Setback Thermostats - how they help and when NOT to use them

Advice and explanation from This Old House

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Be Aware of what can increase your insurance

8 Things That Can Push Your Insurance Rates Through the Roof

Insurance companies are mysterious entities, and divining how they determine your home insurance rates, minimum liability, and every other confusing aspect of your policy is hardly a sport for the faint-hearted.

Even worse than the gobbledygook is when they surprise you—a new trampoline suddenly jacks up your premium, or that sweet new puppy means immediate cancellation.

Don’t get caught off guard—make sure you know what raises red flags over at your insurer’s HQ.

1. Swimming pool

There’s nothing better than splashing in a pool on a hot summer’s day, especially if it’s right outside your door. But insurance companies don’t care if you need to beat the heat. They see your new pool as an “attractive nuisance”—and nothing more.

“People play in and want to use these things, and they are inherently dangerous,” says Michael Thrasher, a research analyst who specializes in the insurance industry at ValuePenguin, a personal finance research and analysis company. “If they happen to fall in, you as a homeowner are responsible.”

And nothing concerns insurance brokers more than potential lawsuits. Standard policies come with $100,000 of liability coverage—which barely covers the attorney fees in a wrongful death, much less potential payouts.

“Every attorney I talk to recommends you purchase additional liability coverage if you have a pool,” Thrasher says.

2. Trampoline

These babies are also considered “attractive nuisances,” and most insurance brokers strongly recommend avoiding them completely because of the high risk of injuries or death.

While he admits it’s unusual, Thrasher says he’s heard of situations where a homeowner either can’t get coverage or is completely dropped by an insurance company because of a trampoline.

And as tempting as it might be, don’t hide the fact you have one from your insurance company. Some folks might assume there won’t be incidents because their kids are responsible, or because the trampoline is covered with a net or buried in the ground. But accidents happen—including neighbors’ children sneaking onto your property.

“If you don’t report a trampoline to your insurer, you’re opening up a door to have a claim denied,” Thrasher says.

3. ‘Dangerous’ dog breeds

Few insurance companies will outright tell you to ditch your beloved pup, but they might beg you to reconsider before adoption … and drop you if you pick the wrong breed.

Common no-no pets are Akitas, pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds, although you should check with your insurance company before heading to the breeder or shelter.

While this restriction might seem silly to a dog lover—some pit bulls are as sweet as pie—Thrasher says there’s a reason for it. The number of dog liability claims has decreased, but the cost of each has increased 16% year over year, thanks to increased medical costs and larger settlements and judgments.

Costwise, “these incidents are up there with a fire,” Thrasher says.

4. Upgrading your home’s exterior

Brick might look better, but don’t upgrade your exterior without letting your homeowners insurance agent know first. If a fire or natural disaster occurs and you’re forced to replace your home, you should remember that nicer materials like brick and stone are much more expensive than vinyl or aluminum siding. That can affect the amount of liability you need.

It’s rare to downgrade your exterior, but if you’re eager to replace that attractive stucco with something a little cheaper (OK, and admittedly easier to clean), check in with your agent. If your new selection isn’t fire-resistant or can’t handle weather damage, the insurer may cancel your policy.

5. Treehouse

Here’s another attractive nuisance your kids might be begging for: treehouses. (No, we’re not talking about freestanding jungle gyms or slides. We mean the ones literally built around a tree.)

Kids see an oasis of fun and happiness and come running, not caring the slightest that they might fall from 10 feet and break an arm, Thrasher says. Before building, discuss your plans with your agent, and expect it to affect how much liability you need to purchase—and by extension, your monthly premium.

6. Vacation homes

No, it doesn’t seem fair that your insurance company can ding you for a home you’re not even living in most of the time, but you should prepare for it to happen.

“People roll their eyes and say, ‘Well, there’s nothing different about this home—why do I pay more?'” Thrasher says. “But when you think about it, it makes sense.”

After all, your primary home is where you live most of the time—making burglaries less likely and meaning you can quickly fix any major problems that arise. If water starts leaking in the basement of your primary residence, you’ll know. If a damaging drip forms in your upstate cabin, it might be a few weeks (or even months) before you notice. That means higher risk, and thus, a higher premium.

7. Frequent Airbnb-ing

Don’t jump onto the home-sharing trend without remembering the golden home rentalrule: fewer than 90 days.

“If you rent out your home a few times a year via Airbnb and something were to happen, your insurance will probably cover them,” Thrasher says. That all changes when you reach the 90-day threshold. Because they’re covering you as an individual, not a business, it’s likely they won’t cover any claims on a property used for frequent home-sharing.

If you insist on going that route, work with your agent to figure out exactly what coverage you need. Or be prepared to shoulder the enormous burden of paying to repair damage from a fire or flooded basement all by yourself.

