Annie Hart Cool, Cape Cod Real Estate Specialist

Warning. My husband got a call from LOWES credit services saying that our bill was late in payment and if he would pay with a different credit card the woman on the other end of the phone would be happy to excuse the late fee.

My husband, now thinking that I had been remiss in paying the bill, started asking questions about the bill. He decided he would not pay the bill with his credit card but call the bank about the automatic payment. He still was not sure I had paid the bill.

Sure enough, $1000 had been sent on the 4th to Lowes. When He called Lowe's back to follow up... they said no one will ever call you from this company and ask for a credit card payment on a credit card. This is a scam to get your credit card number for extortion and identity fraud.

I am glad he was suspect even of me and my timely payment of our debt because it saved us a boat load of trouble. Beware! Scammers are everywhere!

Today I had an appointment to list a home in Hyannis at 11:30. Our first meeting. Complete strangers, she and I. Brought together by her attorney.

When I arrived no one answered the door. I walked around the house... thinking that the elderly woman may still be sleeping... When I got back to the front door... she was there... waiting. Hunched from age and illness she attempted to open the door... I let my self in and told her to take her time backing away from the door. Aside from the lovely entrance into an open floor plan ranch with sky lights and lovely antiques... I couldn't help but notice the smell of decay. Flys darted back and forth between the home owner and I like they were playing space hockey.
I asked "what is that smell?"
She replied "poor dear, got stuck in the fireplace and died'
Naturally, "when? and what are your plans for the "poor dear"?" I asked.

My eyes now watering, my breathing altered and my mind now on to her health. I opened the slider with screen to the porch...to which she replied "close the screen, dear you don't want the bugs to come in..." Quite right, I replied...I want the flys to go out tho.... let's just leave it open for a few minutes, shall we?

This can't be good for her? She says she can't smell it because of all the medicine she is on but the flys she agrees, are annoying. Huh...?

Sean was the 5th "wildlife removal specialist" I called out of the phone book who had the time and the empathy. He will be there at 6pm to remove the "poor dear" and do a fly treatment. (Whatever that means?) Then to call the Sweep, because Prevention is what it is all about, right?
Sandwich Chimney sweep will be there Friday to put a cap on the chimney so no more "poor dear's" get stuck.

To the home owner... I wasn't just her Real Estate Professional but Super Woman. I went to Home Depot for Fly strips and Moth Balls... went into the home and found her sleeping soundly in her recliner with the TV loud and the clicker about to fall from her lap onto the floor. I hung the fly strips... and said a quiet good bye while she slept... I left Saint Joseph on her kitchen table. She needs out of this house.

I called her brother (92 years of age) to let him know the status of the "poor dear" as he had attempted to get the varmint out of the chimney over the weekend. Ever grateful, he said "I am glad she is in good hands."

So I listed a Squirrel today. Because Today... you wouldn't have noticed the hardwood, the sky lights, corner lot or finished basement...

Today ...all you would have noticed was the "poor dear" squirrel.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

Lifestyle vibe: Historically genteel, especially in Beacon Hill
Fitness fix: Strolling on the Boston Common
Retirees love: Abundance of culture and restaurants
Retirees hate: High housing costs
Median housing price: $402,200
Average temperature: 29°F (January) and 74°F (July)

AARP's Sarah Mahoney wrote a great article on 5 Great Places to Live. Boston made the list. Sure, Boston is not Cape Cod but we are so close...Why not venture south and find your Retirement Home by the Shore? Loads of inventory, great prices, wonderful mortgage options. Come to Cape Cod.

I always forget something when I am planning a trip, a party or a move... I find that check lists are the way to go if you want to make sure all your bases are covered. So are you about to change addresses ...here are a few things that need to be considered.

It's a good idea to get prequalified for your mortgage before shopping for a Cape Cod home. Prequalification involves supplying a lender with basic information regarding your debt, income and assets. From this information, lenders can get an idea of the mortgage amount for which you qualify, and it can usually be done at no cost.

Being prequalified can help you narrow the range of homes in which you are interested, as it's another way of knowing what you can afford. It can also help you act fast if a home you're interested in has a lot of interest. Prequalification shows you are a serious shopper, and your offer will be taken more seriously than an offer from someone who has not spoken with a lender.

The initial pre-qualification stage also allows you to discuss with your lender any goals or needs you may have regarding your mortgage. He or she can then explain your mortgage options and recommend the type that might be best suited to your particular requirements.

Diagnose your Financial Health before starting the Home search. This will allow you to move forward without disappointment when buying your Cape Cod Home.