house hacking." Using $25,000 in DPA to buy a multi-family home can turn a high mortgage payment into a very affordable one once that rental income starts flowing.

The Clock is Ticking: April 27 to July 31

There is a sense of urgency with this launch. The program officially opened on April 27, 2026, and it is currently scheduled to run only through July 31, 2026.

Why the short window? These funds are often allocated in specific blocks. Once the money is committed to buyers, the program may pause or change. If you are planning to buy a home this year, you need to be in "active mode" right now. Waiting until the fall might mean missing out on $25,000 of interest-free capital.

Beyond the Down Payment: The Hidden Costs of Cape Cod

While the MassHousing DPA solves the "cash upfront" problem for the down payment, you still need to be prepared for the other moving parts of a Cape Cod real estate transaction. This is where many buyers get blindsided.

1. Closing Costs

Even with a $25,000 boost, you will still have closing costs: attorney fees, title insurance, and prepaid taxes. Some sellers may be willing to offer a "seller concession" to cover these, but in a competitive market, having your own cash reserves for these items is vital.

2. The Insurance Landscape

In 2026, getting homeowners insurance on Cape Cod isn't as simple as it is inland. Between coastal wind risks and potential flood zones, your insurance choice can make or break your mortgage approval. Lenders require a binder before they will fund your loan.

This is where we come in. At Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc., we’ve spent 45 years helping Cape Codders navigate the complexities of coastal insurance. Whether you need to understand the difference between Replacement Cost and Actual Cash Value or you need to navigate the MA FAIR Plan (MPIUA), we’re here to make sure your new investment is protected properly from day one.

Step-by-Step Strategy for Cape Cod Buyers

If you want to take advantage of the 0% Deferred DPA before July 31, here is your roadmap:

1. Find a MassHousing-Approved Lender: Not every bank offers this specific program. Start by asking your mortgage officer if they are a participating MassHousing partner.
2. Get Your Pre-Approval: Don't just get a general pre-approval. Ask for a breakdown that includes the $25,000 DPA so you know exactly what your "cash to close" will look like.
3. Check the AMI Limits: Verify your household income against the 135% AMI limit for Barnstable County to ensure you qualify.
4. Start the Insurance Quote Early: Don't wait until you're under contract to think about insurance. Coastal premiums vary wildly. Contact us for a quote as soon as you have an address in mind. We can even help you find Safety Insurance discounts or Travelers Insurance discounts to keep your monthly escrow payments low.
5. Shop for Your Team: You need a realtor who understands the local Cape market and an insurance agent who knows how to handle the specific risks of living near the ocean.

Why This Matters Now

We often hear from people who say, "I'll wait for prices to drop." But on Cape Cod, inventory remains tight. Even if prices stabilize, the cost of entry remains the biggest barrier.

This $25,000 assistance is effectively an interest-free "loan from the future." It allows you to buy into the market today, start building equity, and enjoy the lifestyle that only the Cape provides. When you eventually sell or refinance years down the road, that $25,000 is repaid out of your home's appreciation: not out of your monthly paycheck.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 spring and summer market on the Cape is going to be fast-paced. With the MassHousing program active until July 31, we expect to see a surge in first-time buyer activity.

Buying a home is more than just a financial transaction; it's about finding a place to call your own. At Calfee Insurance, we’re proud to be a part of that journey for so many families. We’ve been recognized with the Local Choice Awards for years because we treat our clients like neighbors, not just policy numbers.

If you’re ready to make your move, we’re ready to help you protect it. From auto insurance for your beach buggy to the homeowners policy for your new Cape Cod cottage, let's make 2026 the year you finally stop renting and start owning.

Have questions about the insurance side of buying a home? Give us a call or stop by our office. We’d love to help you get settled into your new home.

Looking For Flood Insurance Cape Cod? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know Before the Next Storm

Living on Cape Cod means embracing a life defined by the water. From the serene dunes of Sandy Neck to the bustling harbors of Falmouth and Hyannis, the Atlantic Ocean is our backyard. However, that proximity comes with a distinct set of risks that every homeowner must acknowledge. While we all love a good summer breeze, the reality of Nor’easters and hurricane seasons means that water isn't always our friend.

