10/19/2009 Upcoming Auctions in Middlesex County, MA

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Upcoming Auctions in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

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MIDDLESEX NORTH

Billerica
11/02/09 09:00 AM 36 Boston Rd
Owner:Kathleen Fantasia
Lender:BAC Home Loans Svcng LP Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:21133/202 D:04/11/07
Source:Billerica Minute-Man (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/04/09 02:00 PM 64 Elizabeth Rd
Owner:Cheryl L Hurley
Lender:National City RE Svcs LLC Deposit:$5,000
Doc#:227594 D:09/29/04
Source:Billerica Minute-Man (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Chelmsford
10/29/09 11:00 AM 78 Stedman St
Owner:Jill Mahoney
Lender:JP Morgan Chase Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:18534/169 D:02/10/05
Source:Chelmsford Independent (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/30/09 09:00 AM 255 North Rd U:61
Owner:Andrea Tsai
Lender:Chase Home Finance LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:17511/257 D:06/28/04
Source:Chelmsford Independent (10/08/09)
Atty:Orlans Moran PLLC 617-502-4100

11/02/09 12:00 PM 84 Prescott Dr U:84
Owner:Darrell G Noble
Lender:GMAC Mortgage LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:19970/132 D:03/31/06
Source:Chelmsford Independent (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/04/09 10:00 AM 104 Concord Rd
Owner:Darshan Koticha
Lender:Bank Of America NA Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:19535/245 D:11/16/05
Source:Chelmsford Independent (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Lowell
11/06/09 12:00 PM 21 Hillside St
Owner:Kolap Im
Lender:US Bk Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:19838/266 D:02/17/06
Source:Sun (The) (10/07/09)
Atty:Reneau Longoria 978-921-2670

Tewksbury
10/15/09 09:00 AM 41 Patten Rd
Owner:James E Donahue Jr
Lender:DLJ Mortgage Capital Inc Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:20174/181 D:06/02/06
Source:Tewksbury Advocate (10/08/09)
Atty:Orlans Moran PLLC 617-502-4100

11/09/09 12:00 PM 504 Whipple Rd
Owner:Thomas R Girard
Lender:US Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:20599/68 D:10/11/06
Source:Tewksbury Advocate (10/08/09)
Atty:Korde & Associates 978-256-1500

MIDDLESEX SOUTH

Acton
10/15/09 11:00 AM 114 River St
Owner:Winding Brook RT
Lender:Elaine Goldberg Tr Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:39865/387 D:06/26/03
Source:Beacon (10/08/09)
Atty:Kurt R Mchugh 781-444-9676

10/30/09 09:00 AM 48 Great Rd U:28
Owner:George Cunningham
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:47751/248 D:06/19/06
Source:Beacon (10/08/09)
Atty:Orlans Moran PLLC 617-502-4100

Ashland
10/21/09 02:00 PM 200 Captain Eames Cir U:200
Owner:Marcos A Guedes
Lender:Amtrust Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:46870/341 D:01/24/06
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Partridge Snow & Hahn Llp 401-681-1900

10/22/09 09:00 AM 36 Brackett Rd
Owner:Thomas E S Haskins
Lender:HSBC Bank USA Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:46386/319 D:10/26/05
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 12:00 PM 5 Johnson St
Owner:Anastasia B Finnin
Lender:BAC Home Loans Svcng LP Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:48801/68 D:01/04/07
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Belmont
10/22/09 11:00 AM 45-47 Sycamore St
Owner:Amy P Mackenzie
Lender:US Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:47781/525 D:07/05/06
Source:Belmont Citizen & Herald (10/08/09)
Atty:Orlans Moran PLLC 617-502-4100

10/27/09 03:00 PM 16 Woods Rd
Owner:James Dacey
Lender:JP Morgan Chase Bk Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:42434/312 D:03/29/04
Source:Belmont Citizen & Herald (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/29/09 01:00 PM 11 Ivy Rd
Owner:Susan Paratore Connelly
Lender:Lewis Lubar Tr Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:50977/214 D:03/31/08
Source:Belmont Citizen & Herald (10/08/09)
Atty:Kristina A Yee 781-239-0800

