How to Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Name: Vargas & Vargas Insurance
Address: 1133 Washington St, Dorchester, MA, 02124
Telephone: 617-298-0655

Posted on July 6, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Does your home need a dash of glamour? Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home, or you’re just looking to spruce up the outside of your abode, we’ve got some tips that will help you get your home looking fantastic in no time flat. Improve just a few of these areas, and you’ll notice a difference – heed all of these suggestions and your home may look so great that you don’t recognize it when you’re done!

The Front Door

One of the easiest and most impactful changes that you can make to your home in no time flat is to spruce up your front door. Make sure it is clean and fresh. Give it a new coat of paint if the New England weather is starting to take its toll, or simply add a classy door knocker or seasonal wreath to add a special touch to the focal point of your entry area.

The Entry Area

While you’re working on the front door, add some symmetry to the rest of your entry area. A pair of statues or topiaries can make this area seem fresh and clean. Also make sure to keep your front porch or stoop swept of debris. Adding some new light fixtures will take some extra effort, but can greatly increase your home’s curb appeal.

The Mailbox

When driving up to your home, the first thing that people often notice is the mailbox. Whether your current box needs a fresh coat of paint, or you want to replace your current box with something more sophisticated, a little bit of “TLC” will help freshen things up. Just remember that your mailbox should have the same style as your home – a lovely home that is hundreds of years old would need a classic mailbox (something modern would probably look severely out of place).

The Lawn and Walkways

Another great way to improve your home’s curb appeal is to freshen up your lawn and walkways. Make sure that grass is fresh and no dead spots are visible. Walkways should be clear of debris, level, and crack-free. Add some small solar powered lights along sidewalks and driveways for an instant boost.

Flowers and Greenery

Nothing increases the attractiveness of a home quite like greenery. If you have a green thumb, do some gardening this summer and add some color to your front yard. If, on the other hand, you need some help when it comes to choosing plants and keeping them healthy, call on our friends at Cedar Grove Gardens for advice about anything from houseplants to growing a garden. Even just a window box or potted plant will take your home’s curb appeal to the next level.

If you have a few extra minutes to spend on your home when you’re done improving its curb appeal, why not improve your Massachusetts home insurance policy? With one quick call to the experts here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, you can get a free review of your current policy, or a quote for something new.

Have a Safe and Fun Fourth of July

Posted on July 3, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

On the fourth day of July each year, we celebrate Independence Day – the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This year, we will celebrate America’s 239^th birthday, and we will do so in style! No matter what your plans are for this year’s Independence Day celebrations, make sure that you put safety first! Here are a few safety tips for the most popular Fourth of July activities:

Sun and Water Safety

Enjoy the warm weather without exposing yourself to dangerous rays – limit your sun exposure during peak hours (between 10 am and 4 pm) and make sure that you are wearing sun protection, including hats, sleeved shirts, and sunscreen. Also brush up on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Make sure that you and your party also have plenty of fluids while spending time out in the heat.

If you’re thinking of hitting the pool over the holiday weekend (or any time this summer) make sure that you follow Vargas and Vargas Insurance’s Swimming Safety Tips for Summer, including supervising children at all times, enrolling in swimming or water safety classes, having the right tools when around water, and more.

Grilling Safety

Are you planning to break out the grill for an Independence Day BBQ? Whether you’re just making lunch for your family or hosting a party, make sure that you follow these basic safety tips:

Supervise grill when hot
Never grill indoors or near flammable objects
Ensure that pets and children stay away from the grill
Use utensils with long handles for grilling
When in doubt, follow your grill’s manufacturer’s instructions

When the cooking is done, you should also ensure that your food doesn’t sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. At that time, it could begin to go bad and could cause distress to those that consume it. Before your two hours is up, either refrigerate your leftovers or throw away anything that’s not been eaten.

