As a business owner, you do everything in your power to make sure that your business is marketed to as many potential clients as possible. You may do this through word of mouth advertising, running advertisements in local papers, or through the power of social media.

The next step in your business plan should be to close the deal. You must show your customers that the product or service you provide is valuable, and that they will miss out if they decide to pass you up on your offerings.

If you aren’t trained or practiced in sales techniques, here are some tips on how you can show potential clients the value of your business:

Give the buyer choices

Not every one of your customers will be looking for a premium, all-inclusive package. If you offer different tiers of your products or services, you can broaden your business’s customer base. For example, Vargas and Vargas Insurance offers business insurance policies that can be customized to fit the needs and the budget of any Massachusetts business that needs proper coverage and protection.

Quantify the buyer’s benefits

In this day and age, everything centers around a purchase’s ROI, or return on investment. In layman’s terms, this is exactly how much benefit a client will get from a purchase. If a customer perceives a deal to have a positive ROI, they are much more likely to buy from you.

Your business can leverage this fact by making ROI a selling point of your products or services. When speaking to a potential customer, outline all the benefits your product. It can help even more if you can quantify these benefits. Showing concrete evidence to support the products or services you sell can help you take a huge step toward making a sale.

Show the buyer their potential losses

If a customer won’t make the deal based solely on what they will gain, sometimes you can tip the scale in your favor by also showing them what they will lose. 

It is not uncommon for a customer to shy away from making a rushed decision, and for good reason – rash decisions can lead to negative consequences. Your job, though, is to make sure that your customers know what they’re going to lose if they delay acting on your offer. Make your examples specific too: explain their potential losses of reputation, profits, quality of life, or anything else that your product or service stands to improve.

If you and your business are able to take advantage of these three simple tips, you will start to close sales like a pro. With some training for your staff and a little practice, you could see your business’s sales and profits start to slowly rise over time. 

You can even take this opportunity one step further by encouraging your buyers to tell their friends about your products. After all, every business owner knows that the benefits of word of mouth advertising can be astronomical!

Call the Vargas & Vargas Insurance staff today to review your business insurance. You want to put your business in a position to sustain itself in case of an insurance loss. Contact us at 877.550.0025.

Photo Credit: Victor1558 / Foter.Com / CC BY

It’s that time of year already! The Boston Marathon is right around the corner. Many people wonder why anyone would run more than 26 miles just ‘for fun.’ The truth is, running can be a great way to exercise, lose weight, and reduce stress, among many other reasons.

You don’t need to be marathon ready to reap the benefits, however. Start slowly and build yourself up. Your body will start conditioning right away, and you will be able to exercise longer and longer as you build up muscle and endurance. 

Ready to give running a try? Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:

How to Get Started

Before you hit the pavement, there is one piece of equipment that you will need; good running shoes. Take heed – this does not mean those old tennis shoes that have been buried in your closet for the last 10 years. Your shoes will be your foundation, so you need to make sure that they are solid. If you need help picking out a new pair, check out this guide from REI.

Once you have the right shoes, you need the right mindset. It’s easy to get overly excited when you start something new. Reign in your energy, and start slow. It is important to let your body ease into the effort that running takes. Start out running for a few minutes, then walking for a few minutes. As that process gets easier, you can increase the amount of time you run in each set. Eventually you will be able to run outright. 

Running Safety Tips

Before you do your running for the day, make sure that you stretch out your muscles first. A few minutes of walking and another few minutes of stretches can significantly reduce your risk of injury while you run.

In addition, there are a few safety precautions that you should take depending on where you choose to run:

If you are a treadmill runner, make sure that you are familiar with your machine. Read all of its instructions before you begin, and always wear the safety key if one is available. Also make sure that your treadmill is in a safe place, and away from children, pets, and fragile objects. 

Outdoor runners have a few more safety concerns. If outdoor running is more your style, make sure that you follow this list of safety tips:

• Ensure that you are visible. Wear reflective or bright clothing so that drivers can see you easily.
• Carry the essentials. While you want to run as unburdened as possible, you should always carry identification (like this Shoe ID) and a cell phone. In case of emergency, you may also wish to carry a small amount of cash or an ATM card.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t tune out the world if you run outdoors. You need to pay attention to what is going on around you! Make sure that you can hear everything as well – don’t blast music or an audio book, as it could hinder your ability to hear car horns or other pedestrians.
• Tell someone where you will be. It is important that someone know the route you will be taking, in case of emergency. If possible, leave a map of your course with a friend or family member.