At Calfee Insurance, we’ve been helping our neighbors navigate these coastal complexities since 1980. We’ve seen the maps change, the storms roll in, and the policies evolve. If you are a homeowner on the Cape, understanding flood insurance isn't just a suggestion: it’s a critical part of protecting your greatest asset.

Here are 10 essential things you need to know about flood insurance on Cape Cod before the next storm hits the coast.

1. Your Standard Homeowners Policy Does Not Cover Floods

This is the most common: and most dangerous: misconception in the insurance world. A standard homeowners policy protects you against fire, theft, and wind damage, but it explicitly excludes "rising water."

If a storm surge sends the Atlantic into your living room, or if a torrential downpour causes a nearby marsh to overflow into your basement, your standard policy will likely provide zero coverage. To protect your home from these events, you need a separate, standalone flood insurance policy. Many residents assume that because they have "great coverage," they are safe. That philosophy works fine until there is a loss. You can learn more about how these policies differ on our home insurance page.

2. You Have Choices: NFIP vs. Private Market

For decades, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, was the only game in town. Today, the landscape has changed. Homeowners now have access to a robust private flood insurance market.

While the NFIP is reliable and backed by the federal government, private insurers often offer higher coverage limits and shorter waiting periods. Private policies might also include "Loss of Use" coverage, which pays for your living expenses if you are displaced from your home: a feature the NFIP lacks. At Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc., we help you shop both markets to find the most competitive rates and the most comprehensive protection.

3. The "Mandatory" Question Depends on Your Mortgage

Whether or not you are required to carry flood insurance usually comes down to two factors: your flood zone and your lender. If your home is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA): typically zones beginning with A or V: and you have a federally-backed mortgage, your lender will mandate flood insurance.

However, even if you’ve paid off your mortgage or live in a "low-risk" zone, the risk doesn't disappear. The absence of a legal requirement doesn't mean the absence of danger. In fact, many of the most devastating flood losses on the Cape happen to properties where insurance was not "mandatory."

4. 25% of Flood Claims Happen in "Low-Risk" Zones

Statistics don’t lie: roughly one-quarter of all flood insurance claims come from areas designated as B, C, or X zones: areas considered to have low-to-moderate risk. On Cape Cod, our sandy soil and unique topography can lead to unpredictable drainage patterns during extreme weather.

If it rains, it can flood. Choosing to forego coverage simply because you aren't in a high-risk "V" zone is a gamble that many homeowners eventually regret. For those in these lower-risk areas, "Preferred Risk Policies" are often surprisingly affordable, providing peace of mind for a fraction of the cost of high-risk coverage.

5. FEMA Flood Maps Are Constantly Changing

The flood map you looked at when you bought your home ten years ago may no longer be accurate. FEMA periodically updates its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to reflect changes in sea levels, coastal erosion, and updated meteorological data.

A property that was once in a "safe" zone can be remapped into a high-risk zone overnight. When this happens, insurance requirements change and premiums can spike. Staying ahead of these changes is part of what we do at Calfee Insurance. We monitor these shifts to ensure our clients aren't caught off guard by a sudden "requirement to purchase" notice from their bank.

6. Grandfathering Can Save You Thousands

If a map update moves your property into a higher-risk zone, you don’t necessarily have to pay the new, higher rate immediately. Through a process known as "grandfathering," homeowners who have maintained continuous flood insurance coverage can often lock in their previous zone's rating.

This is a primary reason why you should never let your flood policy lapse. Continuous coverage is the key to maintaining affordability. If you drop your policy and try to buy it back later after a map change, you could be forced to pay the new, higher premiums without the benefit of your previous status.

7. NFIP Coverage Has Strict Limits

It is important to understand the ceiling of federal protection. The NFIP offers a maximum of $250,000 for building coverage and $100,000 for contents. On Cape Cod, where home values frequently exceed these amounts, an NFIP policy alone may leave you underinsured.

