Create a Home Inventory for Insurance

By: Gwen Moran

Create a home inventory before disaster strikes to make filing an insurance claim a smoother proces

Added to Binder

Don't rely on your memory to keep track of your possessions. Create an inventory so you can know what's missing if you ever need to file a claim. Image: Jupiterimages/Getty Images

Experiencing a theft, flood, fire, or other casualty loss is devastating enough. Now imagine trying to list from memory for your insurance claim every single item that was damaged or destroyed. The task becomes less daunting if you create a home inventory in advance and keep it in a safe place.
Creating a home inventory can be done with pencil and paper alone, but a digital camera and camcorder make the job easier. Set aside enough time to review your insurance policies, dig up receipts, document your possessions, and figure out where you’ll store your records. One day should be sufficient.

A home inventory is essential

From appliances, plates, and glasses to collectibles, rugs, and furniture, the average home is packed with an array of items collected over the years. And while you may be able to list many of them in a pinch, chances are you’d miss some important possessions if you ever needed to reconstruct your home’s contents from memory, says Mark Goldwich, founder of GoldStar Adjusters, a Jacksonville, Fla., claims adjusting firm.

“Home inventories are a must no matter what the value of the home’s items are,” says Goldwich. “If you’re going to insure your property and pay for that insurance, you really should be able to document the ownership and the value of the items that you’re insuring. If you don’t have proof of the items you owned, it makes filing your claim much more difficult.”

Your job doesn’t end once you’ve compiled a home inventory, a detailed list of everything in your household. Be sure to compare estimated values to your policy’s coverage to ensure that you’ll be able to replace your belongings in case of damage or theft, says Goldwich, who is the author of “Uncovered: What Really Happens After the Storm, Flood, Earthquake or Fire.” In some cases, he says, you can purchase additional coverage if the value of your possessions exceeds the limits on your homeowners, flood, or other disaster policy.

Take photos and video of possessions

Jack Hungelmann, author of “Insurance for Dummies,” says a picture can be worth more than just a thousand words—it can add up to thousands in cash if you ever need to file an insurance claim. Hungelmann recommends using a digital camcorder or camera to take pictures of each room to document your belongings. “I recommend that people open up their cupboards and drawers. Be sure you have a record of all the things you own,” he says.

Goldwich says that creating such a home inventory might seem daunting, but digital video—you can pick up a decent camcorder for about $150—can make the task much easier.
Homeowners can literally walk from room to room and record narrative descriptions of items. You should note whether something is an antique, for example, or if it has other qualities that make it especially valuable such as the size of a television screen or the type of stones in a piece of jewelry. Get close-up shots of serial numbers on electronics, power tools, and the like.

Filling in a printed checklist with serial numbers, brands, quantities, and estimated values will prove indispensible if an insurance claim ever needs to be filed. The adjuster will likely ask for such a list, and you can use the video or photos as proof of ownership. Download our free home inventory checklist to create your own.

Keep your home inventory safe

Of course, such documentation is useless if it’s destroyed in a natural disaster, consumed by fire, or stolen along with your personal computer. Hungelmann says that using digital media allows you to store the files on online backup services like Carbonite.com or iBackup.com in case your home is destroyed.
If you’d like to save the $10 or more per month these services typically cost, you could also save the files on a USB drive that’s kept in a safe-deposit box, at a relative’s home, or in your emergency bag. The bag should include essentials your family needs in case you’re forced to flee on short notice.

It’s also a good idea to keep a file with receipts and any appraisals of valuable items you own. Store these documents off-site as well. Goldwich says that the more documentation you have to prove what you owned and what it was worth, the easier the claims process will be.