If you follow these tips and guidelines, you can start reaping the health benefits right away! Running can help you burn fat, improve coordination and versatility, relieve stress, and prevent loss of bone and muscle, among many other factors.

Running is even so beneficial that it can help you to prevent medical catastrophes such as heart attacks, stroke, and certain types of cancer. We know that you are protected by your health insurance if these conditions were to affect you, but wouldn’t you rather prevent them in the first place? If you do need to discuss your health insurance coverage, please call our office at 877.550.0025.

Photo credit: KJohansson/Foter.com/CC BY 

It doesn’t matter whether you run a construction site or an office building – there is always the chance that one of your employees could be injured while at work. As an employer, it is your responsibility to make sure that your workplace follows the laws and regulations established by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Even when all these guidelines are followed, though, there is the chance that an employee could get hurt.

If an incident were to occur under your watch, would you know how to handle the situation correctly? Here are the steps you should take to ensure that an accident in the workplace is handled properly:

Get the injured employee medical attention

The most important part of the process is making sure that your employee is given the appropriate medical attention. If the injury needs immediate attention, call an ambulance right away. Remember, if you are on the fence about getting emergency medical help, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

If your employee’s injury does not require immediate attention, you should still encourage them to seek medical care from an approved provider as soon as possible.

Know your role in the claim process

In the event of an accident in your workplace, you have a few very important responsibilities. It is up to you to act as a liaison between your injured employee and your workers compensation insurance provider, ensuring that all of the correct paperwork is completed correctly and in a timely manner. 

If you have questions about your role in the event of an incident, you can always call 877-550-0025 to speak to a Vargas and Vargas insurance agent. We can help provide the expertise you need when it comes to filing insurance claims like these.

Gather all the facts about the incident

Take the time to gather all the information you can about the accident. Cover all of your bases by collecting the following:

• The injured employee’s account of the incident.
• Reports from anyone that witnessed the accident.
• Photos or video of the area where the accident occurred.

The more information you have, the easier it will be for you to fill out your claim form!

Complete your own report about the accident

The Employer’s Report of Accident is your opportunity to tell your side of the story. Using all the facts that you gathered in the previous step, you need to tell the insurance company what you know. This is also where you can indicate if you think there is any validity to your employee’s claim. 

Once this section of the workers’ compensation form is filled out, your insurance agent should be ready to officially file your employee’s claim.

Manage the claim process

Once your claim is filed, you could wait up to 90 days to find out whether it has been approved or denied. During this time, it is important for you to stay on top of the process. Make sure that any questions or requests from your insurance provider are answered in a timely manner, and make sure to also check on your employee’s recovery. 

If you follow all five of these steps after an employee is injured, you should be able to breeze through the workers’ compensation claim process. And remember, Vargas and Vargas Insurance is here to help if you get lost or stuck along the way!

While it (finally) seems time to put away the snow shovels, scientists around the world warn that blockbuster storms such as Nemo and Saturn are likely to become the norm. Weather patterns currently are in a state of upheaval, bringing with them more powerful storms, floods and droughts. So, how will the climate change affect homeowners insurance, and what can you do to protect your home?

While the full extent of the climate change remains unclear, it does increase your home’s exposure to potential storm-related damages. Currently, insurers price winter storms into their home policies. Yet these recent storms have caused damages that extend beyond those covered in typical policies. As a result, it is likely that homeowners insurance rates will inflate in upcoming years to account for the increased damage potential. Therefore, it is important to take certain precautions to keep your house protected and your costs down.

Reduce the risk of tree damage. Spending a little money now may stop a tree from turning into a big cost later. Schedule regular maintenance, and have your trees inspected on average every five years. If a branch is hanging within 10 feet of your house or in need of buttressing, the arborist will arrange for workers to fix it before it becomes a danger next winter. While this means you need to budget for maintenance, CNN Money cites the trees will more than cover those costs over time. For example, larger trees provide protection from basement flooding; their shade can reduce air conditioning costs, and they block harsh winter winds that make the house colder and raise heating expenses. 

For tree maintenance services in and around Boston, visit the YellowPages.

