Real talk: Buying your first house – or any house! – is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in a lifetime. (That’s why it matters to do your research about homeowners insurance.) My husband and I have been house hunting for more than three years. And if your experience is anything like ours… it’s an emotional roller coaster. As…
Trees can be tricky, but for the most part homeowners are responsible for what falls into their own yard. So if a storm causes your neighbor’s tree to fall in your yard, your homeowners insurance could help cover the cost of removing the tree and remedying the damage it caused on your property, after your deductible. The same is true in reverse:…
During a house fire, every second counts. That’s why it’s important for you and your family to be prepared. A recent study by the American Red Cross found that many homeowners are both overconfident and underprepared when it comes to fire safety. While 80% of those surveyed thought everyone in their house knows what to do if a fire breaks out,…
Old homes have a certain charm that’s hard to match with a new build. This is especially true when they’re restored back to their former glory. But we’ve all watched enough DIY reality TV shows to know that remodeling an older home isn’t as easy as it sounds. Historic houses were built with different materials and technologies than we use…
As a homeowner, you’ve probably entertained guests who overstayed their welcome. But unlike your in-laws or a former college roommate… an animal that’s made itself at home on your property has no intention of leaving. Some of the usual suspects include raccoons, opossums, woodchucks, skunks or the occasional stray cat. And while they’re just looking for a safe place to…
Severe winter weather can catch us off guard. Even adults sometimes hope for a snow day… but odds are we’re not getting one. In many cases, you still have to brave the cold, clean off your car and get to work. When the forecast calls for heavy snow, it helps to think ahead. Follow this checklist of ways to prepare…
Icicles are hanging from the roof, the ground is slick beneath your feet and you can spot snow, ice and debris above your head. The telltale signs are all there: You have an ice dam. What is an ice dam? An ice dam is a ridge of ice that occurs on the edge of the roof of your house that prevents…
There are few things in life worse than losing your home to fire or a natural disaster. Except, that is, discovering in the aftermath that you don’t have enough homeowners insurance coverage to rebuild the house back to the way it was before trouble struck. If you get guaranteed replacement cost coverage, that is unlikely to happen. Why? Because guaranteed replacement cost…
It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of a home. That’s because for many families, it’s where you spend most of your time – whether it’s preparing meals, doing homework or chatting over a cup of coffee. Kitchens are not just for cooking anymore. With the increasing busyness of family life and the popularity of open concept floor…
One of the best things about spring is taking advantage of the warmer weather and enjoying the great outdoors. For some, this means fishing, hiking trails and spending time at parks. For others, however, it means simply sitting on their deck and enjoying a nice evening. While this may seem like a safer and more convenient alternative to experiencing nature,…