Fireworks Safety

According to MGL Chapter 148, S. 39, “It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts, or to purchase them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect.” The penalty for possession or use of a firework is confiscation of the fireworks and a fine of $10 to $100.

If you want to watch a traditional fireworks display for the Fourth, check out the list of fireworks shows in the area from Mass.gov. If you attend one of these shows, make sure that you stay in the designated viewing area, a safe distance from the fireworks themselves.

Events in Boston

If you’re looking for plans for the Fourth this year, you’re in luck! There are tons of events going on in Boston, like the 2015 Boston Harborfest, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, and more!

From all of us here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we hope that you have a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend. If you have any insurance concerns, please call us at 617-298-0655 during regular business hours, or call our 24/7 CSR hotline at 866-760-1442 in an emergency. Also “Like” our Facebook Page for links to our blog posts and interesting information, which we encourage you to share with your friends and family.

Ten Reasons to Support Local Businesses

Posted on July 1, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we love to support local businesses. After all, local businesses are what make our neighborhoods unique! It may be convenient to go to a chain store where you can get everything that you need in one stop, but next time you go out shopping, consider shopping at local businesses.

Here are ten good reasons why you should make your next trip out a small business shopping experience from our friends at Sustainable Connections:

Strengthen your local community – When you patronize local business, more of your money stays in the community, being used to support other small businesses rather than going to national chains and lining the pockets of big-wig CEOs.
Support community nonprofits – Local businesses are approximately 250% more likely than larger businesses to give to non-profit organizations. Shopping at small businesses helps your community in so many ways!
Keep the community unique – Every city has the same national chains. It’s the locally owned businesses that distinguish our community from all the others.
Decrease environmental harm – Local businesses typically buy local – this means less sprawl, less congestion, less habitat loss, and less pollution than when you purchase from a large chain.
Create more local jobs – Small businesses are the largest employer nationally when considered as a whole. Spending your money locally ensures more jobs stay in our neighborhoods.
Get better service – Local businesses have a reputation for hiring the best employees – they don’t settle for any warm body.
Invest in the community’s future – Small businesses are an integral part of any community, and they tend to be invested in the community’s future. It’s why we attend and sponsor so many community events here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency!
Use your taxes wisely – Because small businesses are, well… smaller… they use less infrastructure than their national counterparts. This means that your tax dollars will go further if you support small businesses.
Ensure innovation and competition – Local businesses sell products based on the needs of the community, not as the nation (or world). This means that the products sold at small businesses will be better tailored to meet your needs as a consumer.
Encourage community prosperity – Did you know that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to settle in communities that back small businesses.

If you’re interested in supporting businesses in your area, consider joining a Cash Mob. A Cash Mob is an organized event designed to increase revenue at pre-chosen local businesses, like shops, restaurants, and more. Visit the Vargas and Vargas Insurance website’s Cash Mob page for more information, and to find links to the Dorchester and Stoughton Cash Mob Facebook Pages.

Continue to support local Massachusetts businesses by purchasing your insurance through Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. We provide local consumers with top of the line home, auto, life, business insurance, and much more. Simply call 617-298-0655 and one of our agents will get to know you and assess your unique insurance needs. Don’t wait any longer – call now!

Avoid These Unexpected Wedding Expenses

Posted on June 29, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Avoid These Unexpected Wedding Expenses

It’s wedding season once again. If you’re planning to walk down the aisle in the near future, you’re probably already aware that the average cost of a wedding is over $25,000. Even frugal weddings cost thousands of dollars nowadays, so if you want to have all of the fun and romance without the inflated bill, be aware of these costs that you may not expect, and be prepared to deal with them accordingly.

The Venue

If you’re planning to rent out a location for your wedding, be prepared to pay for it, especially in peak season. If you’re looking to save some money, plan your wedding in an off-peak month, or on a weeknight when the venue won’t have as much demand. People planning smaller weddings can also consider getting married at home, or at a local park – just be prepared to pay for chair and table rentals.

