Standard homeowners insurance policies cover the building and personal property damage, as well as liability, but it only covers these things when the dwelling is actively occupied by the property owner. Once tenants move in, a homeowners insurance policy will no longer cover any property damage that occurs while tenants are occupying the rental.

Separate from homeowners insurance, landlord insurance is intended specifically for property owners who plan on renting out their property for an extended period of time. Landlord insurance policies cover everything a general homeowners insurance policy covers, plus many other perils property owners could experience in their time as a landlord. With a landlord insurance policy, the rental (and bank account) will be taken care of if anything unfortunate were to happen.

What does landlord insurance cover and not cover?

Landlord insurance coverage all depends on the type of policy you choose, but a good, comprehensive policy will include three key protections:

• Property damage – Covers any damage to the property caused by a natural disaster, vandalism, theft, irresponsible tenants, or anything else that could damage the physical structure of the property.
• Loss of rental income/rental income protection – Should something occur that causes your property to be uninhabitable, such as a natural disaster or severe mold, this coverage provides temporary rental income reimbursement that acts as a replacement for the rent a landlord would be receiving as usual if a tenant was occupying their property.
• Liability – Covers any medical or legal fees, such as lawsuits, bodily injury claims and settlement costs that could ensue if a tenant or a visitor were to get injured on the property.

For many policies, additional coverage or add ons are available, all of which will serve to protect your investment and yourself as a landlord. Some additional coverage options include:

• Flood insurance which covers general water or flood damage.
• Guaranteed income insurance covers partial or full rent payments if the tenant is unable to pay for one month – something many landlords experienced during the height of the pandemic.
• Property coverage covers your furnishings if you are renting out a furnished rental unit.

Keep in mind that the amount and type of additional coverage varies from insurance provider to insurance provider, so you will need to determine which provider is best for your needs.

Now that you know what landlord insurance covers, let’s briefly review what it does not cover. First and foremost, landlord insurance excludes protection for a tenant’s personal belongings. Tenants will need to purchase a renter’s insurance policy for this, which surprisingly also benefits landlords! Additionally, landlord insurance doesn’t cover normal wear and tear, which is any damage that occurs as a natural result of the property being inhabited. This one might be obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to mention – landlord insurance does not cover properties in which the owner lives due to the fact that landlord insurance is specifically designed to cover “non-owner-occupied” properties.

What are the different types of landlord insurance?

As with any insurance, the coverage you receive will depend on the type of insurance policy you select. The different types of landlord insurance are labeled as “dwelling policies,” and they fall into three categories. You’ll discover that as the number associated with the policy increases, the types of coverage expand.

1. Dwelling Policy 1 (DP-1): This is, of course, the most basic policy that covers common occurrences like fire, vandalism, windstorm, and hail. Because the coverage is so limited, this is also the cheapest option. It’s important to note that with this policy, claims that are covered will only be reimbursed for the actual cash value (ACV), which is the depreciated rebuild value of the dwelling.
2. Dwelling Policy 2 (DP-2): This policy covers everything included in DP-1, plus burglary damage, freezing of pipes, falling objects, and loss of income. Essentially, it covers more substantial and less likely damage and incidences. But the biggest difference between DP-1 and DP-2 is that the latter policy pays out the replacement cost value (RCV), meaning the policy will pay to restore the dwelling to its original condition.
3. Dwelling Policy 3 (DP-3): This is the most common and comprehensive type of policy that offers the broadest form of protection. While DP-1 and DP-2 only cover the specific incidents listed in the policy, DP-3 is an “all-risk” policy that covers any perils a landlord may run into.

The Benefits of Landlord Insurance

The benefit of landlord insurance boils down to one thing – fewer out-of-pocket costs for landlords. But, let’s break down the benefits so you can see exactly why you need landlord insurance:

1. Liability protection protects landlords from legal or medical fees in the case that a tenant or their guest is injured on the landlord’s property. Tenants can sue for a pay-out or for coverage of medical expenses related to everything from physical injury and death to financial difficulty and emotional harm. With liability coverage, any possible expenses related to legal or medical fees will be covered, protecting you from out-of-pocket costs.
2. Rental income protection may be the top benefit provided by landlord insurance. In the case that something happens to your property that makes it uninhabitable, such as fire, mold, or tornado damage, this element of protection will cover the financial loss that you would endure during the time you are unable to rent out the dwelling. Usually, the coverage will only extend up to a defined period of time such as 12 months, but that’s 12 months you could have not been paid rent. When purchasing a policy, always check to make sure your policy includes rental income protection if you desire it.
3. Certain tenant damage coverage can cover two types of damage caused by the tenant: accidental and malicious or intentional damage. In both cases of coverage, the insurance provider will help cover the costs of repair or replacement for the damaged item(s). Once again, when purchasing a policy, always check to make sure your chosen policy covers both types of certain tenant damage.

