Neighborhood Link receives many inquiries about the crime prevention program, Neighborhood Watch, so we thought we'd set the record straight and provide some good information about the Neighborhood Watch program. Neighborhood Link is not associated with Neighborhood Watch, however we host hundreds of free websites that are utilized by Neighborhood Watch groups across the US.

What is Neighborhood Watch

Launched in 1972, and sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association, Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night. The program was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries.

Neighborhood Watch is not just about crime prevention. It is about getting to know neighbors and enhancing the quality of life in the neighborhood. An important goal at neighborhood meetings is to learn more about each other so neighbors are available to help each other during difficult times. These days many Neighborhood Watch groups have begun using websites to help amplify and enhace their efforts. Neighborhood Link, which was established in 1998, hosts over 36,000 neighborhood websites across the country. Out of that 36,000, several hundred are Neighborhood Watch websites.

Below are some examples of Neighborhood Watch groups around the country using Neighborhood Link Websites:

• Germantown Oaks Neighborhood Watch- Local Neighborhood Watch group in Memphis, TN
• Windhover Condo Neighborhood Watch- Local Neighborhood Watch group in Orlando, FL
• Tampa Neighborhood Watch Association, Inc.- Umbrella group for all Neighborhood Watch Groups in the Tampa Bay area
• Westown Watch Neighborhood Association- Combination Neighborhood Watch and Neighborhood Association in Phoenix, AZ

For More Information on the Neighborhood Watch Program:

• See this article on How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
• Find Out How to Get A Free Neighborhood Watch Website
• See this other article for an overview on Neighborhood Watch-What is It?
• USA On Watch-The Face of the National Neighborhood Watch Program
• Tools and Resoures from the National Crime Prevention Council

Source: USAOnWatch.org and the National Crime Prevention Council

Tags: Crime,Neighborhood Watch

Spring is here and many homeowners begin remodeling and home improvement projects. In fact May is known as National Home Improvement month. Unfortunately, every year we hear about homeowners getting ripped off by scam artists who are posing as remodelers or contractors.

There are a number of red flags that can tip you off to a potential home improvement or remodeling scam. Below is a list of warning signs that can alert you to the fact that you might be dealing with a potential scam artist or unscrupulous contractor:

• Solicits door-to-door
• Offers you a discount for finding other customers
• Just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
• Tells you your job will be a "demonstration" or that your home will be a "model" home
• Pressures you for an immediate decision, i.e., "this offer is only good for today"
• Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front or only accepts cash
• Suggests that he can help you finance the project and that you borrow money from a lender he knows
• Does not list a business number in the local telephone directory
• Asks you to get the required building permits

There are also a few key points and best practices to keep in mind when contemplating a home improvement or remodeling project:

• Be skeptical of any contractor or handyman who solicits door to door—most well established and reputable contractors find their work through referrals.
• Try to get a recommendation for a contractor from a friend or coworker.
• Always ask for proof that a contractor is licensed and bonded.
• As for references that include addresses and phone numbers and call or visit those references.
• Always have a contract in place before the contractor/remodeler begins work.
• The contract should include the contractor’s name, address, phone and license numbers. It should also include details about what the contractor will and will not do.
• There should always be an estimated start and completion date.
• All warranties should be listed with their details.
• Any oral promises, should also be written into the contract.
• There should be a method for dispute resolution and it should be clearly delineated as to which parties bear what cost of the process.

Keep in mind, your home might be your best financial asset and you need to not only research your project, but research the individuals who you employ to complete your home improvement or remodeling project.

For more information on home improvement and how to go about them, check out this article in our neighborhood resource guide focused on finding a contractor and home improvement projects.

Tags: Home Improvement

In an effort to educate homeowners on how to avoid foreclosure, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office along with the Massachusetts Association of Realtors have collaborated on a brochure to help educate consumers on financing a home and avoiding foreclosure.

The brochure titled, Protecting Your Investment: Understanding Home Financing and Avoiding Foreclosure offers guidance to consumers who are considering purchasing or refinancing a home and offers tips to homebuyers who are having trouble paying their mortgage. The brochure also outlines remedies to avoid foreclosure and details the devastating impact foreclosures have on the economy.

It is an excellent short brochure that details many of the key points in avoiding foreclosure. Although it was developed by the state of Massachusetts, all of the information is relevant to anyone who is considering buying or re-financing a home or who is dealing with the possibility of foreclosure.

You can get it here or vist their general information page on Foreclosure and Mortgage Lending

Tags: Mortgages, Foreclosure