11/03/09 03:00 PM 56 Agassiz Ave
Owner:Jingbo Cai
Lender:One West Bk Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:43866/485 D:10/01/04
Source:Belmont Citizen & Herald (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Cambridge
10/28/09 01:00 PM 6 Canal Park U:305
Owner:Souhail Abrahim Sadik
Lender:Thomas Graves Land Cond T Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:20373/275 D:02/12/90
Source:Cambridge Chronicle (10/08/09)
Atty:Ellen A Shapiro 781-251-9800

11/03/09 01:00 PM 8-12 Museum Way U:N229
Owner:Avtar Singh
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:48105/242 D:08/31/06
Source:Cambridge Chronicle (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/03/09 09:00 AM 8-12 Museum Way U:N2122
Owner:Victor H Pena
Lender:HSBC Bank USA Deposit:$15,000
Bk/Pg:49444/220 D:05/09/07
Source:Cambridge Chronicle (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Framingham
10/21/09 01:00 PM 27 Edith Rd
Owner:Elizane Dejesus
Lender:Chase Home Finance LLC Deposit:$5,000
Doc#:01415752 D:07/05/06
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Orlans Moran PLLC 617-502-4100

10/22/09 11:00 AM 42 Donna Rd
Owner:Edvaldo G Dasilva
Lender:One West Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:48751/306 D:12/28/06
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/22/09 05:00 PM 706 Waverly St
Owner:Michael Kisler
Lender:Bank Of America NA Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:46997/253 D:02/15/06
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/22/09 05:00 PM 29 Webster St
Owner:Rubelio Gonzalez
Lender:HSBC Bank USA Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:46213/476 D:09/30/05
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 01:00 PM 33 Cochituate Rd
Owner:James H Dunn
Lender:JP Morgan Chase Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:40677/298 D:08/22/03
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 11:00 AM 38 Kendall Ave
Owner:Andrew Felt
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:38653/233 D:03/28/03
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 12:00 PM 23 Ridgefield Dr
Owner:Paul Bourque
Lender:BAC Home Loans Svcng LP Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:43981/210 D:10/22/04
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 01:00 PM 23 Summit St
Owner:Wendy Deugarte
Lender:Bank Of America NA Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:44514/1 D:01/20/05
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/28/09 04:00 PM 115 Elm St
Owner:Lynn Mukisa
Lender:Deutsche Bank Natl T Co Deposit:$5,000
Doc#:1436989 D:02/14/07
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Bendett & Mchugh 860-677-2868

10/29/09 02:00 PM 211 Beaver St
Owner:Elienai Barros Demoura
Lender:JP Morgan Chase Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:45150/112 D:05/05/05
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/29/09 01:00 PM 8 Brewster Rd
Owner:Colin Norgaard
Lender:US Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:45698/152 D:07/25/05
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/29/09 11:00 AM 169 Summer St
Owner:Gilson J Desouza
Lender:MERS Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:50818/40 D:02/29/08
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Orlans Moran PLLC 617-502-4100

10/30/09 02:00 PM 35 Bradford Rd
Owner:Robert P Goldman
Lender:Bank Of America NA Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:49301/119 D:04/12/07
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Holliston
10/22/09 10:00 AM 100 Bonney Dr
Owner:Luciano A Tameirao
Lender:Taylor Bean&Whitaker Mtg Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:49082/475 D:02/28/07
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Orlans Moran PLLC 617-502-4100

