Every home in North Carolina needs a homeowners insurance policy. When you’re buying a home with a lender, it might seem like just another box to check to get to the closing table. But if you don’t know what’s in your policy or what it covers, you can get a nasty surprise the first time […]
Halloween is a time of spooky fun, celebration, and fun costumes. Kids roam the neighborhood, trick-or-treating and having a good time with their friends. Adults get a night to feel like a kid again.. But that doesn’t mean it’s a risk-free holiday, especially if you’re decorating, throwing a party, or expecting to give out lots […]
The sooner you can buy a flood insurance policy, the better off you’ll be. If heavy rains or rising rivers and lakes don’t make you nervous, Hurricane Florence might have been a wake-up call. It’s easy to think of flooding as a waterfront property or coastal problem (and it is), but anywhere it can rain, […]
The time to get ready for a hurricane isn’t when you’re in the cone of uncertainty and you’re not sure where the storm will land. You need to get ready long before hurricane season begins. That’s June 1, if you didn’t know.
That’s why Hurricane Preparedness Week is so important. The more you can do now, the better off you’ll be if and when a storm makes landfall.
Here’s what you need to do.
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has declared October 9 through October 15, Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is “Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.” This is part of a three-year effort by the NFPA to educate the public about basic smoke alarm safety. Having a working smoke alarm can save your life.
Fire Prevention Week was originally established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. That devastating fire killed 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 buildings, and burned over 2,000 acres. Not every fire is that large and destructive but they all have the power to be devastating.
Halloween is a favorite holiday for a lot of people. Seeing the kids in costumes takes us back to our own childhoods, and putting up spooky decorations is fun for the whole neighborhood. Before the trick-or-treaters arrive, make sure your home is ready for them with these safety tips.
You’ve met with a real estate agent, looked at a dozen or more homes, and finally narrowed it down to the one you imagine raising your family in. Even better, the seller has accepted your offer. You’re nearly done with the home buying process, right? Think again.
One of the most important steps when you buy a home is the home inspection. Before you hire an inspector, make sure you review these tips.
Your home is the biggest financial investment you may ever make. When something goes wrong, the last thing you want to do is consider the cost of repair and replacement. What do you need – an insurance policy or a home warranty?
Homeowner’s insurance and a home warranty both protect you home from unfortunate circumstances, but they both cover very different things.
When was the last time you went on a vacation and really unplugged? If you can’t remember, you may be overdue for some time away with family and friends. Whether it’s a cruise in the Caribbean or a whale-watching trip in Alaska, you deserve rest and relaxation.
Nothing ruins a great vacation like finding out someone broke into your home or that it was severely damaged while you were away.
Owning your own home is a dream come true for most people. It’s also a big responsibility. Many people take great pride in being able to take care of their home and save money by doing the work themselves.
Not everything should be done by a homeowner, though.
If you’re ever faced with the decision of whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional, consider the following.