The Flowers

Between the bride’s bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, and boutonnieres, you’re probably racking up quite a floral tab. And if you want to add corsages and boutonnieres for the moms and dads? What about floral centerpieces at the reception? To save some money on flowers, cut down on how many you will need. Consider building the bouquets and boutonnieres yourself (it isn’t all that difficult) with flowers from a local florist.

The Photographs

Your wedding photographs are pictures that you will look back on for a lifetime, so you want to make sure that they’re good. If you have a friend or relative that has a nice camera, consider paying them to take your portraits. There are also services like WedPics that will allow guest to upload their pictures of the wedding.

The Bar

It’s an endless debate – do you offer an open bar at your wedding, or make your guest pay for their drinks? If you want to offer drinks without spending too much, consider only supplying beer and wine, or only offering an open bar for a few hours before switching to a cash bar.

The Catering

Catering is often second on the list of highest wedding costs. Avoid breaking the bank by cutting back on your catering costs – serve three courses instead of five, or offer only fish and chicken instead of paying for costlier beef dinners. You could also save by opting to have your wedding earlier in the day and serving lunch instead.

The Miscellaneous Costs

The truly unexpected costs are the ones that will end up derailing your wedding budget. Be prepared beforehand, though, and you won’t be surprised. Remember that it’s customary to tip venue staff and vendors 10% – 20%, account for dress alterations, and remember to ask if your ceremony or reception venue charges parking fees.

If you want to protect all of the money that you’re planning to spend on your wedding, call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655 and ask about a wedding or special event insurance policy. The insurance experts here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance want to help protect you from your engagement to your special day and beyond!

Five Things You Should Know About Your Home Insurance

Posted on June 24, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

You know that you need home insurance, but how much do you know about your policy? Do you know what your policy does (and doesn’t) cover? Do you know why you should keep your home up to date on maintenance, or what you can do to lower your premium? Find the answers to these questions and more below, and make sure to call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency with your home insurance questions.

What your policy covers.

Every policy is different, but the basic coverage types in a Massachusetts home insurance policy are the same. Your policy will probably cover your property and your possessions in the event of theft, vandalism, fire, and certain storms. It will also probably afford you some liability protection and shelter costs in the event that you are forced to temporarily reside elsewhere.

What your policy doesn’t cover.

On the other hand, you should know what’s not covered under your home insurance policy. If you want coverage for events like earthquakes or floods, you will need supplemental insurance policies. Similarly, if you have valuable items like jewelry, art, or antiques, talk to a Massachusetts insurance expert about adding these items to your home insurance policy with a floater or valuable items policy.

Why good maintenance is important.

As a smart consumer, you’ve probably realized that your insurance provider would rather have issues prevented before they become claims. Catching small problems before they escalate will mean savings for both you and your insurance provider, so make sure to stick to your home’s maintenance calendar, and have all major systems inspected by a professional annually. These two actions will help you catch small issues.

Also make sure to keep an eye on your meters – if, for instance, your water bill starts to skyrocket for no apparent reason, you could have a leak on your hand, which you should have inspected right away.

What you can do to reduce your premium.

Just as it’s important to keep up with your home’s maintenance, you should take other preventative actions in your home. Some of these actions may even get you a discount on your home insurance premium! Depending on your insurance provider, these preventative discounts could apply to homes with:

Fire alarm and/or smoke detector
Burglar alarms and/or security systems
Deadbolt locks for all outer doors
A pool cover or child-safe pool fence

To find out if you are eligible for any of these home insurance discounts, contact your Massachusetts insurance agent today.

Why you should shop around.

You shop around when you’re looking for a new home, and you need to do the same with your home insurance policy. Shopping around helps ensure that you get the right coverage for your unique needs, and ensures that the price that you pay fits your budget.

If you need help shopping around for a Massachusetts home insurance quote, just call Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency at 617-298-0655. We can get quotes from several insurance providers and will help you select the one that’s right for you and your loved ones.

