Award Winning Parade Home

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Location: South on Maple Grove, West on Lake Hazel, North on Snowdrift Ave into community
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Insurance Tips for Homeowners

Finding a policy that will protect your property

By David Ng

One of the most crucial parts of the homeownership process that people tend to overlook or dismiss is attaining home owner insurance. You may not even get service from your mortgage company until you have proper insurance, so start investigating insurance policy options now. Consider these homeowner’s insurance tips to help you.

• Finding the right insurance for homeowners begins with consulting a representative to determine general insurability and the best rate for your policy.
• Investigate the best way to raise the deductible and lower annual payments.
• Seek discounts by installing alarm systems.
• Finally, compare differing policies to make sure that you are getting the best deal.

Figure out your needs

Your insurance agent determines the type of insurance for homeowners by going through a series of questions. Prepare yourself to disclose the home location, how old the house is, the year of installation for plumbing and electricity, what the roof is made of, the square footage of the house, and how many insurance claims have been made during the previous five years.

Replacement Coverage Cost indicates a percentage of additional coverage over the insured amount. This means that the insurance organization protects the homeowner from having to pay added costs to rebuild the house in case of a fire or other damage.

If you take out home owner insurance for 200 percent, you get double the coverage. Liability coverage protects you against claims from bodily injury or property damage to other people. While having up to one million dollars in liability coverage is possible, it is more common to have $300,000 in liability coverage.

Depending on location, to raise it to $500,000 can run you about $20 more per year. If you have property of higher value, an umbrella policy for house insurance can give you an additional $1,000,000 in liability coverage with a premium of between $300 and $500 per year, depending on location.

Raise the deductible

Save money by raising your deductible and lowering your annual premiums. The downside to this is having to incur smaller costs yourself, such as broken windows or damage from leaks. Most mortgage companies do not let you go higher than a $1000 deductible.

You can most likely attain a discount from your insurance company starting at a $500 deductible. The discount augments as the deductible increases.

Seek discounts

You may be able to attain a discount of 10% or more by applying for multiple insurance policies – that is, health insurance and car insurance – within the same company.

Homeowners can lower their annual premiums between 5 and 10 percent by installing smoke alarms and other alarm systems, such as a burglar alarm connected directly to a police station and fire alarm that reports to a fire station.

You will need to submit proof of these to your insurance company. Consult your insurance agent to find out how many credits for which you are eligible.

Compare policies

Compare other insurance policies to your own every year to make sure you continue to get the best rates. Notice any changes in your situation that could possibly lower the premiums of your current policy. You may have recently installed alarm systems that could lower your premium.

Notify the insurance company and submit receipts to raise the chance of getting a lower premium. Your insurance rate can benefit from changes in your environment. If an additional new fire hydrant has been erected on your block, this could lower your premium as well.

Use Internet resources

Continue educating yourself by seeking more homeowner’s insurance tips online and learn how to get the best rates. You can save time and money – what more could you ask for?

Article from http://www.realtor.com

New Single Level With RV Bay!

Final Week!

It’s the final week of the Canyon County Parade of Homes!

Click here for more information!

Canyon County Parade of Homes

Entertainer’s Dream!

3423 Salcombe, Meridian, Idaho

This home is meant for entertaining. Open floor plan with large kitchen with all the amenities you will ever need. Huge pantry or work station.Built in Refrigerator and Freezer. Large covered patio for entertaining and great yard for the whole family. Large master suite with walk-in shower and large closet.If you have toys this is the house for you.Over 4 car capability.If you have an RV,boat,or work trailer you will have plenty of room.To many amenities to list so please call for the run down.

View the listing here.

 

New Home on the Golf Course!

1716 Colchester, Eagle, Idaho

You don’t want to miss this home!  This is the only new construction on a golf course in the valley.  This home is over 3000 sqft and has beautiful views of the fairway.  This home is loaded with amenities and the quality that Tradewinds has always offered.  Over a 1/3 of an acre you will have one of the largest lots on the course.  You will be able to entertain from inside or out.  Home features 3 beds, 2 baths, office, formal dinning & a large master suite with his and her closets.  Something for everyone in this home!

View the listing here.

Checklist Before You Buy

Finding a home that you can see yourself in for the next five to twenty-five years is a great feeling. Don’t let that feeling cloud your judgment and leave you with unexpected issues after the closing.

Here are a few things to consider before you buy:

1. Talk to a lender. It’s important to choose a lender who you are comfortable with. We have many fine local lenders and I can recommend a few if you do not already have one. Your lender will help you understand what your total monthly home cost will be. Total monthly payments will include your monthly mortgage payment, any possible homeowner association fees, utilities, taxes and insurance. Make sure the total cost fits in your budget.
2. Evaluate possible repairs or immediate improvements. In your purchase negotiation you may decide to ask the seller to repair them. If the seller agrees to repair or improve any item of the home, be sure to incorporate that into your sales contract.
3. Hire a local expert who understands the area to do your home inspections. Consider attending the home inspection.
4. Become familiar with all the vital systems that connect to the house (electrical, plumbing, heating, sewer, and water.)
5. For example, there are many different types of heating systems, and public sewer and water systems are very different than having your town well and septic system. Investigate each of these systems.
6. Get to know the neighborhood. Drive around and get a feel for what it would be like to own a property in the area. Be sure and investigate the Homeowner’s Association.
7. Know the local political landscape. Are there any issues that you should know about? Make sure that you understand how utilities, schools, and public services are funded.
8. Ask for a utility history. Confirm that your budget will match what your new home is going to cost on a monthly basis.
9. Research the Treasure Valley area to understand its economy, climate, and other variables that will be part of your long-term life style.

If you’re considering a move, or hear that any family, friends, neighbors or colleagues are, please feel free to contact me.

Parade of Homes – Spring 2012

Here we go everyone!  It’s Parade of Homes month and time to get out and see a ton of great new homes.  The parade started May 5th and runs through the 20th.  I’ve attached a link to the Parade of Homes virtual magazine.  Get out and support your local businesses!

Parade of Homes Virtual Magazine

I represent Ninety Degrees Construction.  We are number 34 and are located in Cedar Ridge Subdivision.  Cedar Ridge is loated just west of Maple Grove on Lake Hazel.  I don’t think you will find a better value in the Parade.  This home is over 2500 SQFT and has something for everyone in the family.  3 large bedrooms are upstairs with the theater room.  Downstairs is nice and open with a large great room and kitchen area and an office.  The kitchen will make any cook happy.  It has double ovens, 5 burner gas range and a huge center island.  All of Ninety Degree’s homes come standard with granite countertops and custom cabinets.  We can build this home with all of this for $259,900 or $219,900 on your own lot.  You won’t find a better deal.

2609 Terrace Way, Boise, Idaho

Don’t miss this great opportunity to live on top of the hill. This home is over 3600 Sqft & has just received new kitchen cabinets,granite counter tops,stainless steel appliances,new bathrooms,hardwood floors,exterior paint,& added a 4th bedroom. This home offers several living areas up or down & you have amazing views from the covered patio.It offers something for everyone in the family. It is in a great neighborhood & is close to everything downtown Boise has to offer & in a great school district.

Get more information here!