Prevent ice dams. Ice dams form when warm air leaks through your roof and melts the snow, which refreezes when it reaches the roof’s cold overhang. This causes water to back up and leak into the home, ruining walls, ceilings and insulation. Fortunately, this damage is preventable by ensuring that your roof is properly insulated and ventilated. Center-Point Energy and Energy Star are good resources for show how to do the project yourself. Or, for trusted businesses in the area that can help with insulation, visit Superpages.

Additionally, having a properly insulated and ventilated roof will do more than prevent ice dams and protect your home from next winter’s damage. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, a well-insulated roof can drastically reduce your heating and cooling needs along with your electricity bill and your home’s emissions. For more ways to make your roof energy-efficient, visit the Green Home Guide. 

Protect against high winds. According to FEMA, protecting your home from damages that high wind speeds cause is one of the most important tasks you can do to avoid nightmare costs and perils. Make sure to check that your doors, windows, roof and garage – which are the areas of weakness against the wind – are secure and strong enough to withstand high speeds. You may have to purchase reinforcing bolt kits for doors, especially ones that are double entry.  It also is a good idea to get storm shutters, but check with your local building official first to see if a building permit is required. In addition to buttressing your doors and windows from high winds, Against the Wind details how to protect your roof and garage. 

Furthermore, it is a good idea to speak with your insurance agent to ensure your homeowners insurance policy provides you with the right coverage for your area. We can also assist you with coverages you may need in addition to your homeowners policy.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is dedicated to meeting all of your coverage needs at a price you can afford. Call and speak with a friendly agent today at 877-550-0025.

Everyone has to deal with stress occasionally. It is an unavoidable part of life. In small doses stress can act as a stimulant, encouraging hard work and completion of tasks. In large or constant doses, though, stress can be a very negative influence on your health. 

Stress can manifest itself for a number of different reasons. New responsibilities at work, moving to a new place, and changes in relationships are just some of the reasons that adults succumb to stress. Children can also suffer from anxiety when they change schools, get too little sleep, or have trouble with friends or classmates. No one is exempt from the dangers of stress.

People who suffer from high amounts of anxiety can suffer from symptoms that include:

• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Low energy levels
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite
• Overwhelmed feeling
• Low self esteem

The items listed are just a small portion of the full list of the possible signs of stress. If you notice that you are suffering from these symptoms because of a high level of stress, talk to your doctor about what you can do to decrease your stress levels. Your doctor may suggest some stress relief methods and coping strategies. These typically come in two distinct families:

Relax your Mind

There are many ways that you can relax your mind. The key to helping relieve your stress is to find out what works best for you. Some people find relief in cathartic methods, such as talking to people about their stressors. The person you talk to can be almost anyone – a family member, a friend, a counselor or therapist, or a clergy member can all provide a listening ear. 

If you need to express your feelings, but don’t feel comfortable divulging your feelings, you may find a journal can provide you with a sense of release as well.

You can also relax your mind with other activities, such as:

• Meditation
• Guided imagery
• Volunteering
• Creative outlets
• Hobbies

Try a few of these stress relief methods, and see which become part of your routine. 

Relax Your Body

In addition to relaxing your mind, relaxing your body is an important part of stress relief. One of the most common means of body relaxation is regular exercise. In addition to making sure that you are in good physical condition, exercise can be a great way to release stress.

Other techniques that can help relax your body include:

• Breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Everyday physical activities (housecleaning, yard work, etc.)
• Yoga, tai chi, or other mind and body exercises

In addition to these ways to de-stress, there are a few things that you can do now that will help you avoid some stressors all together. Make sure that you have healthy eating and sleeping habits, and try to find a healthy work/life balance. Get yourself organized, and make sure that you and your family are protected, even in your worst-case scenarios.

One of the best ways to make sure that you avoid stress later in life is with insurance policies! They can provide peace of mind that you just can’t find anywhere else, and they can help you protect every part of your life – your health, your home and car, your business, and much more!

If you want to learn more about how you can achieve serenity with insurance protection, call 877-550-0025 now. A Vargas and Vargas Insurance agent can help you through the process of protecting yourself and your family against the possible stresses of the future.

Since its enactment in 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, has been steadily changing health care throughout the country. By the time it is fully implemented in 2014, every American will be affected. While the reform’s aspects are expansive – and seemingly complex – it is important to understand how its changes affect you and your family.

