International Home Buyers

Most people relocate to South Florida for a few reasons. Retirement, job opportunity, second home, tax savings, lifestyle, and to be closer to family to name just a few.

Relocating to a new state or region can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to settling into an unfamiliar community. Whether you’ve moved locally before or this is your first big relocation, there’s more to it than just packing boxes and changing addresses.   Finding the right city or neighborhood will make all the difference in your satisfaction with your decisions.

Here are a few  key tips to help make the relocation transition smoother, from using online resources to connecting with locals, so you can start feeling at home before you even move.

If you have moved locally before, you know the bureaucracy that comes with every move:

• Change your address on your driver’s license and other ID
• Register to vote, if you are a citizen or becoming a Florida resident
• Move your utility services to the new location
• File a post office change of address
• Register your children in the local school
• Find new doctors…and more

Just like when you are moving locally, there will be lifestyle activities that you should explore before moving:

• What is the commute between work and home, school and home?
• Does the new location have access to activities you enjoy now?
• Where are the religious or social centers like those you belong to now?

How to explore potential places that I’ll enjoy in the new region.

Use Internet Resources: Start by seeking out the types of local information you rely on now, but specific to your new location.

Explore online news outlets like THE PATCH or local newspapers.  Join local social media groups, which often give a sense of the community. Just like in your current area, you’ll find a mix of people—some helpful, some not—but these groups can offer valuable insights.

Check out religious and cultural organizations that align with your interests. Their websites often list their mission and activities calendars, which can help you connect with like-minded people even before you arrive. Many also offer newsletters or online communication platforms that are great for staying in the loop. Research schools, crime statistics, demographic information, weather and more to fully understand how a move will impact your way of life.

Networking: Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues if they know anyone in your new area. Personal introductions can be invaluable in helping you get settled and learn more about your new community.

Pre-move Vacation: Consider spending a week or two in your new town or city to get a feel for the place. Use this time to meet with people who can assist with your move and try out activities you already enjoy—whether it’s sports, theater, religious services, hiking, or even attending a local event. Engaging in these activities will help you connect with locals and give you a sense of whether the area aligns with your lifestyle.

Consider a Two-Step Move: Evaluate whether it’s less stressful to rent for a year before buying a home. Each approach has its own benefits, costs, and challenges. Renting allows you to test the waters, while buying right away offers a sense of permanence—but either way, the decision should be based on your comfort level and finances.

Develop a Relationship with a Local Exclusive Buyer’s Agent: A local exclusive buyer’s agent is a valuable resource when moving to a new area. They have in-depth knowledge of the region and can guide you to community activities and resources that will ease your transition. Their expertise can help you navigate your home search while also connecting you with local networks.

Filed under: Blog, Boca Raton real estate, CEBA, Down Sizing, EBA, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Buyer Agent, Florida Exclusive Buyer Agent, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Homebuyer Advice, International Home Buyers, Moving Apps, new home construction, Real Estate, real estate news, Relocation, Retirement, second home, South Florida Real Estate, vacation home by Kim Bregman
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People relocate to South Florida for a few reasons; retirement, job opportunity, second home, tax savings, lifestyle, and to be closer to family to name just a few.

Relocating to a new state or region can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to settling into an unfamiliar community. Whether you’ve moved locally before or this is your first big relocation, there’s more to it than just packing boxes and changing addresses.   Finding the right city or neighborhood will make all the difference in your satisfaction with your decisions.

Here are a few  key tips to help make the transition smoother, from using online resources to connecting with locals, so you can start feeling at home before you even relocate.

If you have moved locally before, you know the bureaucracy that comes with every move:

• Change your address on your driver’s license and other ID
• Register to vote, if you are a citizen or becoming a Florida resident
• Move your utility services to the new location
• File a post office change of address
• Register your children in the local school
• Find new doctors…and more

Just like when you are moving locally, there will be lifestyle activities that you should explore before moving:

• What is the commute between work and home, school and home?
• Does the new location have access to activities you enjoy now?
• Where are the religious or social centers like those you belong to now?

How to explore potential places that I’ll enjoy in the new region.

Use Internet Resources: Start by seeking out the types of local information you rely on now, but specific to your new location.