10/22/09 04:00 PM 434 Chamberlain St
Owner:Julie K Michaud
Lender:Deutsche Bank Natl T Co Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:42386/245 D:03/29/04
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 04:00 PM 223 Courtland St
Owner:David J Adams
Lender:Bank Of America NA Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:39408/369 D:05/28/03
Source:Ashland Tab (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/30/09 01:00 PM 18 Maple St
Owner:Joan S Kerstgens
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:50334/249 D:11/05/07
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Hopkinton
10/23/09 10:00 AM 5 S Barn Rd
Owner:John M Marculitis
Lender:National City RE Svcs LLC Deposit:$20,000
Bk/Pg:40406/19 D:08/08/03
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Hudson
10/22/09 10:00 AM 200 Manning St U:1A
Owner:Michelle S Wang
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:50247/239 D:10/17/07
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 05:00 PM 128 Apsley St
Owner:Mauricio C Abrantes
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:45836/231 D:08/10/05
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 11:00 AM 111 Brigham St U:19B
Owner:Carmen M Bailey
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:21800/170 D:02/24/92
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Lexington
10/27/09 05:00 PM 7 Rockville Ave
Owner:Judy M Leung
Lender:GMAC Mortgage LLC Deposit:$15,000
Bk/Pg:46299/284 D:10/13/05
Source:Lexington Minute Man (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/03/09 09:00 AM 24 Oakland St
Owner:Daniel Abelman
Lender:Bank Of New York Mellon Deposit:$30,000
Bk/Pg:47116/149 D:03/14/06
Source:Lexington Minute Man (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/03/09 12:00 PM 672 Waltham St
Owner:Fen Chen
Lender:National City Bk Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:44496/227 D:01/18/05
Source:Lexington Minute Man (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Littleton
10/23/09 03:00 PM 504 Great Rd
Owner:Michael D Mciver
Lender:BAC Home Loans Svcng LP Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:48450/176 D:11/01/06
Source:Littleton Independent (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Marlborough
10/16/09 01:00 PM 273 W Main St
Owner:Eduardo S Filho
Lender:US Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:47315/236 D:04/21/06
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/22/09 10:00 AM 43 Alan Rd
Owner:Denise M Dacosta
Lender:JP Morgan Chase Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:44419/345 D:12/29/04
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/22/09 09:00 AM 206 Bolton St U:2
Owner:Keylla H Souza
Lender:BAC Home Loans Svcng LP Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:49554/564 D:05/29/07
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 04:00 PM 20 Essex St
Owner:Michael Loring
Lender:Bank Of New York Mellon Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:48332/181 D:10/12/06
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 01:00 PM 82 Newton St
Owner:Maria Demelo
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:49472/166 D:05/15/07
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/23/09 10:00 AM 71 Settlers Ln U:71
Owner:Anne M Nelson
Lender:GMAC Mortgage LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:40119/551 D:07/16/03
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/29/09 02:00 PM 11 Maplewood Ave
Owner:Tonismar R Reis
Lender:JP Morgan Chase Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:49144/86 D:03/16/07
Source:Metro West (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/30/09 11:00 AM 16 Kane Dr
Owner:Abdul Khalid
Lender:GMAC Mortgage LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:40194/481 D:07/23/03
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/30/09 02:00 PM 220 Lincoln St
Owner:Adrianne C Balcom
Lender:Deutsche Bank Natl T Co Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:48080/571 D:08/30/06
Source:Metro West (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Maynard
10/29/09 10:00 AM 6 Deer Path U:6
Owner:William E Porter Jr
Lender:Ixis Re Capital Inc Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:39211/104 D:05/07/03
Source:Maynard Beacon (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Medford
10/27/09 02:00 PM 10 Lund Rd
Owner:Jeanne M Gilligan
Lender:GMAC Mortgage LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:47217/409 D:03/23/06
Source:Medford Transcript (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/27/09 03:00 PM 102 Woodruff Ave
Owner:Ivaldete F Deassis
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$10,000
Doc#:1448230 D:06/27/07
Source:Medford Transcript (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/03/09 01:00 PM 817 Fellsway U:817
Owner:Helen Tom
Lender:GMAC Mortgage LLC Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:46534/280 D:11/21/05
Source:Medford Transcript (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Melrose
11/03/09 02:00 PM 509 Pleasant St U:3-4
Owner:Matthew J Marcella
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:45282/250 D:05/25/05
Source:Melrose Free Press (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/06/09 11:00 AM 25 Elm St
Owner:Walter C Barletta Jr
Lender:RBS Citizens NA Deposit:$7,500
Bk/Pg:33419/308 D:07/27/01
Source:Melrose Free Press (10/08/09)
Atty:Lawrence P Cohen 617-332-4700

Newton
10/26/09 12:00 PM 487 California St
Owner:Trung Tran
Lender:US Bk Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:43816/472 D:09/30/04
Source:Newton Tab (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/28/09 10:00 AM 357-361 Austin St U:A
Owner:Ann B Vanderhoef
Lender:JP Morgan Chase Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:44090/146 D:11/09/04
Source:Newton Tab (10/07/09)
Atty:Jon S Davis 781-834-9181

