Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes strike indiscriminately, which means every homeowner should be prepared for life-threatening emergencies. Here are ten essential items to have on hand. A source of power. A generator will keep your refrigerator working to preserve food, and provide lighting at night. Gas generators provide more versatile power but need a supply… Read more »
As a new homeowner, you may have received a home warranty from the builder or previous owners. It’s a nice perk, yes. But don’t get the false impression your warranty will cover everything that goes wrong in your new home. You might be surprised at what is covered — and what may not be covered…. Read more »
Security is a concern in every neighborhood — regardless of status or ZIP Code. Here are six things you can do to make your neighborhood a safer place. Know your neighbors Don’t let your busy schedule keep you from getting to know your neighbors. It’s one of the best crime-fighting measures you can take. Let… Read more »
In the aftermath of a storm, it’s important for homeowners to have a game plan. Here’s a step-by-step guide to insurance and FEMA claims that will save you time, money and aggravation. Before the storm The first step to handling weather damage should occur long before the first wind blows. While life is normal, take… Read more »
If your home is significantly damaged by a storm, you will likely feel overwhelmed and confused just when you are faced with making several major repair decisions. Take a deep breath and let us walk you through the mess. Judge your home’s livability. Can you live in the home while it is being repaired? Is… Read more »
Few things can be more wrenching and make you feel more vulnerable than when your home suffers major damage from a flood or a fire. You realize how suddenly life can take a shocking turn. You also want to get your life back to normal quickly. How do you find trusted professional help? When a… Read more »
Homeowners insurance policies can be difficult to read, but the information is crucial to your financial well-being, especially when tragedy strikes and you’re forced to make a claim. Note: The coverages described here will vary from state to state and company to company, so be sure to research your policy diligently. What is covered. First… Read more »
Don’t wait until you need to file a claim to educate yourself on the ins and outs of homeowners insurance. By then, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise. While homeowners insurance covers many of the major risks, such as damage from fire, it doesn’t cover everything. There are some losses that homeowners insurance… Read more »
Although no one wants to contemplate a cherished home being destroyed by fire, it’s an important topic to address — with emphasis on prevention and preparation. A home free from fire hazards. Fire prevention is the first priority. Never allow flammable materials to be stored near heat sources such as water heaters, furnaces, fireplaces and… Read more »
Family time in a backyard pool or on a trampoline can provide hours of entertainment and many years worth of memories. But, as a homeowner, pools and trampolines also mean extra insurance costs and a heavy weight of responsibility to keep family members, friends and neighbors safe. The responsibility bar is set high. Across the… Read more »
Sure, pools and trampolines are fun. But homeowners who choose to put them in their backyards also face greater responsibility and a much larger homeowners insurance bill. It’s best to weigh the pros and cons before making such a purchase. Swimming pools. The insurance covering damage to an in-ground pool is treated differently in different… Read more »
You never want to skimp on homeowners insurance, but there are ways to save money on those premiums without putting you or your home at risk. Here’s a handy guide to getting excellent coverage at a reasonable price. Your credit score. In most states insurance companies use customer credit scores as one factor in determining… Read more »
Home warranties often provide peace of mind to wary home buyers, but are they worth the cost? Let’s look at how home warranties work and weigh the pros and cons. Home warranty basics. Home warranties provide for the repair of certain systems in a house in exchange for an annual fee of between $300 and… Read more »