Explore online news outlets like THE PATCH or local newspapers.  Join local social media groups, which often give a sense of the community. Just like in your current area, you’ll find a mix of people—some helpful, some not—but these groups can offer valuable insights.

Check out religious and cultural organizations that align with your interests. Their websites often list their mission and activities calendars, which can help you connect with like-minded people even before you arrive. Many also offer newsletters or online communication platforms that are great for staying in the loop. Research schools, crime statistics, demographic information, weather and more to fully understand how a move will impact your way of life.

Networking: Start by asking friends, family, or colleagues if they know anyone in your new area. Personal introductions can be invaluable in helping you get settled and learn more about your new community.

Pre-move Vacation: Consider spending a week or two in your new town or city to get a feel for the place. Use this time to meet with people who can assist with your move and try out activities you already enjoy—whether it’s sports, theater, religious services, hiking, or even attending a local event. Engaging in these activities will help you connect with locals and give you a sense of whether the area aligns with your lifestyle.

Consider a Two-Step Move: Evaluate whether it’s less stressful to rent for a year before buying a home. Each approach has its own benefits and challenges. Renting allows you to test the waters, while buying right away offers a sense of permanence—but either way, the decision should be based on your comfort level and finances.

Develop a Relationship with a Local Exclusive Buyer’s Agent: A local exclusive buyer’s agent is a valuable resource when moving to a new area. They have in-depth knowledge of the region and can guide you to community activities and resources that will ease your transition. Their expertise can help you navigate your home search while also connecting you with local networks.

Filed under: Blog, Boca Raton real estate, Down Sizing, EBA, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Buyer Agent, Florida Exclusive Buyer Agent, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Homebuyer Advice, International Home Buyers, Moving Apps, Real Estate, Relocation, Retirement, second home, South Florida Real Estate, Tax deductions, Uncategorized, vacation home by Kim Bregman
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Florida is now America’s fast growing state. According to recent census data, the Sunshine State added over 400,000 additional people between July 2021 to July 2022. It was a growth of 1.9%, bringing the total population to 22,244,823. That makes it faster-growing than Texas, which has the second-largest population in the United States, trailing only California. Florida is a popular destination for retirees, second-home buyers, and investors which is driving up demand for housing.

Florida has consistently maintained one of the highest rates of job growth in the U.S., making it an appealing destination for those seeking employment opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle. This influx of residents contributes to the demand for housing in the state, stimulating the real estate market.

Key Market Indicators:

·      For Sale Inventory: As of December 31, 2023, there are 133,691 properties listed for sale, showcasing a diverse range of options for potential buyers.

·      New Listings: In the same period, 32,615 new listings have entered the market, providing fresh opportunities for those in pursuit of their dream homes.

·      Median Sale to List Ratio: The median sale to list ratio, a key metric indicating market competitiveness, stands at 0.977 as of November 30, 2023.

·      Percent of Sales Over List Price: Notably, 14.5% of sales in November 30, 2023, exceeded the list price, indicating a competitive environment.

·      Percent of Sales Under List Price: On the other hand, 67.9% of sales during the same period were below the list price, providing insights into negotiation dynamics.

Florida’s strong population growth, diverse job market, tourist attractions, affordable property prices, tax benefits, and diversified economy all contribute to making it a hot spot for real estate investment.

Filed under: 2024 real estate, Blog, Boca Raton real estate, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Homebuyer Advice, International Home Buyers, International investors, Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Real estate trends, second home, South Florida Real Estate, vacation home by Kim Bregman
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Because the builder’s agent’s job is to convince you to buy only their homes at the highest price. Your Exclusive Buyer Agent’s job is to even the odds and negotiate for the lowest price and best terms for YOU!

If you’re building what you buy, you might think, “Why would I need an agent?” However, new construction is a complicated and expensive process. The advantages are many; aside from the obvious ones. The fact that having buyer agent representation is often FREE cannot be repeated often enough. So too, should the misconception that not using a buyer’s agent will save money be constantly repeated – that simply doesn’t happen.

A seasoned agent with experience in new home construction can give you invaluable insight during the process. Whether they’ve done business with those particular builders, or are aware of other comparable communities in the area, they can provide a wider context to your transaction. They might have an existing relationship with your builder, easing any tensions that might arise.