For more information, contact Lallis & Higgins Insurance.

Source: turbotenant.com

According to the CDC, high temperatures kill hundreds of people in the U.S. each year, and forecasters are predicting a hot month in August this year. Prepare yourself for what's to come and stay protected from the heat to avoid heatstroke or hyperthermia (yes, this is a real thing!). Follow our tips below to beat the heat this summer.

Do outdoor chores early in the morning.

If you must do things like cut the grass or other outdoor work, start early in the morning when temperatures are low. We recommended getting up as soon as it's bright enough for you to see what you're doing. Depending on where you live, this can be as early as 5:00 or 6:00 a.m.

Dress appropriately.

Sometimes you won't be able to make a fashion statement with summer outfits, and that's okay! The focus is to keep you cool during the summer heat, so the lighter the clothes are the better. If you have a pair of old jeans you've been thinking about tossing, consider cutting them into shorts instead!

Go swimming.

This wouldn't be a complete list if we didn't include this one. Swimming has been a favorite summer activity for many people for centuries, and for good reason. Wanna stay cool? Take a dip in the pool! If you don't have a private pool accessible to you, check public pools available in your area, or head to a beach or lake if you live near one.

Limit stove and oven use.

If you need to use your oven or stove on a hot day, try to be as quick and efficient as possible. We recommend prepping your food before you turn the stove on so you can start cooking as soon as it's fully heated up.

Start your car early before getting in.

We know how long it can take for cars to cool off during extreme heat. If you have the ability to auto-start your car so that the AC is running before you get in, we recommend doing so. If you do this, always make sure your doors are locked.

Stay in air-conditioned buildings.

Let's face it, there's nothing like relaxing in some air conditioning (AC) on a hot summer day. If you don't have AC in your home, consider spending time in public indoor places such as malls, museums or restaurants where you can enjoy their services and cool off at the same time.

Stay hydrated.

This is one of the most important tips on this list. If you're going to be in the heat for long periods at a time, you need to be hydrated. Some studies recommend drinking eight cups of water a day, but it may be best to do some research on what best for your height and weight. Did you know cold water can lower your body temperature? If you're not staying hydrated, staying cool in the heat may be difficult and you could find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Take cool showers.

If the heat has already gotten to you and you need a fast way to cool down, a cool shower can help. Get the water as cool as you can stand it and hop in. This will keep your body temperature down and feel very refreshing.

Use fans around the house.

If you don't have air conditioning, or if the air conditioning isn't working fast enough, fans are a great alternative. There are many different types of fans to choose from at different price points.

Source: foremost.com

Ingredients for S'mores

12 sheets unbroken graham cracker
1 bag marshmallows, medium or large
6 1.55oz Hershey’s chocolate bars (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)

Ingredients for Toppings (optional)

1 tsp powdered sugar (per s’more)
1 tsp caramel sauce (per s’more)
Items You'll Need
Camping skewers
Plenty of napkins!

Over the Campfire:

Get your campfire fired up. Regular old fresh flames are how you wind up with burnt marshmallows; once those crackling embers have aged enough to glow bright red, conditions should be set for prime s’mores.

The bedrock of any great s’more is one full sheet of crunchy graham cracker. Snap those crackers in half lengthwise, then set them aside on a sheet of aluminum foil or a plate near the fire. Break your chocolate bar in half too; if you’re using Hershey’s chocolate, a full half of the bar will serve you well. Place one half-bar onto one graham cracker chunk per s’more.

Time to roast marshmallows! Using a handy s’mores-ready skewer rod, dangle your sugary puff just above or within the flames. Here’s your goal: toasting rather than catching fire. Rotate the marshmallow to brown it evenly on all sides.