Gwen Moran has been writing about business, finance, and real estate for more than a decade. Her work has been published by Cyberhomes.com, Entrepreneur, Financial Planning, Newsweek.com, On Wall Street, The Residential Specialist, and many others.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/create-home-inventory-insurance/#ixzz19iBUgJHK

5 Reasons to Buy a Home in 2011

5 Reasons to Buy a Home in 2011
Michele Lerner, author of Homebuying: Tough Times, First Time, Any Time, offers reasons why real estate is likely to improve in 2011. Here are five reasons she thinks consumers should consider a home purchase next year:

▪ Mortgage rates will stay low. Even with rates climbing — maybe to as high as 6 percent by 2012 — they are still well below where they have been historically.
▪ Tax cuts could help. Extending the tax cuts could encourage a more rapid recovery for the economy.
▪ Americans want to be home owners. A recent Fannie Mae survey showed that Americans still believe a home is a safe and desirable investment.
▪ Builders are about to begin building. Home builders have been sitting on the sidelines. This year, they think pent-up demand will create an appetite for new homes.
▪ Homes are shrinking. Homes are getting smaller, which has made them more affordable.

Source: Investopedia, Michele Lerner (12/24/2010)

8 Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home
By: Pat Curry
Published: March 25, 2010
Appraisers and real estate agents offer advice for adding curb appeal that both preserves value and attracts potential buyers.
 Curb appeal has always been important for home sellers. With the vast majority of today's home buyers starting their search on the Internet, the appearance of your property is more critical than ever. You only have a few seconds to catch their attention as they scroll through listings online to get them to stop and take a closer look.

But the role of curb appeal goes beyond just making a good first impression. The way your house looks from the street can impact its value. It can also shorten the time it takes to sell your house. We asked real estate agents, appraisers, home stagers, landscape designers, and home inspectors which curb appeal projects offer the most value when your house is on the market, both in terms of its marketability and dollars. Here is what they told us:
1. Paint the house.
Hands down, the most commonly offered curb appeal advice from our real estate pros and appraisers is to give the exterior of your home a good paint job. Buyers will instantly notice it and appraisers will note it on the valuation.

"Paint is probably the number one thing inside and out," says Frank Lucco, managing partner of Houston-based IRR-Residential Appraisers and Consultants. "I'd give additional value for that. If you're under two years remaining life (on the paint job), paint the exterior because it tends to show wear badly." 

Just make sure you stay within the range of accepted colors for your market. A house that's painted a wildly different color from its competition will be marked down in value by appraisers.
2. Have the house washed.
Before you make the investment in a paint job, though, take a good look at the house. If it's got mildew or general grunge, just washing the house could make a world of difference, says Valerie Torelli, a California real estate agent with a background in accounting.

Before she puts a house on the market, Torelli often does exterior makeovers on her clients' homes, a service she pays for herself to get higher selling prices. Overall, she says her goal is to spend less than $5,000, with a goal of generating an extra $10,000 to $15,000 on the sale price.

Torelli specifies pressure-washing-a job that should be left to professionals. Pressure washing makes the house look "bright and clean in addition to getting rid of unsightly things like cobwebs, which may not be seen from the yard but will detract from the home's cleanliness when seen up close," she says.

The cost to have a professional cleaning should be a few hundred dollars-a fraction of the cost of having the house painted.
3. Trim the shrubs and green up the yard.
California real estate agent Valerie Torelli says she puts a lot of emphasis on landscaping, such as cutting down overgrown bushes and replacing them with leafy plants and annuals mulched with beautiful reddish-brown bark. "It runs me $30 to $50," says Torelli. "Do you get a return on your money? Absolutely. It sucks people in."

You also don't want bare spots. Take the time to fertilize the yard, throw out some grass seed, and if need be, add some sod.
4. Add a splash of color.
It could be a flower bed of annuals by the mailbox, a paint job for the front door, or a brightly colored bench or an Adirondack chair. "You can get a cute little bench at Home Depot for $99," Torelli notes. "Spray paint it bright red or blue and set it in the yard or on the front porch."