Remember that that site agent represents the builder/developer. Most real estate agents are sub-agents of the Seller or Transactional agent. In neither case do they have a fiduciary responsibility to the Buyer.

The site agent is an employee of the builder and is obligated  to represent the best interests of the builder, not the homebuyer. They are expected to work to secure the builder the best deal.

The further you get into the home shopping process, the more challenging it becomes to bring in an agent. In fact, if you’ve already registered with a community, it might be too late.

Benefits of Using an Exclusive Buyer Agent for New Home Construction:

• Compare and evaluate builders’ reputations and history of their construction quality and service.
• Help you compare and evaluate advantages and disadvantages of new construction homes vs. resale homes.
• Provide information about the community.
• Help buyer with evaluation and selection of a building lot and options. Lot location and certain options have a very real bearing on resale value.
• Help buyer evaluate which options should be done by the developer during construction and which are more affordable to be done by an outside vendor post closing.
• Truly negotiate on behalf of the buyer. Many builders are offering “free” options and upgrades, but some are also making additional price concessions.
• Review the Agreement of Sale (PA) prior to buyer signing. This is not a legal review (only an attorney can do that), but an experienced agent will be able to spot terms and conditions that are atypical and of potential concern to the buyer. The agent may then be able to negotiate terms and conditions that are more favorable to the buyer but still acceptable to the builder. Keep in mind most new construction contracts are written by attorneys that represent the builder and these contracts are therefore heavily weighted in favor of the builder.
• Recommend a real estate attorney for final contract, title commitment and to hold your escrow funds.
• A buyer’s agent serves as an extra set of ears as a witness at court or arbitration– When the builders sales representative is familiar with all rules, features and prices and it’s all new to buyer – it is good to have experienced person on buyer’s side listening with buyer and taking notes, a lot of information is verbalized in short period of time.
• Attend the signing of the Agreement of Sale
• Assist with the buyer’s financing and review financing paperwork. This is especially important if the builder is tying “free” options and upgrades to the use of a builder-affiliated lender.
• Check on the property during construction and keep a photo record at different stages.
• Assist in options selections to optimize budget and maximize resale.
• Be your leverage with the builder as problems arise during construction.
• Keep everything in writing– Sometimes even the very nicest builder makes verbal promises that later become a point of contention. An experienced buyer’s agent is conditioned and trained to “put it in writing” even though at the time it doesn’t seem necessary.
• Arrange for a final inspection with a license building inspector and generate a “punch list” to be completed before final closing.
• Document and help resolve any issues with construction, financing, title, etc. throughout the process.
• Attend a pre-settlement walkthrough with the buyer to make sure that all items are satisfactorily completed or that a proper punch list is established to assure completion after settlement.
• Obtain and review a preliminary HUD-1 settlement statement to be sure it is accurate and advise the buyer of the amount needed for settlement.
• Assist buyer with utilities, security and HOA requirements, decorators, service professionals, schools, et. al.
• Attend settlement with the buyer.
• A buyer’s agent will be there even after the home closes. It is routine for issues to arise during the first year of a new home. Site agents tend to forget a buyer’s name after the contract is signed.
• NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!

Read My Reviews from New Home Construction Clients!

Filed under: Blog, Boca Raton real estate, closing costs, contracts, Down Sizing, Exclusive Buyer Agency, Florida Real Estate, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Home Financing, home Inspections, Home Maintenance, Homebuyer Advice, International Home Buyers, Jupiter FL Gated Communities, Mortgage Information, new home construction, Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, Relocation, Retirement, second home, South Florida Real Estate, vacation home by Kim Bregman
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If you’ve been house-hunting in recent years, you’ve really been through it. Maybe you were waiting out the market, hoping the rocketing prices would start to flatten. Now, of course, they have — but between 2021 and 2022, mortgage rates have more than doubled, from less than 3 percent to more than 7 percent.

If you are renting and trying to save for a down-payment, the cost of your rental has likely increased as well.

Sellers who are sitting on low mortgage rates are not listing their homes for sale and supply shortages, cost of land, and cost of lending, along with higher labor and building costs have slowed down new construction.

All these factors contribute to a continued shortage of desirable inventory and home prices are staying propped up and not decreasing as one would expect.