Choose one topped graham cracker to be your bottom piece, and grace it with your roasted marshmallow. Dollop in caramel sauce, if desired. Clamshell it with the second topped cracker, extract your skewer, dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy! (The shelf life is decent, but these really are best served hot.)

Source: bbqguys.com

Nearly half of all vehicles are stolen because owners neglect a few simple precautions.

If you have never driven a motorhome before, you may find it to be quite a disorienting and daunting prospect. Driving a motorhome safely is a bit more challenging than driving a smaller vehicle safely. But it is not too hard to learn, and you should adjust relatively quickly.

Following are some tips which can help you get started on the right track for a pleasant and safe motorhome vacation.

1. Be prepared for long, wide turns

The most obvious difference between driving a motorhome and driving a smaller vehicle is that the large size of your vehicle means that you will need to be making long, wide, slow turns.

If you need to make a tight turn, the trick is to do two things:

Put more width between yourself and the obstacle you need to pivot around.

Start your turn earlier rather than later.

That second step may seem counterintuitive, and may make you feel uneasy. But if you watch videos, you can see these principles demonstrated.

If you are ever in any doubt about your ability to make a particular turn, do not do it. If you absolutely must, get someone outside the vehicle to help you.

2. Do not follow other drivers too closely

Because it takes longer to stop a motorhome, you need to make sure that you are putting more distance between yourself and the drivers in front of you. Following closely puts them and you at risk.

3. Be prepared for longer brake times

Even if you have an open road in front of you, you need to keep your longer brake times in mind constantly.

Say for example you are driving down a hill starting at the top. If you start at the same speed you would normally in a car, you will probably be surprised by how fast you are going by the bottom. Start out slower so that your brakes have less to do. Use the appropriate gear as well.

4. Make sure you are centered in your lane

Because a motorhome is also wider than a regular vehicle, it can be difficult at first to gauge your position in your lane. One thing which can help is to stick with driving in the lane closest to the shoulder. That way if you veer too far to the right, at least you will not veer into traffic.

Plus, this is the lane you are expected to drive in if you are going more slowly, which you probably will (and should) be. If there are cars piled up behind you, do use the turnouts. This is courteous to other drivers. It is also safer, since you will then not have angry people trying to pass you. This will reduce tailgating as well.

5. Do not pull into spaces without someone outside to help

If you are trying to park your motorhome, whether in a parking lot or an RV park, you should not attempt to do so entirely on your own.

You need to have somebody outside to help you gauge the distance between the motorhome and other vehicles, as well as how aligned you are with the space.

Even experienced motorhome drivers do this, so as a beginner, there is no excuse not to. If you are traveling by yourself, ask a staff member at the RV park to assist you. Most park staff will not hesitate to help you out.

6. Never make assumptions about clearance

It’s very easy to forget that you are driving a vehicle which is quite a bit taller than you are used to. Always check clearance for tunnels, bridges, petrol stations, and so forth before you proceed in your rented motorhome. This is also something to keep in mind when you are planning your routes.

7. Be aware of the “tail swing”

The construction of motorhomes means that sometimes the front and back of the RV are actually comprised of separate pieces which turn at slightly different rates. This results in a “tail swing” which may be as high as 30 inches.

Be aware of how tail swing can affect the way that your vehicle turns. Compensate for it so that you can make your turns safely.

8. Watch out for wind

When driving a motorhome, your vehicle’s centre of mass is higher off the ground than it would be in a regular car. That means that wind can have more of an impact on your vehicle, causing greater instability.

Winds which a car would be able to handle with little difficulty can be quite problematic for a motorhome driver. So do not make assumptions about what you will be able to deal with. If the wind is giving you trouble, just pull over until it passes.

8. Use Caution and Common Sense When Driving Your Hired Motorhome

You now have some important tips to help you out while you are learning to drive the motorhome you hire for your next vacation. Take it slow, and do not be afraid to pull over when you need to. You should get the hang of it pretty quickly, and will be able to enjoy a safe and smooth motorhome experience.

Source: campervanfinder.com

You could see fireworks every night for a week in MA

To watch the holiday’s fireworks shows done safely and professionally, here is where you can go to see them from Tuesday, July 1, through Sunday, July 6.

Tuesday:

• Haverhill: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at Riverside Park at 163 Lincoln Ave.
• Stoughton: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at the Stoughton High School field at 232 Pearl St.
• Worcester: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at the Worcester Community School’s athletic field at 170 Belmont St.

