Home inspections play an important role in the real estate process, especially for home buyers. It's the homeowner’s opportunity to uncover any hidden issues lurking beneath the surface of their dream home. A thorough home inspection can save homeowners from a financial nightmare down the road, and ensure a safe and sound property.
Read MoreWaking up to a flood in your basement due to a faulty water heater is anything but pleasant – especially after you realize your floor is damaged. One of the first questions you’ll likely ask yourself is, does my homeowners insurance cover water damage?
Read MoreHomeowners may often be confused by how escrow accounts interact with their real estate taxes and homeowners insurance. An escrow account helps make sure your insurance premiums and real estate taxes are paid on time; typically, your insurance company will do most of the heavy lifting.
Read MoreBefore closing on a new home, your lender will require you to purchase a home insurance policy. While many lenders provide insurance referrals, choosing a home insurance company is your decision. You're responsible for making sure the coverages on your policy adequately protect your residence, detached structures, and personal belongings.
Read MoreWhile no one plans for their home to get damaged, the truth is that accidents happen. Here are seven of the most common home insurance claims homeowners make, plus what you can do to avoid them in the first place.
Read MoreCoverage eligibility and insurance requirements for your swimming pool will vary by insurer and pool type. Dwelling, personal property, or other structures coverage on your homeowners insurance policy may help repair or replace your swimming pool if it's damaged or destroyed by a covered peril. Your home policy's personal liability coverage may pay for damages or injuries for which you're legally responsible.
Read MoreWhether you’re stepping into the world of homeownership or looking to downsize, condos may be a suitable choice for your needs. In this blog, we’ll explore what a condo is, the pros and cons of buying one, how to buy one, and whether condos are a good decision for first-time buyers.
Read MoreThe process of buying a house can be filled with excitement, but it also comes with a fair amount of questions. One question you might ask yourself is, “When is the best time to buy a house?” There’s no easy answer, but if you come prepared with the right knowledge and strategies, purchasing your dream home on your own timeline may be easier than you think.
Read MoreMore and more people are choosing solar for their home’s electricity needs. Many homeowners also hope to save money over time by reducing their energy bills and taking advantage of tax incentives. While solar panels come with many benefits, they’re not a fit for every home. To decide whether solar power is a good decision for your home’s energy needs, consider the factors.
Read MoreIn Illinois, nearly 80% of all tornadoes occur from April 1st through June 30th. Adverse weather, such as high winds, heavy rain, hail and tornadoes, can cause extensive damage to homes and vehicles. Therefore, homeowners and drivers like you need appropriate insurance coverage, including policies and endorsements designed to provide financial protection against storm damage.
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If your home is used solely for your personal residence, then your homeowners insurance is not tax deductible. However, there are exceptions. Here are some instances to consider that could, in fact, make your homeowners insurance tax deductible.
Read MorePart of the benefit of being a homeowner is being able to entertain friends, family and other guests. But what happens when something goes wrong and a guest causes damage?
Read MoreYour home is somewhere you expect to feel safe. Yet more injuries and deaths from fire occur in the home than in any other place. Don’t underestimate the danger of fire. Use this home fire safety guide to help you prepare and learn what to do if a fire breaks out in your home.
Read MoreWhen it comes to being a homeowner, it’s natural to focus on the house itself — the structure, interior, yard, etc. But underneath your home are essential components that are easy to overlook yet crucial for daily life: service lines. Let’s go over what service lines are, who’s responsible for their maintenance, and the coverage you can get to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacements.
Read MoreHome insurance endorsements work like add-ons. If you’re looking for ways to customize your home insurance coverage to your unique needs and goals, endorsements can be a great option. Learn about three popular home endorsements.
Read MoreYou don’t have to live in a disaster-prone place for your homeowners insurance bill to make you feel like disaster has struck. Homeowners insurance premiums are expected to rise significantly this year throughout the U.S. What’s behind these scary numbers? Read on for answers—and for solutions to help you save money.
Read MoreHome warranty and home insurance — i.e., homeowners insurance — may seem like interchangeable terms. In reality, they’re two separate policies, each providing critical benefits to homeowners. Let’s examine the differences between these two coverages and how they can protect you as a homeowner.
Read MoreYour roof is your home's primary protection against hail, wind, fire, and other hazards. That's why insurance companies consider the age, condition, material, and shape of your roof when determining your insurance coverage and costs.
Read MorePersonal property coverage — also known as contents coverage on a home policy — helps cover the cost of your personal items if they are destroyed, damaged, or stolen due to a covered loss or peril. Personal property includes things like furniture, clothing, electronics, and kitchenware.
Read MoreIf you lost your home in a fire, how much would it cost to rebuild it? The answer may be different than you think. And if your home isn’t insured to its full replacement cost, your homeowners policy may not cover the full cost for you to rebuild it in the event of a covered loss.
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