Buyers need to adjust their expectations…Every buyer needs to do a gut check on how much house they can afford now. That might seem daunting, but higher mortgage rates don’t have to derail your dream of buying a home. In fact, historically, today’s rates are not considered particularly high.

Review your Budget: When you review your budget, keep in mind that newly built homes typically come with builder and manufacturer warranties and new energy-efficient appliances. Those advantages of a new home can lower your monthly housing costs. That’s especially true if you currently own an older home that needs repairs and has inefficient appliances.

Raise More Cash: Another option to buy a home with a higher rate is to spend more cash up-front. You can use cash to increase your down payment as a percentage of your loan amount, pay for builder upgrades in cash, or buy down your loan’s interest rate. You should work with your lender on the best use of your cash to achieve the lowest ongoing expenses to home ownership.

Evaluate Loan Options: A third strategy is to get a hybrid loan. This type of mortgage has a fixed rate that resets at the end of a specified period and is then fixed or adjustable for the remainder of the term. An example is a 7/1 hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). This type of loan has a lower fixed rate for the first seven years. After that, the rate is adjusted annually (that’s the “1” part) for the remainder of the 30-year term.

Hybrid loans can be more affordable since the initial rate is usually lower. But there’s a risk: If you don’t refinance or sell your home before the rate resets, your payment could rise significantly for the rest of the term. If you can’t afford the higher payment, you could lose your home.

Rethink Your Needs and Wants:   Buying a less costly home is another way to cope with higher rates. Less costly doesn’t have to mean a home you don’t like or that doesn’t fit your needs.

Reconsider Your Timing: Interest rates fluctuate, sometimes dramatically, over time. If you postpone buying a home, rates might be lower in the future, making the home you want more affordable. Or they could be higher, putting the home you want further out of reach. Experts are predicting the latter. The question for homebuyers is whether waiting and hoping makes sense. The answer is never as clear as a crystal ball.

Experts recently polled project average 30-year mortgage rates to fall between 5-9.31%in 2023. No one is expecting a move downward in the next 5 years. Several factors could lead to unexpected rate movements in the coming year.

Owning a home has certain benefits that renting doesn’t offer. Renting means no control over future [home price or interest rate] increases, no accumulation of equity through price appreciation, no tax deduction for property taxes and mortgage interest if you itemize your deductions, and no benefit for improvements you make to the property. Waiting to buy while you hope rates move lower means forgoing those benefits.

The lost opportunity of not buying due to a fear of higher rates far outweighs the benefits of homeownership. It’s best to take advantage of what the rates are today and build equity sooner rather than later.

Filed under: 2022 Real Estate, Blog, Boca Raton real estate, cash out refinance, Exclusive Buyer Agency, Exclusive Buyer Agent, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Home Financing, Homebuyer Advice, House Closings, International Home Buyers, International investors, Mortgage Information, peer to peer lending, private money lender, Real Estate, Real Estate Closings, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Real estate trends, Refinancing, Relocation, Retirement, second home, Self Directed IRA, Seller Financing, South Florida Real Estate by Kim Bregman
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Filed under: 2022 Real Estate, Blog, Boca Raton real estate, downtown boca raton, Exclusive Buyer Agency, Exclusive Buyer Agent, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Homebuyer Advice, Homeowners Insurance, International Home Buyers, International investors, Jupiter FL Gated Communities, Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Real estate trends, second home, short term rentals, South Florida Real Estate, vacation home by Kim Bregman
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• Private money lenders
• Seller financing
• Peer-to-peer lending
• Hard Money Loans
• Personal Loans

Filed under: Blog, Boca Raton real estate, cash out refinance, contracts, Down Sizing, Exclusive Buyer Agency, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, HELOC, home equity, Home Financing, Homebuyer Advice, House Closings, International Home Buyers, International investors, Mortgage Information, peer to peer lending, private money lender, Real Estate, Real Estate Closings, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Real estate trends, Refinancing, Retirement, Reverse Mortgage, second home, Self Directed IRA, Seller Financing, South Florida Real Estate, vacation home by Kim Bregman
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• Dealing honestly and fairly
• Loyalty
• Confidentiality
• Obedience
• Full disclosure
• Accounting for all funds
• Skill, care, and diligence in the transaction
• Presenting all offers and counteroffers in a timely manner, unless a party has previously directed the licensee otherwise in writing
• Disclosing all known facts that materially affect the value of residential real property and are not readily observable