Do These Things Before Leaving for a Vacation

Posted on June 22, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Summer vacation is finally here – are you planning a family trip? Many families will be taking advantage of school breaks and beautiful weather to go somewhere and make memories.

Whether you’re staying close to home with a trip to Cape Cod or the Berkshires, or leaving for a cross country or international trip, make sure that you make a detailed checklist of the things that you need to do before you leave. Every family’s checklist will be different, but here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Check to make sure that all bills are taken care of for the entire time that you will be gone. Send in payments early or schedule automatic payments so that you won’t come back facing late fees.
Contact your local post office to put a hold on your mail, and stop newspaper deliveries. Nothing tells a burglar that you’re away quite like an overflowing mailbox or pile of old papers.
Clean out your wallet or purse of all unnecessary items. This includes credit cards and rewards cards that you won’t need. While you’re at it, make sure to write down emergency contact information and keep it in a safe place. Also give a copy to a neighbor or family member.
Carry copies of important documents with you when you travel. This can mean passports for international trips, or credit cards for domestic and international travel.
Call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you will be travelling. They will often put a note on your account so that your card isn’t frozen for suspicious activity. Some institutions will even let you do this online.
Purchase travel snacks and entertainment. Nothing busts a vacation budget quite like needing to purchase food and entertainment while you travel. Instead, pack a travel bag full of healthy snacks and several entertainment options from home.
Before you leave your home, make sure that your electronics are fully charged, and that your chargers are packed in an easy-to-reach place. You may even want to invest in an extra battery or a portable charger for your devices.
Tidy your home. It doesn’t have to sparkle, but there’s something to be said for coming home to an organized place. Take out the trash and clean out the fridge before you leave, and pick up any noticeable clutter. Extra kudos if you’re able to clean the sheets and do some laundry!
Take a walk around your home and power off or unplug everything you can. Obviously things like your fridge need to keep running, but the more that you can unplug the less you will spend on phantom energy, and the lower your chances of a spontaneous electrical fire while you’re away.

Of course, as Massachusetts insurance experts, we always encourage our clients to make a quick call to our agency before leaving for a trip to ensure that your policies will protect you while you’re away. For a quick and free review of your home insurance, just call 617-298-0655. Also make sure that you get an auto insurance review if you’re taking a road trip or parking your car at the airport for an extended period of time.

What to Do with Specialized Waste in Boston

Posted on June 19, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Boston is a beautiful city, and here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency, we do everything that we can to keep it beautiful. To keep the city looking its best, make sure that you properly dispose of all your waste. For specialized items, check out our handy guide below that will show you the best way to get rid of some trickier items.

Recyclables

Many items are recyclable here in Boston, including the traditional items like newspaper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum cans, and more. In addition, the city also added two new items to the recyclable list: cardboard spiral cans (like those used for potato chips, coffee, and nuts) and rigid plastics (laundry baskets, toys, etc.).

Items like Styrofoam, light bulbs, food waste, televisions and computer monitors, and plastic bags should not be recycled. Please visit the Recyclable Materials page on cityofboston.gov for a full list of recyclable (and non-recyclable) materials. We recommend printing out this list and putting it in a visible place so that you know what you can recycle.

Leaves and Yard Waste

From the first week of April until the end of the first week of December, the city of Boston will collect yard waste and debris. Yard waste collection is on the same day as your recycling day during select weeks. Make sure that you place leaves and yard waste in large paper leaf bags or open barrels (do not use plastic bags). Tie large branches together with a string and place them alongside other debris. Make sure that all of this is curbside and ready for collection before 7am on your yard waste pickup day.

Paint and Motor Oil

If you have paint or used motor oil that you wish to dispose of, bring them to one of the many Paint Swaps held throughout the months of May, June, July, and August in the Greater Boston Area. Drop off paint that you no longer want, or pick up free paint that someone else can’t use. They will also take used motor oil for proper disposal.