ObamaCare’s goal is to provide affordable, quality health care to all Americans. To do this, the following are some of the changes taking place in our country’s health care system:

New Protections: Health insurance policies used to have lifetime limits on how much insurance companies would pay for an individual’s medical bills. This often meant people with serious or long-term illnesses would go into debt because their coverage would run out. Now, these lifetime limits are illegal. Additionally, if you get sick or have a pre-existing condition, insurers can no longer choose to cancel or deny your policy. 

However, it is important to note that insurers still can place limitations on other aspects, such as length of hospital stays and office visits, and you should review your specific policy to know what restrictions apply to you. 

Broader Benefits: To help keep long-term medical costs down, ObamaCare focuses on making prevention and primary care accessible to all. Now, all preventive care and annual check-ups are fully covered at no cost to you within your health plan’s network. Examples of preventive care include free cancer screenings, wellness visits, personalized prevention plans, vaccines and flu shots. Additionally, the cost share will be waived for certain prescriptions, such as birth control, should your program allow it. 

Expanding Coverage: Under ObamaCare, millions more seniors on Medicare are going to be able to afford their prescriptions. This is because the reform is striving to eliminate the “donut hole”, which has hindered many seniors’ ability to purchase necessary prescriptions. In addition, children can stay on their parents’ health plans until age 26. This gives them more time to establish themselves financially before taking on the responsibility of paying for their own insurance. 

However, many people are concerned about how these changes affect them financially. Beginning in 2014, an “individual mandate” will require most Americans to have qualifying health insurance or possibly pay a tax if they do not comply. The reasoning? Because insurers cannot exclude anyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions, not requiring insurance would drive the cost of coverage up even higher, according to Consumer Reports.

Visit the NFIB for more information about the mandate and its exemptions.

So, how is ObamaCare striving to make the required health care affordable?

Personal Tax Breaks: Many Americans will receive tax breaks when purchasing health insurance on the upcoming online marketplaces called the ObamaCare Exchange. Shoppers will be able to use a price calculator to find the best deal for them and their families. Furthermore, the marketplaces will streamline and simplify the application process.

New Discounts: For those who qualify, discounts and subsidies will be offered to help pay medical expenses. Medicaid will be offered to more individuals, and young adults in particular will have more options to afford care. For example, they will be able to buy subsidized private insurance or health plans that cover essential benefits and three primary care visits a year. While these plans may have higher cost-sharing expenses for certain services, annual premiums are likely to be lower. 

To get an estimate of the discount you might have coming to you and review your qualifications, visit the Kaiser Family Foundation.

However, it is important to note that ObamaCare’s changes are ongoing and not fully implemented as of 2013. Therefore, for individuals whose employers do not offer insurance or are self-insured, it is a good idea to discuss options for personal health insurance policies with your insurance agent.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance is committed to helping you understand and meet all of your insurance needs. Call today at 877-550-0025 and work with one of our agents to get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

A few decades ago, having a 12″ black and white television in your home meant that you were on the cutting edge of technology. Nowadays, though, it’s hard to imagine life without a computer, a tablet, and at least one smartphone!

It is natural to use these devices for personal reasons, like checking your email, keeping up with friends on Facebook, and even playing games. Did you know that you can also get apps on your phone or tablet to organize your professional life as well?

Both Google and Apple have basic business suites – apps that can help you with your email, calendar, contacts, and more. Once you have mastered the basics, try moving on to more advanced applications, such as:

HootSuite: It’s said again and again – social media is a must have for businesses. With the HootSuite app, you can use your mobile device to publish to Facebook, Twitter, and even LinkedIn! This tool is a one-stop-shop for businesspeople who are on the go, but still wish to keep up to date with their customer base.

Brewster: These days, it is so easy for a contacts list to get out of hand. Between your email contacts, and the connections you have on all your social media platforms, keeping track of everyone can be near impossible. With Brewster, you can import all of your contacts, and search for someone by name, location, or even keyword! 

Expensify: Keeping up with a business’s expense reports is a hassle. With the Expensify app, you can automate the process, and keep all your business’s receipts in one place: the cloud! They are also a piece of the “paperless2013.org” initiative, which encourages businesses to use a collection of apps to eliminate paperwork from the office environment altogether. You can read more about this program on TechCrunch!