If your home would cost $500,000 to rebuild, a federal policy only gets you halfway there. To bridge this gap, we often recommend "Excess Flood Insurance," which provides additional layers of protection above the federal limits. Understanding the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value is also vital when calculating your needs.

8. Massachusetts Law Protects Borrowers

While lenders have the right to protect their collateral, Massachusetts state law provides some protections for homeowners. For instance, a lender cannot require you to purchase flood insurance that exceeds the outstanding principal balance of your mortgage. Furthermore, they cannot demand a deductible lower than $5,000.

These regulations prevent banks from forcing homeowners into "over-insuring" their properties. However, just because the bank can’t force you to cover the full value of your home doesn't mean you shouldn't choose to do so. Our role is to help you find the balance between satisfying your lender and truly protecting your equity.

9. The 30-Day Waiting Period is Real

You cannot buy flood insurance as a hurricane is turning the corner around the Carolinas. Most NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period before the coverage becomes effective. Private insurers may have shorter windows: sometimes as little as 10 to 15 days: but the point remains: you cannot wait for the forecast to turn sour.

The best time to secure coverage was yesterday. The second best time is today. Waiting until "storm season" officially begins often leads to a frantic rush where homeowners find themselves ineligible for immediate protection.

10. Local Advice Trumps National Call Centers

Flood insurance is incredibly localized. A call center employee in another state won't understand the specific flood dynamics of Buzzards Bay or the intricacies of the "Fair Plan" in Massachusetts.

Working with a local agency like Calfee Insurance means working with people who live in your community. We know the streets that flood during a high tide and the neighborhoods that are being impacted by the latest FEMA updates. Since 1980, we’ve built our reputation on providing expert advice that is tailored to the unique needs of Cape Cod residents. Our 5-star Google rating is a testament to our commitment to doing right by our neighbors.

Why Calfee Insurance?

Navigating the waters of flood insurance doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc., we take the time to explain the jargon and shop the market on your behalf. We aren't just selling a policy; we are providing a safety net for your family.

Whether you are a year-round resident or a seasonal homeowner, we invite you to reach out for a comprehensive review of your current coverage. From navigating replacement cost to finding insurance discounts, we are here to ensure you are ready for whatever the Atlantic throws our way.

Don't wait for the clouds to darken. Protect your Cape Cod home today. Visit us at our North Falmouth office or learn more about our team and how we’ve been serving the community for over four decades. We’re ready to help you secure the peace of mind you deserve.

Bracing for the Big One: Your Cape Cod Survival Guide for the 2026 Bomb Cyclone

Well, Cape Cod, here we go again.

If you've been watching the weather reports, you already know what's heading our way this weekend. A bomb cyclone, and yes, that's the actual meteorological term, is barreling toward the Cape, and it's shaping up to be one for the history books. We're talking 12 to 18 inches of heavy, wet snow, hurricane-force wind gusts, coastal flooding, and erosion that could reshape some of our beloved beaches.

At Calfee Insurance, we've been protecting Cape Cod families and properties since 1980. We've seen our share of nor'easters, blizzards, and everything Mother Nature throws at this little arm of Massachusetts. This storm deserves your full attention.

Here's everything you need to know to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe this weekend.

---

The Forecast: What's Actually Coming

Let's break down what the meteorologists are telling us:

• Snow: Expect 12 to 18 inches to fall between Saturday and Sunday. This isn't the light, fluffy stuff, it's heavy, wet snow that weighs down power lines, snaps tree branches, and makes shoveling a serious workout.

• Wind: Gusts will reach hurricane force, particularly along the outer Cape, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. We're talking 50-70+ mph winds that can turn debris into projectiles and knock out power for extended periods.

• Coastal Flooding: Wave heights of 6-12 feet are expected at east and northeast-facing beaches. Vulnerable coastal roads will likely see 1-2 feet of water during peak tides late Sunday morning and again Monday morning.