Filed under: Blog, Boca Raton real estate, contracts, Exclusive Buyer Agency, Exclusive Buyer Agent, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, home Inspections, Homebuyer Advice, House Closings, International Home Buyers, International investors, Real Estate, Real Estate Closings, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Real estate trends, Relocation, Retirement, South Florida Real Estate, Title Insurance by Kim Bregman
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A bidding war is when at least two prospective buyers have made legitimate offers for a home that are similar and the Seller wants to select the best offer and terms for themselves. Bidding wars are common—in most of 2020, over half of home offers presented have faced competitive bids, according to Redfin’s study. Although historically low interest rates have sparked buying activity recently, some neighborhoods are always sought-after and attract multiple offers whenever a home comes up for sale.  Exclusive Buyer Agents are experts in winning bidding wars and getting credits during the due diligence period. Joker8 Casino has quickly become a popular destination for Australian online gamers, offering an exciting array of games and enticing promotions. With a user-friendly interface, players can easily navigate through various slots, table games, and live dealer options. The casino prides itself on its commitment to player safety and responsible gambling, ensuring that all transactions are secure and personal data is protected. One of the standout features of Joker8 Casino is its generous welcome bonus, which gives new players a significant boost to start their gaming journey. For those looking to enhance their experience further, regular promotions and loyalty rewards keep players engaged and rewarded. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer looking for thrill, Joker8 Casino has something for everyone. For more insights into online gaming in Australia, visit https://growingnz.org.nz/ and discover the latest trends and tips.

Expect to be in a bidding war In a hot housing market, it’s often not enough to quickly make an offer on a house but to have the highest price and best terms.

Here are a dozen ways you can get an edge on the competition.

1. Offer to Pay in Cash

If you have the ability to offer an all-cash bid, you gain a distinct advantage because you eliminate the possibility of a mortgage falling through before closing. Buying with cash will make the process go quicker because you won’t need to go through the approval process with a lender, who would also request an appraisal. If you can’t cover the entire purchase price in cash, you could agree to a larger down payment on the house, which increases your approval odds and might make your bid more attractive.

2. Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approval is a step most buyers will take anyway, but it’s absolutely essential for anyone in a competitive bidding situation. Pre-qualification is not enough, as it doesn’t show that the lender conducted the same amount of due diligence—such as checking your earnings and doing a hard credit check—that a pre-approval would require.

3. Know Your Financial Limits

When you’re preparing for a bidding war, think of it like an auction—you need to know how much house you can afford before you actually bid. Once you know the maximum amount you’re willing to bid, you can include an escalation clause in your purchase offer to ensure you can instantly counteract any other bid. An escalation clause lets you increase your bid to avoid being outbid by another buyer up to a specified amount.

4. Provide More Earnest Money

Buyers typically provide 1% to 5% of the purchase price as earnest money—a form of a security deposit—in a purchase contract, which gives sellers the assurance that you will follow through with the purchase. If you bail out on the contract without citing a contingency, you will likely lose the earnest money. If you put down more than the typical earnest money amount, it will tell the seller that you’re determined to follow through to the closing.

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5.  Be open to making offers sight-unseen

Speed is key in a seller’s market as competitive as this one. If you’re interested in a home but live far away or just haven’t been able to tour it, you can still throw your hat in the ring. Video tours and 3D walk-throughs have made sight-unseen offers much more feasible. Almost two-thirds (63%) of people who bought a home last year made an offer on a property that they hadn’t seen in person.

6.  Remove Some or All Contingencies

When you make an offer to purchase a house, you know the deal could fall through for numerous reasons, and you don’t want to lose your earnest money because of it. That’s why you include contingencies in the purchase contract; if the home inspection uncovers major problems or you can’t sell your current home in time to close on the new one, you can get out of the contract without penalty. Almost no offers contingent on the sale of a home will win a bidding war. Sell your home, rent and then start trying to get a home under contract. Simultaneous closings are so 1990’s.