It's not a bad idea, but don't plan on getting extra points from an appraiser for a red bench, says John Bredemeyer, president of Realcorp in Omaha. "It's difficult to quantify, but it does make a home sell more quickly," Bredemeyer says. "Maybe yours sold a couple weeks faster than the house down the street. That's the best way to look at these things."
5. Add a fancy mailbox and house numbers.
An upscale mail box and architectural house numbers or an address plaque can give your house a distinctive look that stands out from everyone else on the block. Torelli makes them a part of her exterior makeovers "I've gotten those hand-painted mailboxes," she says. "A nice one runs you $40 to $50." Architectural house numbers may run as high as a few hundred dollars.
6. Repair or clean the roof.
Springfield, Va.-based home inspector and former builder Reggie Marston says the roof is one of the first things he looks at in assessing the condition of a home. He'll look at other houses in the neighborhood to see if there are a lot of replaced roofs and see if the subject house has one as well. If not, he'll look for curls in the shingles or missing shingles. "I'm looking at the roof for end-of-life expectancy," he says.

You can pay for roof repairs now, or pay for them later in a lower appraisal; appraisers will mark down the value by the cost of the repair. That could knock thousands of dollars off your appraisal. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of a new asphalt shingle roof is about $21,500.

"Roofs are issues," Lucco says. "You won't throw money away on that job. You gotta have a decent roof."

Stains and plant matter, such as moss, can be handled with cleaning. It's a job that can often be done in a day for a few hundred dollars, and makes the roof look like new. It's not a DIY project; call a professional with the right tools to clean it without damaging it.
7. Put up a fence.
A picket fence with a garden gate to frame the yard is an asset. A fence has more impact in a family-oriented neighborhood than an upscale retirement community, Bredemeyer says, but in most instances, appraisers will give extra value for one, as long as it's in good condition. "Day in a day out, a fence is a plus," Bredemeyer says. Expect to pay $2,000 to $3,500 for a professionally installed gated picket fence 3 feet high and 100 feet long.
8. Perform routine maintenance and cleaning.
Nothing sets off subconscious alarms like hanging gutters, missing bricks from the front steps, or lawn tools rusting in the bushes. It makes even the professionals question what else hasn't been taken care of.

"A house is worth less if the maintenance isn't done," Lucco says. "Those little things can add up and be a very big detractor. When people say, ‘I'd buy it if it weren't for all the deferred maintenance,' what they're really saying is, ‘I'd still buy it if you reduce the price.'" 

Georgia-based freelance writer Pat Curry has covered housing and real estate for consumer and trade publications for more than a decade, including covering new home sales and marketing for BUILDER, the magazine of the National Association of Home Builders.


Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/articles/8-tips-adding-curb-appeal-and-value-your-home/#ixzz19Q02SitP

9 Unexpected Energy (and Money) Savers

Here are a few surprising and simple ways to cut your energy bill this season.

Give your pocketbook and Mother Nature a gift this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.
Put lamps in the corners: Did you know you can switch to a lower wattage bulb in a lamp or lower its dimmer switch and not lose a noticeable amount of light? It’s all about placement. When a lamp is placed in a corner, the light reflects off the adjoining walls, which makes the room lighter and brighter.

Switch to a laptop: If you’re reading this article on a laptop, you’re using 1/3 less energy than if you’re reading this on a desktop.

Choose an LCD TV: If you’re among those considering a flat-screen upgrade from your conventional, CRT TV, choose an LCD screen for the biggest energy save.

Give your water heater a blanket: Just like you pile on extra layers in the winter, your hot water heater can use some extra insulation too. A fiberglass insulation blanket is a simple addition that can cut heat loss and save 4% to 9% on the average water-heating bill.

Turn off the burner before you’re done cooking: When you turn off an electric burner, it doesn’t cool off immediately. Use that to your advantage by turning it off early and using the residual heat to finish up your dish.



Read more by registering @ http://www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com/

 

Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget

By: Laura Fisher Kaiser

The success of any landscaping project depends on having a plan and sticking to it.

Use tracing paper to plan out a landscaping project. Additional home improvement videos can be found at DannyLipford.com.