• Duration: The most intense impacts will hit Sunday midday through early Monday morning. Plan accordingly.

This isn't your average winter storm. A bomb cyclone undergoes what meteorologists call bombogenesis, rapid pressure drops that transform a regular low-pressure system into something far more powerful in just 24 hours. Think of it as a hurricane's cold-weather cousin.

---

Remember 2005? We Do.

For those of us who've been on the Cape long enough, the winter of 2005 still sticks in our memory. A similar bomb cyclone buried the region, and roads were reduced to a single lane for nearly two weeks afterward.

The takeaway? Prepare to be home-bound for at least 2 days. Possibly longer.

This isn't about being dramatic, it's about being realistic. Only the largest snow removal equipment can move 18 inches of wet, heavy snow efficiently, and there's a limited supply of those machines. Add in the staffing shortages that so many businesses are dealing with right now, and you can see how the cleanup will take time.

---

Your Inside Prep Checklist

Before the first flake falls, make sure you've handled these essentials:

Stock Up Now

• Food and water for at least 3-4 days (err on the side of caution)
• Prescription medications, if you're running low, get refills today
• Batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio
• Phone chargers and portable power banks
• Cash, ATMs and card readers don't work without power

The Frozen Pipe Prevention Plan

Here's the scenario nobody wants: the power goes out, the heat stops, and your pipes freeze. A burst pipe can cause tens of thousands of dollars in water damage, and that's before we even talk about the headache of dealing with repairs.

If you lose power and heat, open your faucets to a trickle. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. It's a simple step that can save you from a major disaster.

For our "snowbird" friends with properties on the Cape: if you're not in residence, have someone check your unit as soon as it's safely possible. Better yet, make sure your heat is set to at least 55°F before the storm hits. Insurance claims for frozen pipes can get complicated if there's evidence the heat was turned off.

---

Safety Critical: Your Furnace Vents Could Kill You

This is the section I really need you to read carefully.

Many Cape Cod homes have sidewall furnace vents and hot water heater vents that exhaust directly through exterior walls. When heavy snow piles up against your home, these vents can become blocked.

A blocked exhaust vent can cause carbon monoxide to back up into your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, you won't know it's happening until it's too late.

If you are in residence during the storm:

• Periodically check that your furnace and hot water vents are clear of snow and ice
• If you hear your furnace cycling on and off more than usual, check those vents immediately

If you are physically unable to shovel out these vents, please call us at 800-516-9242. We will send someone to assist you as soon as it's safely possible. This is not a request to put off, this is genuinely life-or-death important.

---

The Plowing Plan: What to Expect (and Why Patience Matters)

We've been in contact with all of our snow removal vendors, and here's the honest truth: they will service properties as quickly as they can, but "timely" is relative to the size of this storm.

A few realities to keep in mind:

1. Staff shortages are real. Like so many industries right now, snow removal companies are dealing with reduced crews.

2. Only the big machines can handle this. Your neighbor with a plow on his pickup truck isn't going to cut it when we're talking about 18 inches of wet, heavy snow. The large loaders and commercial plows are limited in number.

3. Please move your vehicles. Whenever possible, relocate your car so vendors can efficiently clear parking spaces and driveways. A car buried in snow creates a domino effect of delays.

4. Stay clear of snow removal equipment. This is critical. The visibility from inside these large machines is significantly limited, not like a normal vehicle at all. Never approach operating equipment. The operators may not see you.

---

Ice Dams: The Hidden Roof Threat

After the heavy snow stops falling, a new danger emerges: ice dams.

Here's how they form: heat escaping from your home melts the snow on your roof. That water runs down toward the eaves, where it's colder, and refreezes. Over time, a ridge of ice builds up along the edge of your roof, trapping water behind it.

That trapped water has nowhere to go but under your shingles and into your home.

If you notice water stains on your ceiling or walls after the storm, you likely have an ice dam. Call us immediately at 800-516-9242, and we'll coordinate getting the snow removed from your roof as quickly as possible.