10/28/09 03:00 PM 90 Crehore Dr
Owner:Francois Telfort
Lender:National City RE Svcs LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:39843/182 D:07/07/03
Source:Newton Tab (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/02/09 03:00 PM 76 Margaret Rd
Owner:Antranik Sarkissian
Lender:Bank Of America NA Deposit:$15,000
Bk/Pg:49520/126 D:05/29/07
Source:Newton Tab (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/04/09 04:00 PM 1081 Boylston St U:1081
Owner:James R Mcmahon
Lender:National City RE Svcs LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:43651/548 D:08/25/04
Source:Newton Tab (10/07/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/10/09 10:00 AM 174 Adams St U:11
Owner:Robert J Levenson
Lender:Cambridge SB Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:39007/270 D:04/30/03
Source:Newton Tab (10/07/09)
Atty:Barron & Stadfeld 617-723-9800

North Reading
10/27/09 11:00 AM 41-R Lakeside Blvd
Owner:M Shepard Spear
Lender:Salem Five Mortgage Co Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:50539/268 D:12/28/07
Source:Publication Unknown (10/08/09)
Atty:F Robert Allison 978-740-9433

Somerville
10/27/09 09:00 AM 33 Franklin Ave
Owner:Balvir Singh
Lender:BAC Home Loans Svcng LP Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:46328/1 D:10/21/05
Source:Somerville Journal (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/27/09 01:00 PM 44 Jaques St
Owner:Vanderlei Defreitas
Lender:Central Mortgage Co Deposit:$15,000
Bk/Pg:47617/397 D:05/25/06
Source:Somerville Journal (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

10/30/09 09:00 AM 27 Prescott St U:2
Owner:Adam M Azia
Lender:Wells Fargo Bk Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:43916/1 D:10/18/04
Source:Somerville Journal (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/03/09 10:00 AM 9 Nashua St U:2
Owner:Adelindo Laurindo
Lender:FCDB 8020 Reo LLC Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:49676/61 D:06/22/07
Source:Somerville Journal (10/08/09)
Atty:Reneau Longoria 978-921-2670

11/03/09 01:00 PM 36 Richardson St
Owner:Wonda Dacosta
Lender:Deutsche Bank Natl T Co Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:45625/550 D:07/11/05
Source:Somerville Journal (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

11/04/09 11:00 AM 720 Broadway
Owner:Baka LLC
Lender:TD Bank NA Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:50100/391 D:09/13/07
Source:Somerville Journal (10/08/09)
Atty:Michael J Murphy 508-650-9252

Stow
10/22/09 10:00 AM 15 Great Rd
Owner:Thomas C Peacock
Lender:Chase Home Finance LLC Deposit:$5,000
Bk/Pg:48446/291 D:10/24/06
Source:Maynard Beacon (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Wayland
11/05/09 01:00 PM 16 Overlook Rd
Owner:Gregory Lambert
Lender:HSBC Bank USA Deposit:$10,000
Bk/Pg:49283/383 D:04/11/07
Source:Wayland Weston Town Crier (10/08/09)
Atty:Harmon Law Offices 617-558-0500

Winchester
11/04/09 02:00 PM 25 Girard Rd
Owner:Demetrios Tsiaousopolous
Lender:GRP Loan LLC Deposit:$5,000
Doc#:01400306 D:01/13/06
Source:Winchester Star (The) (10/08/09)
Atty:Korde & Associates 978-256-1500

Will the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit be extended? Should it?

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

There seems to be a lot of buzz about the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit and its possible extension. It's not getting as much attention though with the healthcare issue on the table. There are questions on both sides of the issue on its future.

On one side we have people concerned about the budget of the US and the loss of tax revenue at a time when the government is facing some difficult choices. I can see the point of this. Also on this side of the argument is that the program has some flaws and those need to be addressed in the form of another bill and let this current program end to re-draw the program in more effectual ways.

On the other side people talk about the economic recovery and social recovery this program has afforded to local economies & municipalities as well as neighborhoods. It's helped get some of the lower priced inventory of homes, short sales and bank owned properties back into private hands to stabilize local property values. The National Association of Realtors and other housing groups also have statistics showing how homeownership improves neighborhoods & personal growth.

In my opinion the current program needs to end on November 30^th, 2009 as intended and a new program enacted to better address the current market, economy and local issues involved.