If you can’t waive contingencies, sweeten them for the seller. Opt to expedite the contingency timeline.

7. Be Flexible on the Move-in Date

First-time home buyers and those who have already sold their previous home might be in a position to be flexible with the sellers on their move-in date. A seller might ask for more time if they have concerns about potential delays for a new home build. In this case, they could go through the closing and then rent the home back from you for a few weeks or a month. This flexibility could be as valuable—if not more valuable—than a higher bid on the house.

8.  Start low, bid high

A lot of successful buyers today win by making an offer that exceeds the asking price…in fact it is expected. This also means that a lot of buyers end up exceeding their budgets. To prevent this, only search for homes that are listed 10-15% below what you can afford, so that you can make an over list price offer.

9.  Offer to pay some of the seller’s costs

Home buyers can make their offers more competitive by offering to pay for expenses that are typically covered at least partially by the seller.

10. Write a Personal Note

Home sellers, especially ones who have lived in a home for a long period of time, can sometimes be swayed by a personal note that explains why you believe this is the home of your dreams. For example, you might know that the current owner raised a family in the home, and you can discuss how you hope to do the same. It might seem a bit over the top, but it’s certainly worth a try when not much separates your offer from others. And yes—sometimes it works.  Avoid putting any personal information in the letter that may expose the Seller of real estate agents from violating Fair Housing laws.

11.  Prepare to lose before you win 

With more than half of offers facing competition these days, it’s more likely than not that you’ll get into a bidding war if you’re in the market for a home. It’s also wise to know when to walk away. It’s OK to put your search on hold if you reach the point where you’re not comfortable making the aggressive offers that are often necessary to win in today’s market. You don’t want to end up with buyer’s remorse, after all.

12.  Use an experienced Exclusive Buyer Agent that has been successful with winning bidding wars and speak with their references. Be prepared to ask to be in a Back Up position if you lose the bid. The market is too competitive and offers move too fast for novices to be effective at winning bidding wars in a multiple offer situation.

Filed under: Blog, Boca Raton real estate, contracts, Exclusive Buyer Agency, Exclusive Buyer Agent, First Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Foreign Home Buyers, Home Buyer Advice, Home Buyers, Home Financing, home Inspections, Homebuyer Advice, House Closings, International Home Buyers, International investors, Real Estate, Real Estate Investment, real estate news, Real estate trends, Relocation, South Florida Real Estate by Kim Bregman
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2021 Hurricane Preparedness Guide

Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

Know Hurricane Terms: Hurricane Watch – A hurricane is possible within thirty-six hours. Stay tuned for additional information. Hurricane Warning – A hurricane is expected within twenty-four hours. You may be advised to evacuate. If so, evacuate immediately. Storm Surge – Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the mean water level 15 feet or more. Wonaco Casino Australia is an exciting destination for gaming enthusiasts looking for a premier entertainment experience. With a wide range of slots, table games, and live casino options, players can enjoy the thrill of gambling in a stunning atmosphere. The casino is known for its luxurious amenities, offering top-notch dining, entertainment, and hospitality services. Visitors can also benefit from various promotions and rewards programs that enhance their gaming experience. For those interested in learning more about their services or exploring the exciting offerings, you can visit their official site. Check out https://landscapershamilton.co.nz/ for more information. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the gaming scene, Wonaco Casino promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Australia’s vibrant gaming landscape. Make sure to visit and try your luck! Ask your local emergency preparedness office about evacuation plans. Learn evacuation routes. Plan a place to meet your family in case you are separated from one another in the hurricane. Assemble a disaster supplies kit ( See information below) Board up windows. Permanent storm shutters and impact glass offer the best protection. Also, you can use 5/8″ marine plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Know how to shut off utilities. Make a record of your personal property (take digital photos or video tape the contents of your home and/or business and keep in a waterproof container with you along with your homeowners insurance policy or better yet, upload everything to the Cloud) Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts. Determine how and where to secure your boat. Reduce the water level in your pool by about 1 foot. DO NOT drain your pool. Charge cell phones and back up batteries Get extra cash since ATMs will be inoperative if power is lost. Consider flood insurance and purchase it well in advance.