Don't try to climb up there yourself, roofs covered in snow and ice are incredibly dangerous. Let the professionals handle it.

---

The Calfee Promise: We're Here for You

As a second-generation family business, Calfee Insurance isn't just your insurance agency, we're your neighbors. We live here. We weather these storms right alongside you.

Our employees will be checking properties as soon as it is safe to do so and will continue monitoring throughout the week. If there are significant issues with your property, we will contact you directly.

If you don't hear from us immediately, it means one of two things: either there are no issues to report, or we haven't been able to safely access the property yet. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through what will likely be challenging conditions.

---

Before the Storm Hits: Your Final Checklist

• Stock up on food, water, medications, and batteries
• Charge all devices and power banks
• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (especially if you'll be away)
• Know where your sidewall furnace/water heater vents are located
• Move vehicles to allow for efficient snow removal
• Have Calfee's number saved: 800-516-9242
• Keep a physical copy of your insurance policy accessible

---

Stay Safe, Cape Cod

Above all else, please stay safe this weekend. No errand is worth risking your life on flooded coastal roads or in whiteout conditions. Stay home, stay warm, and let the storm pass.

If you have questions about your homeowners coverage, concerns about flood damage, or need to file a claim after the storm, we're just a phone call away.

Call us at 800-516-9242 or visit www.calfeeinsurance.com for more information.

We'll get through this together: just like we always do.

( Your neighbors at Calfee Insurance)

The largest purchase most people make is a home. Surprisingly, given the importance of this purchase, and the impact that losing it could have on their lives, many persons not only carry inadequate insurance but rarely, if ever, review their insurance policies. Worse is the fact that many agents feel that homeowners insurance is a “no brainer” and deserves short shrift in the agency. Get the business on the books, and let it take care of itself.

That philosophy works fine until there is a loss.  To paraphrase a well-known saying, a good agent knows the client; a great agent knows the coverages. When the agent is not knowledgeable, the insured is left to deal with the claims adjuster. If the claims adjuster is new to the business, or is uncertain, then it becomes all too easy to err on the side of caution and deny a claim. This is not to say that the adjuster is to blame; unfortunately, insurers often put pressure on the adjuster to close claims quickly. Of course, the adjuster can simply decide it is easier to pay a claim and close it rather than research the reasons why it is not covered.

Further, in event of a catastrophe, many homeowners insureds find that their insurance is inadequate. Either replacement costs have been woefully miscalculated, or, in the case of an older home that must be rebuilt, there is either none or insufficient ordinance and law coverage so that rebuilding to code must come from the insured’s pocket. The lessons from Northridge, Andrew, and Katrina have not yet been learned. Agents and insurers have not yet begun to educate the public in the importance of adequate insurance, let alone the advantages of earthquake, flood, or ordinance and law coverage.

Equally important as the property exposure, and frequently overlooked, is the liability exposure. The homeowners forms provide comprehensive personal liability, but frequently common exposures are overlooked. Watercraft, a home business, and volunteer work — the agent must make sure the client is not left unprotected.

The current Insurance Services Office (ISO) HO 00 03 is the basis for much of the following. Although convention generally refers to “all risks” policies, we will use “open perils” since the homeowners forms now refer to “risk” of direct physical loss unless excluded.
One final note — the many cases used in this training are by way of example. Interpretation varies, so if alluding to any of the court cases, please check to make sure that they are valid in your jurisdiction.

---

Tips for Homeowners

• Top 7 Things You Can Do to Make Your Home More Efficient
• Preventing & Addressing Water Damage Due to the Spring Thaw
• 10 Tips On How To Manage Insurance Costs
• Avoid Dreaded Surprises: What Is Really Covered Under My Homeowner's Policy?
• What Causes Flooding and Will my Homeowners Insurance Cover Flood Damage

Brochures

• Preventing ID Theft
• Preventing Water Damage Inside the Home
• Reducing Hurricane Risk
• Is Your Boat Safe?
• Is Your Home Alone?