Hazardous Waste

If you have hazardous waste, plan to visit one of the City of Boston’s Hazardous Waste Disposal and Paper Shredding events. They hold several each year in various parts of the city. Drop off your hazardous materials, and also any sensitive documents that you would like to have shredded. Hazardous materials include aerosol cans, flammable liquids, pool chemicals, pesticides, chlorine bleach, gasoline, and much more – visit the event page for a complete list.

If you have prescription medications that you want to dispose of safely, there are Drug Disposal Kiosks at several local district police stations. They are available for public use 24/7. These kiosks are both anonymous and environmentally friendly.

If there is an item not covered here that you want to get rid of, you can look up instructions on the City of Boston Household Waste Lookup Page. Just input the name of the item that you’re interested in, and you should get instructions on how to recycle or dispose of it. For more tips about how to dispose of specialized waste and keep Boston beautiful, stay tuned to the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Blog.

Do You Make These 4 Cleaning Mistakes?

Posted on June 17, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

4 cleaning mistakes Keeping your home clean and organized is a constant battle for most people. It may seem like each time you clean something, it’s dirty again in no time. It turns out that you may be making some cardinal cleaning mistakes! Almost everyone will admit to believing at least one (if not several) of these four cleaning myths. Read more about what you could be doing wrong, as well as the truth behind the lies, below:

Myth 1: Only expensive products can clean your oven properly.

It’s nearly impossible to keep an oven clean. No matter how diligent you are, something is bound to overflow and make a mess on the bottom of your oven. Fear not, though – it turns out that you can clean your oven with materials that you have in your home already. All you need is baking soda, vinegar, water, and some patience. With this method, you can clean the grime off of your oven without using harsh chemicals.

Myth 2: Don’t wash cast iron pans.

Cast iron pans are made out of iron (obviously), and iron and water are enemies, right? If you let your cast iron pans soak you will end up with rusty pans that you can’t use. But did you know that you can use water to clean your cast iron as long as you make sure to dry the pans thoroughly afterwards? The Kitchn recommends setting your clean and empty pan on the stove over low heat to ensure that it dries fully.

Myth 3: A clean pillowcase means a clean pillow.

Most people throw pillowcases in when washing their sheets and then consider their pillows clean. It turns out that some skin cells and facial oils will leak through your pillow case and into your pillow, so you need to clean the pillow itself at least twice a year. Down and fiberfill pillows can be run through the washing machine, and foam pillows can be vacuumed or run through a no heat dryer cycle.

Myth 4: You need to get rid of all the germs and have everything sparkle.

We’re brought up to think that germs are the enemy. They’re micro-invaders that come into our homes and make us sick. It turns out that letting a few germs slide could be a good thing, though. In fact, some studies say that being exposed to some germs builds up a person’s immune system. In a recent study by Northwestern University, it was found that children that were exposed to germs and got sick more as toddlers had less inflammation in adulthood. So clean your home, but don’t feel like you need to eliminate every last germ from your home.

And if you’re looking to keep your home protected against more than just dirt and germs, speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent about getting a Massachusetts home insurance policy. With one quick call to 617-298-0655, you can learn about how to get coverage and financial protection against a range of potential hazards, including theft, fire, and much more.

Spotlight: The Vargas Insurance Mobile App

Posted on June 15, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

Nowadays, there is an app for everything – this is truer than ever now that the Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency mobile application has launched! Here at Vargas and Vargas, we want to be there for you around the clock, and now we’re one step closer – get the Vargas and Vargas app, and you will have Vargas and Vargas Insurance at your fingertips any time of the day or night. The app has several great features, including:

Mobile Access to Your Insurance Information

When you download the Vargas and Vargas Insurance app, you will always have your insurance information available. When you’re on the go and need your proof of auto insurance or personal property coverage information, you can access that without even having to call. If you do need to call, we’ve still got you covered – the app will give you all of our contact information, and even links to our Social Media profiles. You can even find out when your next bill is due, all from your smartphone.