Dropbox, SugarSync, or Box: Sharing files between devices used to mean emailing them to yourself. Now, there are a bunch of apps that can help you share all of your important documents between your computer, tablet, and smartphone. This will ensure that you can always access the files you need, anywhere you go.

Evernote: Before technology became so prevalent, businesspeople would carry around some sort of journal – a legal pad, or some similar device, whose sole purpose was to jot down thoughts and important information. In the same fashion, Evernote is a veritable “junk drawer.” Use it to jot down ideas, notes, and anything else you may deem important. Then just file it away so that you can access it later!

If you give any or all of these applications a try, you may find that your professional productivity increases, which is not an easy feat nowadays. In addition, these are just a small sample of the apps available to help your business. Try searching through your provider’s app store to find other programs to make your business more efficient!

Did you know that a business insurance policy can also help your business? Find out how by talking to a Vargas & Vargas Insurance representative now – our phone number is 877-550-0025.

So, you have taken the first step: you have a home insurance policy! This guarantees that you will be covered in case of a covered peril. But wait – if your personal property is destroyed, do you have a record of what you own, and how much it is worth?

It is for exactly this reason that you need some sort of home inventory system. This document will help you keep up to date with all the valuables in your household, and will be critically important if you ever need to make a home insurance claim on your personal property.

The process of creating a home inventory is actually simpler than it may seem. All you need is a computer, a camera, and a free weekend! Get started by following these steps:

1. Choose your method of documentation.

There are many different ways that you can record your home’s inventory. You could always go ‘old school’ with pen and paper, but nowadays we would suggest more modern methods. For example, you could use a spreadsheet program such as Excel or online documents such as Google Documents. There is even software made specifically for creating a home inventory, such as Know Your Stuff®, presented by the Insurance Information Institute.

2. Visually document your entire household.

Once you know how you are going to keep track of your belongings, it’s time to get a feel for everything you have. With a camera in hand, take photos or video of everything in your home. Don’t skip anything – every nook and cranny is important. Make sure that you don’t forget your garage and your backyard!

3. Make your list’s first draft.

Now that you have your visuals, it’s time to craft your list. Go back through what you just captured, documenting everything worth over a certain dollar value (typically $50 or $100). Your list will be long, but that’s ok! You have a lot of stuff in your home that is worth protecting!

4. Fill in all of your details.

After you have a list created, you need to fill in the details. For every item on your list, record information about the item, such as:

• Brand Name or Manufacturer
• Model Number
• Serial Number
• Approximate Date Purchased
• Purchase Price
• Notes About the Item

This can get a little tedious, but in the long run, you’ll be glad that your information is thorough. 

5. Keep it in a safe place.

When your home inventory is finally done, make sure that you keep it in a secure location. The purpose of this document is to serve as a record if your home is damaged, so keeping it in your home is ill-advised. Save a copy on the internet, and have one printed out to put in your safe deposit box or with a friend or family member.

6. Make sure it stays up to date.

Congratulations! You’re finally finished. But you can’t fully relax just yet – your belongings will probably evolve over time. You will get rid of some things and add others. If you don’t want to update your inventory with every big purchase, make an appointment every six to twelve months to ensure that your inventory stays current.

If you follow all of these steps, you will no doubt thank yourself if you ever need to file a home insurance claim on your personal property. This list has the potential to make a what can be a very stressful situation much less traumatic.

Also remember, if you have any questions about your Massachusetts home insurance policy, Vargas and Vargas Insurance is ready to assist you! We are always around to address concerns, and we are always glad to help! 

All you have to do is call – our phone number is 877-550-0025.

Every time that you get behind the wheel, you are putting yourself at risk for a car accident. While it is impossible to prevent accidents completely, being informed and prepared can help you minimize your risks while on the road.

Collisions can happen for a variety of different reasons while driving, and we have seen all of them here at Vargas and Vargas Insurance. We have narrowed the main causes of impact down to four main categories, and have some advice as to how you can avoid accidents caused by these issues.

Driving While Distracted

Many accidents occur when a driver is focused on something other than the road. Any of the following can easily cause you to veer out of your lane or miss a stop sign:

• Using a cell phone
• Eating
• Applying makeup
• Drowsy driving

When you are driving, your full attention should always be on the road and the cars around you. Always pull off the road if you need to divert your attention.