Wednesday:

• Boston: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at the barge off Long Wharf at 66 Long Wharf.
• Chatham: Fireworks will start at dusk (9 p.m.) at Veteran’s Field at 150 Depot Road.
• Cohasset: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at the barge off Sandy Beach at 345 Atlantic Ave.
• Foxborough: Fireworks will set off at 9 p.m. at Parking Lot 51 at Patriot Place at 2 Patriot Place.
• Lexington: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Lexington High School football field at 112 Worthen Road.
• Mashpee: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at the golf course at 2 Red Brook Road, near the New Seabury Country Club.
• Orleans: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at the barge off Rock Harbor Beach at 11 Bay View Drive.

Thursday:

• Andover: Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m. at Andover High School at 80 Shawsheen Road.
• Attleborough: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at Hayward Field at 73 North Ave.
• Fitchburg: Fireworks will kick off at 9 p.m. at 46 Pratt Road.
• Freetown: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at the Assonet Burying Ground on South Main Street.
• Gloucester: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at Stage Fort Park at 1 Hough Ave.
• Hadley: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at the Warrent McGuirk Alumni Stadium at 300 Stadium Drive.
• Lawrence: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at the field across from Lawrence High School, at 71 North Parish Road.
• Lynn: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at the barge near Red Rock at 76 Marine Blvd.
• Mashpee: Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. at the golf course at 130 Willowbend Drive.
• Mattapoisett: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at the golf course driving range at 63 County Road.
• Needham: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Needham High School parking lot at 609 Webster St.
• New Bedford: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at the barge in New Bedford Harbor at
• Pittsfield: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at Camp Winadu at 700 Churchill St.
• Randolph: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Randolph High School baseball field at 70 Memorial Parkway.
• Rutland: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. behind the ballpark at Marsh Field at 17 Pommogussett Road.
• Sharon: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at the barge on Lake Massapoag at 196 Pond St.
• South Deerfield: Fireworks begin at 8:45 p.m. at the open field at Tree House Brewing at 1 Community Place.
• South Hadley: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at Michael E. Smith Middle School at 100 Mosier St.
• Tewksbury: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. near the Saunders Recreational Area at 286 Livingston St.
• Walpole: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at Joe Morgan Field at 220 School St.
• Webster: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at Memorial Beach near Thompson Road.
• Weymouth: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at the barge off Wessagusett Beach.
• Worcester: Fireworks begin at 9 a.m. at Institute Park at 82 Salisbury St.
• Fireworks will also go off during the post-game in the outfield at Polar Park, at 100 Madison St.

Friday:

• Acton: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. behind Nara Park at 25 Ledge Rock Way.
• Agawam: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at Picnic Grove at Six Flags New England at 1623 Main St.
• Amesbury: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at Woodsom Farm at 223 Lions Mouth Road.
• Bellingham: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at Bellingham High School at 60 Blackstone St.
• Beverly: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at the barge near West Beach at 121 West St.
• Boston: Fireworks will start at 9:40 p.m. off five barges in the Charles River.
• Bridgewater: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at Legion Field Bridgewater, behind Williams Intermediate School at 200 South St.
• Edgartown: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at Edgartown Harbor at 1 Morse St.
• Fall River: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. off the barge in the Taunton River at 1338 Davol St.
• Falmouth: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. off the barge at Falmouth Beach on Gifford Street.
• Greenfield: Fireworks kick off at 9:20 p.m. at Franklin County Fairgrounds at 89 Wisdom Way.
• Harwich: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. off three barges near Wequassett Resort & Golf Club at 2173 MA-28.
• Lowell: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. from the pedestrian walkway on the Aiken Street Bridge.
• Marblehead: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. off the barge in Marblehead Harbor, near the Commercial Street Wharf.
• Nahant: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at Bailey’s Point Park near Bass Point Road.
• Nantucket: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. off the barge near Jetties Beach.
• Newton: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at Albemarle Field at 250 Albemarle Road.
• North Adams: Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. at 400 Curran Highway.
• Pittsfield: Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at Wahcona Park at 105 Wahcona St.
• Plymouth: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. off three barges in Plymouth Harbor.
• Provincetown: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at MacMillian Pier at 24 MacMillian Wharf.
• Salem: Fireworks kick off at 9 p.m. at Derby Wharf at 160 Derby St.
• Springfield: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at the Memorial Bridge.
• Wakefield: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at the end of Beacon Street.
• Williamstown: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at 215 South St. near the Clark Art Institute.
• Winthrop: Fireworks will start at 9:20 p.m. at Coughlin Park at 31 Bay View Ave.
• Worcester: Fireworks begin during the post-game in the outfield at Polar Park, at 100 Madison St.