Auto Accident Help

Most people get a little frazzled when they get into a car accident. When you have the Vargas and Vargas Insurance app on your phone, though, you’ll be prepared. Our app will help you get in touch with your agent, and can even help you gather the information that you will need in order to file an auto insurance claim with your cell phone!

A Home Inventory Tool

Your home or renters insurance policy likely covers the replacement cost of your belongings, but if a total loss were to occur, could you make a complete list of your possessions from memory? With a home inventory, you can have all of your belongings (along with their values and other information) on file with your insurance agency. Get the app today and start your home inventory to ensure peace of mind. Your inventory will be stored in the cloud, keeping it safe so that it will be there if you ever need it.

And Much More!

But wait! There’s more – in addition to all of the great features listed above, the Vargas and Vargas Insurance mobile app will give you the ability to keep track of your IDs, call a tow truck, get you directions if you get lost, and can aid you in calling for help in an emergency. With all of these great features, it should be clear why you need to add our app to your smartphone. Read more on how to get the app below.

How to Get the App

Visit the App page on our website and fill out the box labeled “Request Our App!” on the right hand side of the page. You will receive an email with links to download the App from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store – it’s that simple! In just a few short minutes, you could have all of these features and more at your fingertips, so don’t delay. If you need assistance in getting the app, call our office at 617-298-0655 – one of our agents would be happy to walk you through the process step by step.

Medical Insurance Tip: Outdoor Summer Exercise

Posted on June 12, 2015April 2, 2017 by cvargas

outdoor summer exercise

Running and walking are great ways to get some exercise this time of year, especially if you are feeling cooped up and want to enjoy the beautiful summer weather. For those of you who may be thinking of taking part in outdoor summer exercise, make sure that you follow these five tips from the Massachusetts medical insurance experts in order to stay healthy and happy:

Exercise during Non-Peak Hours

We may live in the Northeast, but it can still get very hot here in Massachusetts. If you want to do your exercise outside and enjoy the nice weather, plan to do so in either the morning or the evening. This will ensure that you’re not outside at the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 am and 3 pm), when heat exhaustion and heat stroke are more prevalent.

Studies have found that exercising first thing in the morning takes advantage of the early spike in hormones, and also will leave you more focused and energized for the rest of the day, as well as an improved mood.

Hydration is Key

It is easy to become dehydrated when exercising in the heat. To ensure that your body has enough water to accommodate your workout, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time outdoors. While exercising, you should be taking a drink at least every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Also make sure that your system is getting electrolytes, which can be found in many popular sports drinks.

Choose the Right Gear

When dressing for your workout, make sure that you wear loose clothing to aid the evaporation of sweat and keep you cool. Choosing to wear light colors will also aid in the reflection of heat. You may also want to try clothing specifically designed for workouts, which are often designed to keep you cool and dry.

Protect Your Skin

As top notch Massachusetts medical insurance providers, we know the importance of skin protection here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. Whenever you are outside, you should be looking to protect your skin. Wearing shirts with sleeves will protect your shoulders, and a hat will protect your face. Also make sure to always wear high SPF sunscreen when you are outside, and make an effort to do your workout in a shady area or trail to avoid direct sun exposure.

Watch for Warning Signs

One of the best pieces of advice that you will receive in regards to exercising outdoors is this: listen to your body. If you ever feel nauseous, dizzy, or faint, stop your workout immediately and seek out shelter. If symptoms continue, see a medical professional for help.

If you’re serious about doing the best for your body, make sure that you have a top of the line medical insurance policy from Vargas and Vargas Insurance Agency. One of our qualified and knowledgeable agents can provide a review of your current health insurance policy, or a quote for a new medical insurance policy with all the coverage you need. Just call 617-298-0655 to speak with a Vargas and Vargas Insurance representative.

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