home insurance

Congratulations! You've decided to take the plunge into homeownership. It's an exciting time, but with so much to think about, it can also feel overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are 10 key things to consider before you embark on your house hunting journey:
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With colder temperatures and snow on the horizon for those located in the northern part of the country, this is the time of year to batten down the hatches as they say. In doing so, one of the most important factors to check is your insulation. Proper insulation not only keeps the cold out, but it also keeps the energy bills down.
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Aside from school starting, September still feels a lot like summer in many regions, with sunny days and a break from the August heat. But once October hits, fall sinks in; the leaves start changing with the colder weather.
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Technology and social trends have driven a wave of telecommuting. Many of us work at home at least on some days while some may work from home all the time. For that reason, more and more homes contain a designated office area; with increasing frequency that area is a room.
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"If you're not getting better, you're getting worse." It's hard to say who was first to utter that phrase but you hear it most used in sports banter. It is a round-about way to say that we're not living in a static world – everything changes and the same is true for factors affecting the costs to replace your home. Your policy might have been up to the task of covering the expense of rebuilding your home at one time. But, chances are, it may no longer afford enough coverage unless it has been changed to reflect the reality of replacement cost. Insurance industry experts and others routinely estimate that up to two-thirds of homes in the U.S. are under insured. For most of us, checking our home's replacement cost periodically is a good idea.
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Your son or daughter headed to college will most likely need computer equipment, cell phones and sometimes tablets.
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Swimming pools are wonderful complements to summer weather. Few things are better than stepping outside your home for a cool dip, hosting poolside parties or watching your kids play themselves to exhaustion in the water. Most of us understand that pools also pose a danger but it is important to understand the extent of that danger, the components and preventative measures we can take to keep our pools safe.
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With summer, comes a welcome invitation for people in North Carolina to spend as much time as possible outside. Not only does nature replenish Vitamin D and support immunity; reduce anxiety and depression; lower blood pressure and reduce stress; increase serotonin and reinforce circadian cycles for better sleep; and improve focus, but it may also help reduce cancer risk by increasing anti-cancer proteins. "Being outdoors in nature can be healing and beneficial for the body and mind," says certified therapeutic recreational specialist Erica Price. "Whether at the beach, forest, or in a neighborhood park, nature offers a calming effect. And, when we combine nature with physical activity, it can help fight depression and anxiety."
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While we covered the basics of homeowner's insurance last week, now we'll take a closer look at the contents portion of insurance policies, also known as Coverage C. This part of your policy applies to the contents of your home and can help to replace or repair those items if they are stolen or damaged due to any of the named perils that apply to your overall policy. But just because your homeowner's policy includes contents coverage doesn't mean you simply need to sign on the dotted line. You should take steps to make sure your coverage will truly be effective should the contents of your home and especially your most valued and important possessions be stolen, damaged, or vandalized.
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For any homeowner, a robust insurance policy is a must. But if you're new to homeownership, or if you're thinking about updating your policy, you may not know much about what it does and doesn't cover, along with how to find the best policy for you and your family.
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Multiple studies have demonstrated that crime rates increase in the summer. Why? Well, the answer is complex, but researchers have suggested that some of the reasons include:
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"Good fences make good neighbors," wrote Robert Frost in his poem "Mending Wall." And the legendary poet makes a good point, as fences can offer privacy, protect younger family members and pets as they spend time outdoors, and add to the aesthetics and value of a home.
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