Saturday:

• Agawam: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. at Picnic Grove at Six Flags New England at 1623 Main St.
• Charlton: Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. at Tree House Brewing Co. at 129 Sturbridge Rd.
• East Brookfield: Fireworks will start at 9:15 p.m. at the landfill on Connie Mack Drive.
• Franklin: Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. at Franklin High School at 218 Oak St.
• Greenfield: Fireworks begin at 9:35 p.m. at Poet’s Seat Tower on Mountain Road.
• Methuen: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at the off-ramp at Exit 4 at Route 213.
• Middleborough: Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. at Battis Field/Pierce Playground on Jackson Street.
• Milford: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. at Clark Island.
• Osterville: Fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m. off two barges in Tims Cove on Cove Lane.
• Salisbury: Fireworks kick off at 10:15 p.m. at Salisbury Beach.
• Wrentham: Fireworks will start at 9 p.m. off the barge in Lake Pond at 41 Woodford Road.

Sunday:

• North Andover: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. at Hayes Stadium at North Andover Middle School at 495 Main St.

Swimming is one of the most popular sports. As well as being fun, swimming is a great way to keep fit, stay healthy and make friends.

Swimming is a healthy activity that you can continue for a lifetime. It is a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits.

Swimming for recreation

Swimming is a great recreational activity for people of all ages. Recreational swimming can provide you with a low-impact workout and it's a good way to relax and feel good.

Health benefits of swimming

Swimming is a great workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water.

Swimming is a good all-round activity because it:

• keeps your heart rate up but takes some of the impact stress off your body
• builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness
• helps you maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs
• tones muscles and builds strength
• provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all of your muscles are used during swimming.

Other benefits of swimming

Swimming has many other benefits including:

• being a relaxing and peaceful form of exercise
• alleviating stress
• improving coordination, balance and posture
• improving flexibility
• providing good low-impact therapy for some injuries and conditions
• providing a pleasant way to cool down on a hot day
• being available in many places – you can swim in swimming pools, beaches, lakes, dams and rivers. Make sure that the environment you choose to swim in is safe.

Getting started with swimming

Getting started in swimming is easy. It is a sport for all age groups, skill and fitness levels. Before you get started, you will need to purchase a pair of swimmers and some goggles.

Source: Betterhealth.vic

Homes can have many hidden hazards that could be harmful to anyone – from babies to seniors. Thirty-three million people are injured by consumer products in the home each year, but most of these injuries are avoidable, so practicing prevention and hazard-proofing homes can save lives.

The following recommendations to help you and your family stay safe.

Safety Tips for Any Home

• Keep emergency numbers on every phone; include fire, police, your doctor(s), ambulance service and the poison control hotline (1-800-222-1222).
• Make sure your house number is visible from the street.
• Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. Change batteries twice a year when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
• Eliminate clutter. Keep stairways and walkways clear of tripping hazards.
• Have regular inspections for your furnaces, hot water heaters and other gas appliances, as well as chimneys and flues.
• Never use kerosene or gas space heaters in unvented rooms, and never keep cars, motorcycles or lawn mowers running in a closed or attached garage.
• Be cautious when using ladders. Inspect for loose or worn parts. Use only on stable, level ground, and don’t overreach.
• Wear protective footwear and eyewear when mowing the lawn.
• Wear protective eyewear when operating power tools.
• Install decorative markers on glass doors so that people do not walk into them by mistake.
• Consider having a telephone connected to a land-line because cell phones run out of power, and their service may be interrupted in an emergency situation.

Home Safety Checklist for Children

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 4.5 million children are injured by hazards in the home each year. Parents should teach their children about safety at home, at school, on the playground and while traveling. This includes knowing their address and how to call 9-1-1. Never leave young children unattended. Cover all unused electrical sockets and keep electrical cords out of children’s reach.