Have a Place To Go: Develop a family hurricane preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens your area. If your family hurricane preparedness plan includes evacuation to a safer location for any of the reasons specified with in this web site, then it is important to consider the following points: If ordered to evacuate, do not wait or delay your departure. If possible, leave before local officials issue an evacuation order for your area. Even a slight delay in starting your evacuation will result in significantly longer travel times as traffic congestion and weather deteriorates worsens. Select an evacuation destination that is nearest to your home, preferably in the same county, or at least minimize the distance over which you must travel in order to reach your intended shelter location. In choosing your destination, keep in mind that the hotels and other sheltering options in most inland metropolitan areas are likely to be filled very quickly in a large, multi-county hurricane evacuation event. If you decide to evacuate to another county or region, be prepared to wait in traffic. The large number of people in this state who must evacuate during a hurricane will probably cause massive delays and major congestion along most designated evacuation routes; the larger the storm, the greater the probability of traffic jams and extended travel times. If possible, make arrangements to stay with the friend or relative who resides closest to your home and who will not have to evacuate. Discuss with your intended host the details of your family evacuation plan well before the beginning of the hurricane season. If a hotel or motel is your final intended destination during an evacuation, make reservations before you leave. Most hotel and motels will fill quickly once evacuations begin. The longer you wait to make reservations, even if an official evacuation order has not been issued for your area or county, the less likely you are to find hotel/motel room vacancies, especially along interstate highways and in major metropolitan areas. If you are unable to stay with friends or family and no hotels/motels rooms are available, then as a last resort go to a shelter. Remember, shelters are not designed for comfort and do not usually accept pets. Bring your disaster supply kit with you to the shelter. Find Pet-Friendly hotels and motels. Make sure that you fill up your car with gas, before you leave.

Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense. Get Ready Now. If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important member of your household. The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or hurricane depends largely on emergency planning done today. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency. Whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you will need to make plans in advance for your pets. Keep in mind that what’s best for you is typically what’s best for your animals. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets. Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself. Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer.

Disaster Supply Kit I personally prepare a hurricane closet in May with all the needed supplies and materials so that there is never a last minute rush to the store when the shelves have been cleaned out.

Water : Plan on one gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, for drinking, washing, cooking, and sanitation. Extra water for pets Store as much as possible in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using breakable containers, such as glass bottles or mason jars. Fill bathtubs with water for bathing and washing dishes Food : Store at least a three day supply of non perishable food. Choose foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking. Choose foods that are healthy and high nutrition type.  (Canned meats, fruits and vegetables, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, canned juices, non-perishable pasteurized milk, high enery foods, vitamins, food for infants and pets, comfort/stress foods) Supplies and Equipment: A battery operated radio with extra batteries NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries A flashlight with extra batteries Blankets or sleeping bags ( store in trash bags to keep dry) Paper plates and utensils, including a non electric can opener Candles and matches in a waterproof container Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, moist towelettes, and other personal grooming items Paper towels and toilet paper First aid kit and medicines ( ask your pharmacist or drug supply company for a one month hurricane supply and store in water proof container) Fire extinguisher Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Cell phone and plug in battery operated charger Infant formula and diapers Books, games and toys to keep kids occupied ( remember those batteries) Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records, COVID Vaccine Passport, in a waterproof, portable container Complete change of clothing including long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes Insect repellent and sun-screen Paper and pencil Local Maps Make sure to keep all of your medications filled.

Business Preparedness * Have an emergency communication plan in place before the storm hits. How will co-workers stay in contact if the physical location of a business is damaged? * Turn off all non-critical work devices before the storm hits. * Alert a third party about business evacuation plans in case a storm makes it impossible to get to your place of business. * Protect important business documents that you may need quickly, such as property insurance policies. * Have cash on hand to pay employees or contractors after the storm. * Know which employees are certified in CPR, EMT, etc. * If possible, disconnect a building’s main electrical feeds. * Have a plan to notify all employees, post-storm, about damage and how you’ll move forward. * Review contracts that are date sensitive and have a backup plan in place to handle potential problems. * Assess all functions that could be impacted by a lapse in business – cash flow, bills, budgets and any upcoming events. Links to Hurricane Information:    National Hurricane Center NWS Hurricane Awareness site FEMA Hurricane Info American Red Cross FEMA

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