Summer time means barbecues and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, some BBQs end badly. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 10 people will die, 100 will be injured and $37 million in damages will occur during the 5,700 grill fires that take place every year. Many people will also be burned, some severely, by grill fires. […]
Trees fall for all kinds of reasons. Severe weather, construction or just old age can topple a tree and if one of your trees hits your neighbor’s house, car or other property, you can be held liable. Whether you are responsible or not often depends on why the tree fell in the first place. Legally, […]
Tucked away in your mortgage, hidden in the small print, is a little surprise that could cost you big, but only if you fail to keep your homeowners insurance premiums up to date. Every mortgage ever written specifies that the homeowner must carry homeowners coverage in certain dollar amounts. In most cases the house must […]
Spring and summer are big moving seasons. The weather is warming up, the sun is out, and you have decided to find a new address. When researching a new city or town it is important that you understand what living in your perfect location will truly cost. While renting an apartment or buying a house […]
On April 1st, the National Flood Insurance Program started issuing new rates on personal flood insurance policies and premiums are headed up for most homeowners The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in charge of managing the program and claims the premium increases are necessary to get the program back on solid footing. The program […]
Spring has sprung and when the snow starts to melt and the flowers start to bloom, homeowners often start thinking about how to improve their home. While many homeowners prefer to do the work themselves, some jobs are just too big and then its time to bring in the experts. If you are hiring a […]
In the last couple of years the cost of homeowners insurance has been going up for just about everyone. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) found that nationwide, premiums jumped up 7.6 percent in 2011 and another 5.7 percent in 2012. This translates into a $137 bump in just two years. Where You Live […]
You scoured the market and found the perfect house for you and your family. Your offer was accepted and it’s finally closing day. The last step in purchasing a house can be complicated and is a process you should go into with open eyes and complete understanding. One of the more confusing aspects of a […]
Tax refunds are on the way, which means that many of us will have a little extra coin in our pocket soon. One great way to invest your windfall is to sink it into your house. Whether you update your kitchen, add a bedroom or just repaint your exterior spending money on your home will […]
The dreaded tax season is upon us again so collect your receipts, dig out those W-2s and get ready to hunker down. Luckily, as a homeowner, you are entitled to a few tax breaks that will drive down your tax bill and maybe put you into refund territory. Lets have a quick look at the […]