• Install protective padding on the corners of furniture with sharp edges.
• Use safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers.
• Protect children from dangerous areas. Install safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairways. Place guards on banisters and railings if your child can fit through the rails.
• Secure tall bookcases, televisions, or other pieces that might tip over.
• Use window guards and safety netting to help prevent falls from windows, balconies and landings. (If window guards are used, ensure that at least one window in each room can easily be used as an exit in case of fire.)
• Tie up vertical blind cords.
• Install doorknob covers on entry doors so small children can’t leave the house unattended.
• Use nightlights, but keep the small plastic bulbs out of reach of children.
• Remove rubber tips from door stops, so children cannot choke on them, or install one-piece doorstops.
• Pay attention to all equipment recalls, including those for “hand-me-downs.”
• Store drugs and chemicals, such as cleaning products and bleach, out of reach and in their original containers to ensure proper knowledge of contents.
• Buy medicines, vitamins and household products with child-resistant caps.
• Keep toys with small parts (and other small objects) out of the reach of toddlers and young children. If the object can fit easily into the cardboard center of a roll of toilet tissue, the object can pose a choking hazard.
• If you own any firearms, always store unloaded and locked. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
• Remove any houseplants from children’s reach.

Source: emergencyphysicians.org

If you're a golf lover, there's no off-season when it comes to getting out on the course. But to play your best year-round, it's important to stay physically and mentally prepared for whatever the weather brings. From hot summer days to cooler winter mornings, adjusting your approach each season can help keep your game strong.

While some people shy away from playing golf in the heat of the summer, others take advantage and go out as usual. This is because they prepare for the season. Here are tips on playing golf in hot weather.

Drink Enough Fluids

Staying hydrated is essential for playing your best, especially in warm weather. Start drinking water a few hours before tee time, and keep a bottle with you to sip throughout your round. Staying ahead of dehydration helps you stay energized and focused. And while a drink might be tempting, remember—alcohol can dehydrate you, so water is always the better choice on the course.

Wear Light, Breathable Clothing

Wearing loose, lightweight clothing is key to staying cool and comfortable on the course. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials designed for sun protection. Long-sleeve shirts and pants can shield your skin from harmful rays, and many brands now offer golf apparel with built-in SPF for added coverage without sacrificing comfort.

Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin during long hours on the course. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it generously to all exposed areas—don’t forget your ears, neck, and the back of your hands. Look for sweat-resistant formulas designed for sports to ensure lasting coverage, and reapply every couple of hours to stay protected without compromising your game.

Eat Lighter, Healthy Meals

Eating light and healthy meals will help you retain adequate energy for golfing. However, be sure to avoid overeating because you will feel heavy and sluggish. It is also best to eat earlier, probably a few hours before golfing. Opt for foods that are high in water content, such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you. You can also pack some snacks, such as granola bars or trail mix, to keep your energy levels up throughout the game.

Condos, or condominiums, are residential units in larger complexes where you own your living space and share common areas. There are many advantages to condo living, and depending on the market and your circumstances, they can be great investments. Let’s explore what a condo is, how ownership works, and the benefits of condo living.

Condos and Their Investment Potential at a Glance

• A condominium, or condo, is a property arrangement that combines individual unit ownership with shared ownership of common areas, distinct from rental apartments.
• Condo ownership includes exclusive rights to the unit’s interior while sharing responsibilities for maintaining common areas, typically managed by a homeowners’ association (HOA).
• Condo living offers reduced maintenance, access to community amenities, and enhanced security, making them appealing for personal residence.
• Renting out a condo can provide positive cash flow and cover mortgage payments for the property, allowing the owner to build equity.

Defining a Condo

At its core, a condo is a property arrangement where a building or a group of buildings is divided into several individually owned units that share common areas, including the potential for future condominium development. Picture a large property complex where different individuals own each unit, but the hallways, recreational facilities, and other amenities are shared among all residents.

A key feature distinguishing condos from other housing types is the blend of individual and collective ownership. Each condo owner has exclusive rights to their own unit, much like owning a single-family home. However, they also share ownership and responsibility for the common areas and amenities with other condo owners.

Condos and apartments differ significantly. While both may look similar, condos are individually owned units, whereas a property management company typically rents apartments. This distinction affects maintenance responsibilities and the sense of community.

Source: portlandrealestate.com