Everyone knows that homeowners insurance is essential to protect your investment, but many of us are in the dark as to how our rate is actually determined. Insurers consider a variety of factors when calculating rates and each of them has an effect on the total cost of the policy. It pays to understand the […]
While solar panels are not yet a mainstream source of power there are getting much closer. More and more people are putting panels on their roof to power their homes and even sell power back to the local utility. According to GTM Research, a new solar system was installed every four minutes in 2013, and […]
As home prices claw their way back to prerecession levels, you may be wondering if you need to increase the limits of your homeowners insurance to cover the increased value of your home. Unfortunately, the answer to that question will vary, and it depends on many factors. One of the biggest questions you need to […]
Homeowner’s insurance will protect you from a variety of losses and damage. Everything from fire, theft, storm damage and injuries on your property will be covered by your policy. In order to provide this protection, insurers rely on an accurate assessment of your home. They have to take into account all risks associated with your […]
The last thing any homeowner wants to hear is that they have mold in their home. It instantly brings to mind terrifying stories of toxic mold poisoning you and your family. Even if the mold proves not to be toxic, you can expect a long, difficult and very expensive cleanup before your house is back […]
The day that you close on a new house is unforgettable. It’s always exciting and a bit nerve wracking. At the end of the day you will get the keys to your dream house, but before that happens there are tons of papers to initial and sign as well as dozens of things to arrange. […]
Shopping for a second home can be exciting. Sitting out on the deck drinking wine and taking in the beautiful views while getting away from the hustle and bustle of your regular life is a dream for most of us. It doesn’t matter if it is a beach home in Naples Florida, a lake cabin […]
As we move into wildfire season we thought it would be helpful to look at how you can prepare your home and property to defend against wildfire damage. Wildfire season starts in late spring, extends into late fall and causes billions of dollars in damage every year. Properly preparing your house can mean the difference […]
The recent and tragic mudslide in Washington has served as a stark reminder that Mother Nature is powerful force. Unfortunately, it is also a reminder that not all natural disasters are covered by your homeowners policy. While the typical homeowners policy provides protection against a large number of issues both big and small, it doesn’t […]
As the weather warms up and the snow starts to melt, the odds of water damage to your home rises dramatically. In many states, especially ones that experience a tough winter, water damage is the top cause of home damage and in many cases it can be hard to fix and very costly. While it […]