Over the last several years, many Americans have become pessimistic on the prospect of home ownership. According to a recent Bankrate survey, 51 percent of aspiring homeowners view cost-of-living issues as a major obstacle to buying, while 54 percent say their household income hasn’t matched the rise in market prices for available homes. With those challenges in play, many people are exploring rent-to-own options. Renting...
If you’re dealing with a wet basement or a soggy lawn, you might want to look into installing a French drain. While it’s not necessarily a “quick fix,” a French drain can be a smart investment to keep your home and yard dry. Here’s what to know before you dig. What are French drains? French drains are trenches that redirect surface water and groundwater in...
When it comes to homeowners insurance, not all policies are created equal. And that’s important to remember when it comes to protecting what could very well be your biggest asset. Check out the list below, which shows some major “must haves” in homeowners insurance. The right limits. One thing that people commonly gravitate to when they hear “value of the home” is what they paid...
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: If a tree on your property falls in...
When a hurricane is on the way, you have to act fast. While you’re making an evacuation plan or stocking up on bottled water, the last thing you want to be thinking is, “Will my insurance cover what happens after this?” Yes, hurricanes can be devastating – personally and financially. But anxiety can keep you from being present to what matters most. We want you...