---

20 Tips for Home Safety and Security

In addition to your a monitored home security system, there are steps you can take to protect your home and family from burglary, fire and intrusion. Below are some basic tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. 

General Home Safety and Security

1. If out of the house for an extended period of time, create the illusion that someone may still be home. Leave a TV or stereo on in the room where a burglar would most likely break in. Use exterior lighting and motion detectors to minimize burglar concealment.
2. Make sure all exterior doors have good proper locks. Install 1-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
3. If you get an unexpected knock at the door, check to see who it is before opening it.

click here for home insurance estimate on cape cod, ma

click here for home insurance quotes

1. Do not leave extra keys under doormats, potted plants or any other obvious outdoor location. Thieves will generally find them. Find an inconspicuous place to hide the keys, or give a set to a neighbor you can trust.
2. Burglar-proof your glass patio doors by setting a pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide. The pipe should be the same length as the track.
3. Keep garage doors shut.
4. Keep drapes and blinds shut – especially in rooms where there is expensive equipment. Don't advertise the items in your home.
5. Store cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe or safety deposit box instead of leaving them lying around the home.
6. Don't leave notes on the door for service people or family members. These alert the burglar that you are not home.
7. If you're going to be away from home for a few days, adjust your telephone ring to its lowest volume setting. An unanswered phone may tip off a burglar that no one is home. Also, have a neighbor or friend collect your newspaper and mail. Never cancel delivery – you don't know who will get that information.

For more valuable home safety tips, visit the following websites:

• Home Safety Council
• Disaster Safety
• National Safety Council
• Consumer Product Safety Commission - Your Home Fire Safety Checklist

Home Fire Safety

1. Never leave candles or other open flames burning unattended.
   
2. Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.
3. Don't leave hot irons, or burning stovetops and outdoor grills unattended while in use. Double-check that you've turned them off after use.
4. Regularly clear and dispose of dry or dead vegetation in your yard or areas near your home.
5. Make sure the lid stays on your trash can, and store firewood and other combustibles away from your home.
6. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home. For the best detection and notification protection, install both ionization and photoelectric-type smoke alarms. Put them inside or near every bedroom. Test them monthly to make sure they work. Put in new batteries once a year.
7. Don't have deadbolts that lock with an inside key. You need to get out fast if a fire starts. A missing key could trap you inside. Also, don't nail windows shut. Make sure they open easily.
8. Make a fire escape plan for your family. Find two exits out of every room. Pick a meeting place outside. Practice makes perfect – hold a family fire drill at least twice each year.
9. Be sure your street address is visibly posted so that firefighters can identify your home in the event of an emergency.

---

click here for home insurance quotes

• Auto Insurance
  
• Homeowners Insurance
  
• Condo Insurance
  
• Renters Insurance
  
• Rental Home Insurance
  
• Rental Condo Insurance
  
• Landlord Insurance
  
• Motorcycle Insurance
  
• Personal Umbrella Policy
  
• Earthquake Insurance
  
• Flood Insurance 

• Off Road Vehicles 
  
• Motor Home Insurance
  
• Mobile Home Insurance 
  
• Travel Trailer Insurance
  
• Recreational Vehicles 
  
• Boat & Yacht Insurance 
  
• Jet Ski Insurance
  
• Personal Watercraft 
  
• Snowmobile Insurance  

Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency, Inc. is proudly serving primary home, vacation home, auto, collector car, business, general liability, property, professional liability, contractor's liability, worker's comp, key man, whole life, term life, group or personal disability, & long-term care insurance policies to patrons in the following Cape Cod, Massachusetts towns, communities and villages: Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Buzzards Bay, Centerville, Chatham, Cotuit, Craigville, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Hatchville, Harwich, Hyannis, Hyannisport, Marstons Mills, Mashpee, Orleans, Osterville, Provincetown, Sandwich, Truro, Wellfleet, Woods Hole, Yarmouth, and Yarmouthport.