The current program doesn't address differences in property values in different parts of the US. Properties in the North East, West Coast, certain parts of the Mid-West and South have property values much higher than the rest of the country. $8,000 doesn't mean as much when the qualifications for the higher home values practically eliminate buyers eligibility. Perhaps a graduated credit up to a certain amount would assist more buyers in higher value areas. There currently is talk of raising the credit ceiling to $15,000 to address this. Then there is the income cap levels for the program, with higher value property/regions it's becoming increasingly difficult for an individual or couple to be able to practically afford a property and still remain within the current cap limits.

There is real concern about how much more the government can afford to subsidize the home market with the looming expenses of universal health care, financial reform, other economic stimulus as well as the 2 front wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. On the state & local levels we're seeing many cutbacks, layoffs and other service belt-tightening from declining tax basis, business slowdowns etc.

It will be an interesting next several weeks to see how things will end up.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Office of the Attorney General - - Press Release - Rental Discrimination

Office of the Attorney General - - Press Release

Posted using ShareThis - 10/15/2009

Attorney GeneralMartha Coakley Sues Melrose landlords for Housing Discrimination

WOBURN - Today, Attorney General Martha Coakley's Office filed a housing discrimination complaint against Carl and Karen Fontana, the owners of a two-bedroom rental property in Melrose. The complaint, filed in Middlesex Superior Court, alleges that the Fontanas violated state antidiscrimination laws by refusing to rent to recipients of housing subsidies.

"We are facing critical housing needs in the Commonwealth and the strain on those needing rental or transitional housing assistance is particularly great," said Attorney General Coakley.

"Realtors, brokers and landlords inMassachusetts should understand that discrimination against those who hold housing assistance subsidies is illegal and we will seek to hold accountable those who break the law."

According to the complaint, the Fontanas refused to rent the Melrose property to a prospective tenant who held aSection 8 federal housing subsidy and her six-year-old daughter. The complaint further alleges that defendant Karen Fontana told the prospective tenant that she did not want to deal with the Section 8 program. Under Massachusetts law, it is illegal to discriminate against housing applicants because they receive public assistance.

The Attorney General's Office is seeking an order prohibiting the Fontanas from engaging in housing discrimination, damages, and attorneys' fees and costs.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Gabrielle Viator of Attorney General Coakley'sCivil Rights Division.

Written by Scott A. Nelson, Agent in 02155 October 20, 2009 6:45 AM Safety

Protect Your Home Against Natural Disasters

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Protect Your Home Against Natural Disasters

Whenever anatural disaster is broadcast on the news-whether a tropical storm hitting a state along theAtlantic Ocean, wildfires in the West or-it serves as a reminder how hazardous water, wind, fire and earth movement can be to your home, perhaps your most cherished and largest investment. But, there are immediate actions you can take to protect your property and prevent major damage should one of these elements strike in the future. Depending on the age of your home and the building codes in your area, some of these improvements may already be in place.

Water

Apart from major flooding, most damage occurs when water seeps in through cracks and leaks. Make sure that windows and doors are well sealed. Seal any cracks and holes in the foundation and exterior walls. Repair or replace roof shingles around any area that allows water to penetrate the roof sheathing. Check for holes or air leaks in the attic and basement. Your basement windows and doors should have built-up barriers or flood shields. Inspect your sump pump regularly to make sure that it is working properly. Install or make sure that the flashing, a thin metal strip, around the doors, windows, thresholds, chimney and roof are in tact.

Wind

Minimize the damage by keeping the wind from getting inside your home. Windows and glass doors should be fitted with impact-resistant laminated glass or covered with impact-resistant shutters. Consider solid wood or hollow metal doors, which are more likely to resist wind pressure and flying debris. There are also roofing products with high wind resistance available.

Wildfire

Some inexpensive home improvements that you can make include installing a spark arrestor on your chimney, eliminating brush and debris from around your property, and modifying your attic, sub-floor and basement vents. More expensive improvements include replacing single-pane glass windows, doors or skylights with tempered glass, recovering your exterior walls with a more fire-resistant material, and re-roofing your home with a Class A roof covering.

Earthquake

California isn't the only earthquake zone. Other zones include the New Madrid region, west and just east of the Rockies, the southern Appalachians,New England and Alaska. Steps you can take to protect your property and possessions include anchoring appliances, water heater, dressers, and other heavy items to the wall. Attach your TV, computer and other small appliances to desks, tables or countertops. Secure ceiling lights, chandeliers and other hanging items to the permanent structure of your home. Apply safety film to windows and glass doors. It is also a good idea to install a main gas shut-off device.