8. Lots of claims

Some people are naturally butterfingered. And while none of us blames you, your insurance company might. Consider the severity of each incident before filing a claim, otherwise you run the risk that your policy might be terminated.

“If you file four claims in a year for small things, all of a sudden you are starting to appear like someone who is very accident-prone,” Thrasher says.

At the very least, expect a premium increase after a couple of claims. And while it’s rare to be completely dropped, it might happen if your insurer determines you were at fault for most of the accidents.

Feeling hemmed in by all the rules? It’s a tricky process to navigate, but do one simple thing and you can avoid the chaos: Talk to your broker before making any major change. You’ll save yourself headaches—and potentially huge costs—down the line.

As always make and informed decision.  Need a way to comparison shop for coverage and cost?  Just call, test or email

How far will your money go in another state?

Considering relocation, call text or email me for real estate expertise before you visit.

Important Numbers for Homowners

Whether you are wondering how high to hang a towel bar or how high to make your kitchen cabinets, this article from This Old House has lots of the numbers you need

When you are ready to apply these numbers someplace new, call, text or email

Don't Lose Time Waiting

Why Lose Time Waiting for the Cable Guy? 5 Ways to Take Back That Time

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: November 21, 2011

Americans waste almost five hours a year waiting for service people to show up. Use that time wisely by tackling these home maintenance tasks.

It seems like forever when you’re stuck at home waiting for the cable guy to show up. In fact, Americans on average cool their heels for 4.5 hours and waste $250 in wages annually waiting for service appointments, according to TOA Technologies’ 2011 Cost of Waiting Survey.

Instead of thrumming your fingers during long waits, take back that time by giving your home a little love and care. We’ve got five ideas that take five hours. Or come up with you own tasks. The goal is to be productive — tackle those home maintenance projects you’ve been putting off — and not let the cable guy send your blood pressure racing. And if your projects take a little longer, well, the cable guy can just wait for you.

• Replace cracked caulking. Prevent mold growth and drywall rot by digging out old caulking around sinks and tubs with a utility knife, and piping new caulking with a caulking gun. Smooth with your finger or a sponge.

• Seal air leaks. Scout and seal costly air leaks through doors, windows, attic access, and outlet covers. A candle can help you find those pesky air leaks — if it blows, there’s a breeze. Don’t forget to check recessed lighting, too.

• Deep clean. Get in the cracks, move the fridge, take apart the sofa, and get all the dirt and grimethat keeps your home from sparkling. A microfiber cloth works well for dusting and washing.

• Clean gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water problems inside your home. You should muck out your gutters at least twice a year — in spring and fall. Stormy weather could require more frequent cleaning.

• Mulch landscape. Spread mulch and generally prepare your yard for winter on your plant and shrub beds to hold down weeds and protect your landscape from dying of thirst in summer.

What’s the longest you’ve waited for a service person to show up?

Ready for a new place to wait?  Call, text or email

Saving Money when you remodel

There’s something romantic, rewarding, and even downright inspiring about bringing an outdated house into the 21st century—but ask anyone who’s been there and done it, and they’ll tell you the remodel process will test your patience, your budget, perhaps even your sanity.

“It’s a journey into the land of unknowns,” warns Mike McGrew, treasurer for the National Association of Realtors® and CEO of McGrew Real Estate in Lawrence, KS. “You just don’t know what’s inside that wall and how much more it might cost to remove, say, that sewer line until you get in there.”

That’s not to say that renovating a home can’t pay off big-time, especially in the long run. And luckily, there are ways to cut costs during the process. Let’s check some of them out.

1. Be armed with info about competing contractors

Selecting a trustworthy contractor can make a world of difference in the timeline of a home remodel, which will ultimately save you money. Of course, you’ll want to ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations, and follow up with references. But you might still be concerned that your budget isn’t quite as generous as the one deployed by your next-door frenemies, the Bickles. (Darn you, Bickles!) Do you have enough cash to make your dream renovation happen?

Here’s a little-known secret: Name-drop competitors and the prices they’ve quoted. More than likely, the contractor you’re meeting with will be willing to strike a deal to win your business. One resource worth tapping into is the contractor’s fair price and service guarantees for qualified members.

Once you narrow down your options, you should get at least three written estimates to compare costs and timelines, and verify applicable trade license, bonding, and insurance status. Another helpful tip: Insist on a payment schedule tied to project progress and keep at least 10% back until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

“Include the payment schedule in your written contract and a termination clause that allows you to walk away easily if terms aren’t met,” says Cheryl Reed, a spokeswoman for Angie’s List.

Now, if you have some basic DIY knowledge (or a kind friend willing to pitch in), you can save by skipping the contractor. But make sure you know what you’re getting into—there are some home improvement projects you simply shouldn’t DIY.

2. Know where to cut corners

As popular opinion has it, kitchens and bathrooms are the most desirable areas in the home to renovate, both yielding a return on investment around 85%, Reed says. But a major renovation for a kitchen or bathroom could cost around $20,000—and there’s no actual guarantee on that ROI estimate.

