According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, footage of the damage done by Hurricane Harvey should act as a wake-up call for South California. Harvey is an excellent example of the type of extensive damage and life changing impact that a major weather or earthquake event can have on community. “Both natural […]
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RSS feed for this sectionNYC Ranks as Top US Metro With High Hidden Homeownership Costs
When it comes to home ownership, the cost of your mortage is just one of many expenses you will need to factor into your monthly bills. While closing costs and the 20 percent down payment your mortgage lender will require are big upfront expenses, often it’s the smaller, ongoing bills that make a house truly […]
How to Sell a Home in a Flood-Prone Area
Selling a home can always be a challenge, but selling a home in a flood prone neighborhood can be extremely difficult. If your home is located in a designated flood zone you may find buyers are less willing to make an offer or will offer well under your asking price. Below is a list of […]
States With the Highest Homeowners Insurance Rates
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons when it comes to buying a new home and moving. While most people are not going to decide where to move based on the cost of homeowners insurance, it doesn’t hurt to know if you are moving to a high cost state. A study released in February 2016 […]
What Californians Need to Know About Earthquake Insurance
Earthquakes are scary, frustrating and very expensive if your home happens to be in the path of a big one and you are not carrying earthquake coverage. In California, premiums for earthquake insurance can be sky high, which has resulted in the majority of homeowners opting out of this extremely important overage. This can end […]
Your Credit Score Can Raise Home & Auto Insurance Prices
Everybody has a credit score these days and it can have a huge impact on your financial life. A good or bad score can affect everything from the rate you pay on a mortgage to the cost of insuring your home. Achieving, and maintaining a good credit score takes work and financial discipline but the […]
Sinkholes and Earthquakes Are Not Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
When it comes to homeowners insurance there are some perils that are not covered and others that use a different deductible formula. Clearly understanding your policy is key to making sure you are fully protected in the event that disaster strikes. Here are a few common items that are not covered by a standard homeowners […]
Homeowners in high fire-risk areas are upset over soaring insurance rates
According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, the Stoffan family in Greeley Hill, California has seen their homeowners insurance cost double to $5,100 in a year due to the fire risk in their area. This is despite the fact that they added a 50-foot lawn buffer around the house and even installed […]
Homeowner’s Insurance Went Up? Credit Rating Could be the Problem
As most people are aware, your credit score can have a huge effect on your life these days. Your credit score can positively, or negatively affect everything from the interest rate you are charged on your mortgage to a background check for a new job. In addition, it can have a huge effect on your […]
Homeowners Can Spend Over $9K a Year in Hidden Costs
Finding the perfect house, getting a mortgage and moving in are just the start of the expenses you will have to deal with as a brand new homeowner. The actual amount that you will have to pay above and beyond the mortgage payment will vary but a new analysis by Zillow and Thumbtack discovered some […]