Automobile Troubles

Your vehicle can also be the cause of accidents! Tire blowouts and defective parts are the two main types of vehicle malfunctions that cause accidents.

Minimize your risk of a vehicle failure by making sure that you abide by your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, and by performing routine vehicle check-ups.

Weather and the Environment

The conditions in which you drive can be a huge influence on your safety. Many people get into accidents every year because of elements like these:

• Rain, snow, fog, or ice
• Nighttime low visibility
• Potholes in roads
• Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals

If the weather is bad, consider postponing your car trip until it clears up. If you absolutely must drive, take all the necessary precautions. Use your headlights, stay alert, and stay at a safe and reasonable speed. 

Also, take notice of the signs on the side of the road. Cautionary signs such as a crosswalk or “Animal Crossing” can alert you to the fact that you need to be ready to stop short if someone or something appears.

Disobeying Traffic Laws

This one should be obvious. Traffic laws exist to keep you safe, and breaking these rules puts you at especially high risk for trouble:

• Speeding
• Driving recklessly
• Running stop lights or signs
• Improper turns

Even obeying all these rules yourself won’t suspend all your risk – there’s always the chance that you could be the victim of another driver’s carelessness. If you see another driver that is acting reckless, do your best to stay away from them.

Another great way to protect yourself and your vehicle is with automobile insurance from Vargas and Vargas Insurance. With the right policy, you can ensure that you are taken care of if you ever get into an accident. 

We offer auto insurance with liability, medical, collision, and comprehensive coverage tailored to fit your needs. Want to find out how you can get a policy with us? Just call! 

Our phone number is 877-550-0025, and we have agents ready to talk to you!

Whether you are a first time house hunter or an experienced mover, searching for that perfect place to call your own always is a big adventure. While it is hard not to get caught up in the excitement of decorating your new home, it is important to take time and consider whether renting may be right for you.

According to MSN Real Estate, nearly one-third, or 100 million, of Americans are choosing to rent instead of own their home. While The Wall Street Journal Real Estate reporter Dawn Wotapka cites on The Diane Rohm Show that this choice for many has stemmed from the foreclosure crisis, leaving people at the mercy of landlords. National Association of Home Builders’ David Crowe asserts that rental homes now have become the “bright spot” in housing construction. About 300,000 rental home units are being built this year to keep up with increased demand. So, why are people looking to rent?

Fewer Financial Responsibilities: Building more rental homes gives more people affordable housing options and helps stabilize rental prices. The cost of paying rent typically is less expensive than a monthly mortgage, even including initial security deposits. People do not have to worry about not having enough money for a down payment or their credit availability when it comes to renting a home. In addition, tenants are not required to pay property taxes or foot the bill for costly maintenance repairs. They do not have to worry about unexpected large expenses that often can come with buying a home.

However, it is important for renters to budget for and purchase renters insurance. While the landlord will have insurance to cover the house itself, it will not protect the renter’s personal belongings or their liability for accidents. Additionally, renters insurance can cover the expenses associated with temporary housing, should tenants need to move out during repairs. 

Time to Repair Credit History: An article in Forbes Magazine states that people with low credit scores and poor credit history are finding it hard to come up with the finances needed to buy a home. Therefore, renting is more appealing to them. It offers an immediate solution, giving them time to repair and rebuild their credit. Renters are able to budget monthly costs and set aside the same amount toward living expenses each month. 

MyFico offers tips and insight on how to improve credit scores.

Flexibility and Mobility: Stan Humphries of Forbes Magazine writes that how long people plan to stay in their house is a major factor in deciding whether renting or buying is best. Buying a home is a big commitment. Renting gives people the flexibility to move around – without losing invested money – before they are ready to settle in a given area. Typically, buying a home is financially worth it after five years, which Humphries cites is the average amount of time needed in order to overcome the transactional costs associated with purchasing a home. For people who are likely to change jobs or want to move in under two years, renting is a better financial decision.  

For information on how rent-to-own works, visit MSN Real Estate.

Vargas & Vargas Insurance specializes in getting you the right renters, home, auto, life insurance policies and more. Call today at 617-298-0655 to see how our dedicated agents can help save you money without sacrificing the coverage you need.