If that’s a scary number for you, don’t despair. There are some simple ways to spruce up these areas without spending too much.

In the bathroom: A fresh coat of paint here (or just about anywhere, for that matter) and new countertops can “really dress up the place,” McGrew says.

n the kitchen: You can easily make your kitchen look more expensive with a few simple fixes, says Deidre Hyland, Realtor for BHHS Fox & Roach Real Estate Agents & Associates in Medford, NJ. For example, you can replace cabinet and drawer knobs with more modern hardware or update appliances (when there’s a sale at one of the big-box stores).

3. Time your remodel just right

Homeowners frequently wait for warm weather of spring —along with that lovely spring tax refund—to start their home remodeling projects. But kicking off a renovation between January through early March—when there’s significantly less demand for contractors and materials—could allow you to land some good deals. Just be aware that weather conditions could make the project take longer.

Frozen ground and dry air are actually great conditions to dig foundations and pour concrete footers, and with some planning, you might be able to, say, complete a foundation or frame a room addition before the rainy season is in full force—and well ahead of when prices start to creep higher.

You should also know the best times of year to shop for any appliances you might need. (Hint: It’s not just the major holidays.)

4. Shop floor models

When it comes time to shop for a new refrigerator or oven, don’t forget that sometimes the best deals are in plain sight. In fact, floor models often are marked down by as much as 20%.

Just beware, McGrew warns: If a product on display is plugged in or is otherwise being used, you should check the warranty to see if the deal makes sense.

Many stores also have a small inventory of “scratch and dent” items that are marked down. And when they’re not, customers can point out the flaws and see how low a sales associate is willing to mark it down—sometimes, the price can be reduced by up to 20%

Other times, you can luck out with other people’s discards.

“You can find discounted appliances that were purchased and returned just because they didn’t fit,” says Todd Ricci, owner of C. Ricci & Sons Painting Contractors in North Haven, CT. “They are still brand-new.” (This is where we offer a friendly reminder to measure your space before starting any remodel! You’re welcome.)

5. Opt for ready-to-assemble cabinetry

New cabinets can easily become one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel, accounting for as much as 40% of your renovation budget. But going for ready-to-assemble or semicustom cabinets can cut the cost of cabinets by nearly half.

Prices typically start from as low as $70 per foot for budget to midlevel cabinets. Compare this to the cost of custom cabinets—which range from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot—and you’ll quickly realize this simple workaround could land a pretty sweet deal. (The range in prices depends on factors such as style, material, and cost of installation.)

6. Reuse materials

Ask your contractor if he has any materials left over from a previous job that you could snag at a fraction of the cost. Of course, this means you’ll need to be flexible about your materials and have some wiggle room when it comes to a specific paint color or shade of countertop.

Maybe that gray granite is just a tad lighter than you originally had in mind, but it still looks good—and, of course, will put a lighter load on your project’s bottom line.

We’re not saying you won’t drop a chunk of change on upgrading your home. You will! But that doesn’t mean you can’t be smart about it and save some cash along the way.

When you are considering whether to do a major remodel or move to a new home, call, text or email.

Fast Late-Summer Fixes

Easy ways to improve your home as summer comes to a close.

Katelin Hill This Old House magazine

Shop Late-Season Plant Sales

Raid nurseries for late-summer deals to fill in any holes in beds and borders.

Stay Safe in Storms

Trim branches hanging over your roof or near windows to help avoid costly storm damage.

Help Out Your Freezer

A fuller freezer will keep food cold longer in case of a power outage. Fill any gaps with a couple of bags of ice or a milk jug filled with water.

Perk Up Pillows

Set out cushions in direct sun for a few hours, flipping halfway through, to help them plump up by evaporating interior moisture—it'll kill allergy-causing dust mites, too.

Check Fences

Inspect for loose posts and rotting wood; repair as needed. Cut back encroaching greenery, which can speed wood decay.

Keep AC Drain Lines Clear

Prevent algae buildup by pouring ¼ cup of bleach down the access pipe. After 30 minutes, flush with a gallon of water

When you are thinking about a new place to apply your fixes, call, text  or email

August 2016 Harrisburg Real Estate market

A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL ON YOUR SIDE

Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying a Home!

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional!

You Need an Expert Guide if You Are Traveling a Dangerous Path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a home that is priced appropriately and ready for you to move in to can be tricky. An agent listens to your wants and needs, and can sift through the homes that do not fit within the parameters of your “dream home.”

A great agent will also have relationships with mortgage professionals and other experts that you will need in securing your dream home. 

You Need a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family?

If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal. 

Bottom Line

Famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO CONSIDER BUYING, CALL TEST OR EMAIL TO SEE HOW THIS APPLIES TO YOU