Insurance

Of course, there may be times, when no amount of prepping can protect your home. However,homeowners insurance can help protect you financially in case something happens to your property or its contents. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include structural coverage and personal property coverage. Depending on your location, you may also need additional coverage against earthquake, hurricane and fire.

Be aware that flood damage is not covered under the traditional homeowners insurance policy. Flood insurance needs to be purchased separately through theNational Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program. It is available to nearly 20,000 communities across the U.S. and its territories that participate in the NFIP. Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, melting snow, inadequate drainage systems, failed protective devices such as levees and dams, as well as bytropical storms and hurricanes. So, although you may be in a low to moderate risk area, you may still want to consider this coverage.

Periodically review your homeowner's insurance policy to make sure that you are adequately covered to rebuild your home and replace your contents.

If there is ever damage to your personal property, having a home inventory can make it easier when filing an insurance claim. Start with a sheet a paper for each room in the house. Go around the room and list every item. Don't forget the attic, basement or other storage places. For each item, write the original cost, purchase date, replacement cost, model number, brand name, where purchased, and a general description. In addition, take photos or video of each room for visual documentation. It is also a good idea to arrange valuable collections, silver, jewelry, etc. and take close up photos. Make sure you update your home inventory photos and list at least once a year.

When weather-related disasters strike, what's most important is your safety and that of your family. However, by taking precautions to protect your home, you can possibly help keep damage to a minimum; or in the case of severe damage, make sure that you have the financial means to rebuild.

For more information go to www.disastersafety.org or www.fema.gov .

Written by Scott A. Nelson, Agent in 02155 October 18, 2009 10:20 AM Safety in Massachusetts

Home Heating Season - Carbon Monoxide Warning

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With the home heating season upon us here inMassachusetts it's time again to be aware of the dangers ofcarbon monoxide (CO). Any home that usesfossil fuels to heat their home needs to be aware of the dangers posed by carbon monoxide. Make sure your heating systems (including hot water systems) are in proper operating condition. Have them serviced by a licenced heating professional to be safe. The EPA has a great resource of information on carbon monoxide http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Sources of Carbon Monoxide

Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment;automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if theflue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source.

Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide

At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal.

Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.

• Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
• Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
• Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
• Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
• Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-upcentral heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
• Do not idle the car inside garage.

About Carbon Monoxide Detectors

CPSC Recommends Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Every Home (January 18, 2001 CPSC Release # 01-069)

TheU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. CPSC also urges consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel- burning appliances -- including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, and space heaters -- to detect deadly carbon monoxide leaks. CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm that meets the requirements of the most recentUnderwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard. www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01069.html

Product Safety Tips - Carbon Monoxide Alarms - www.ul.com/consumers/co.html Underwriters' Laboratory

"Your Home and Your Health" www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/index.cfm Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

"What You Need to Know about Carbon Monoxide Detectors" www.chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa092202a.htm About.com

Disposing of Smoke Detectors - www.epa.gov/radiation/sources/smoke_dispose.html - EPA's Radiation Protection Division

MASSACHUSETTS NEW CARBON MONOXIDE LAW:

WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO KNOW

(Information is available for MA Landlords at

www.marealtor.com)

On March 31, 2006

, all homes in the Commonwealth equipped with fuel burning equipment that produces carbon monoxideor which have indoor parking (a garage) adjacent to living areas will be required to have Carbon Monoxide detectorsinstalled. The law, and the regulations that implement it, apply to ALL homes and not just those that are being sold.

What kind of Carbon Monoxide Detectors must I install in my home & how should I install a Carbon

Monoxide Detector?

The law provides a choice to homeowners to install, by March 31, 2006, their choice of either battery operated, plug-in with battery back-up, wireless detectors, a combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector, or hard-wired detectors. These detectors must be in compliance with Underwriter Laboratories (UL) standard 2034. The package the detector is sold in will indicate whether it meets this standard. CO alarms should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Note: There are specific requirements for combination alarms, before purchasing one please review the requirements of combination alarms with your local fire department. Like its inspections for smoke detectors, the local fire department is required to inspect each dwelling for compliance with the carbon monoxide law before sale.