Landscaping is one of the surest ways to pump up the value of your property. According to research by Virginia Cooperative Extension, going from a plain lawn and a concrete driveway to a well-landscaped lot raises a home’s perceived value by 12.7%. The opposite is also true: A “minimal” landscaping job—a thoughtless smattering of scraggly plants—actually detracts from home value.

How much should you invest in upgrading your landscape? Professionals recommend budgeting 10% of your home’s value. But the important thing to remember is that success doesn’t depend on how much you spend. “Landscaping doesn’t have to be expensive, just well planned,” says Carl Heldmann, author of “Be Your Own House Contractor.” Here’s how to get started on a landscape plan of your own.

First, consult a pro

To figure out how to allocate your landscape dollars, start by picking the brain of a pro. Even if you have a naturally green thumb, a trained professional can save you from wasting money on wrongheaded ideas and open your eyes to possibilities you haven’t considered. There are various types of landscape pros, and their expertise is priced accordingly.

If your yard has major issues or you have grand ambitions, consider hiring a certified landscape architect to design a comprehensive plan that includes such things as irrigation, lighting, architectural features, soil conditioning, and, of course, the growing stuff. A verbal consultation costs about $100-$150; a detailed plan can run from $300 to $2,500. The American Society of Landscape Architects offers a state-by-state “firm finder” on its website.

Landscape designers typically charge less than degreed landscape architects and are a good choice for simpler projects that don’t require construction. Horticulturists specialize in plants, not necessarily design. Then there are landscape contractors, the design-build firms of yard work. Start by asking friends whose gardens you admire for recommendations. Your local home and garden center is another good source for contacts.

Set your priorities

Before you get any dirt under your nails—or hire someone to get dirty—you need to make two lists: a) what you want and b) what your property needs. These aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, but the exercise is important for setting priorities. It would be folly to spend big bucks on an outdoor kitchen before resolving potentially disastrous issues such as a diseased tree or drainage problems.

The first question that a professional will likely ask is: What do you see yourself doing in your yard? Hosting Sunday barbecues? Doing the crossword puzzle in a hammock? Swimming laps? Growing vegetables? Clip pictures of outdoor spaces you like and don’t like to clarify the feeling you’re trying to achieve.

Remember that part of your landscape budget will go toward the “b” list. Those are things that may not lend themselves to sexy magazine spreads but can protect your property value—not to mention enhance your quality of life—by lowering water bills, reducing the need to mow or rake, or blocking the view of your neighbor who hot-tubs in the buff. We’re talking

about practical considerations such as irrigation, fencing, lighting, equipment storage, privacy, and security.

 

You can read the entire article and many more by registering @ www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com

How Much Do Holiday Lights Cost to Run?

Source: Duke Energy


December 10, 2010

On average, holiday lighting costs just pennies a day. However, elaborate displays that use large incandescent bulbs can add as much as $80 to a monthly power bill, depending on the number of bulbs and how long they are lit each day.
“That’s a huge difference, especially if you’re not expecting it,” said Gianna Manes, a senior vice president with Duke Energy, Charlotte, N.C. “There are so many energy efficient options available today that even the most elaborate display can fit into anyone’s budget.”
Six sets of 100 large incandescent bulbs plugged in six hours a day can add up to $80 to an energy bill. The same style bulb that uses a light-emitting diode (LED) rated at 65 watts would

increase the electric bill by only about $7 a month. Using mini lights will reduce the cost increase even further—to about $1 a month.

To help customers estimate their holiday lighting cost, Duke Energy has added a calculator to its website. Residential customers can visit www.duke-energy.com and select their state to access the calculator.

For customers who prefer to run manual calculations, the formula is:

Wattage divided by 1000 = kilowatts

Kilowatts X total hours of use per day = kilowatt-hours (kWh)

KWh X $0.10 (average residential costs per kWh) = total cost per day per string of lights

Total light sets X daily cost per set X 31 (days in December) = Average Cost

Example: Using one set of the large, 100 count mini LED bulbs = 40.8 watts:

40.8 watts divided by 1000 = 0.04 kilowatts

0.04 X 6 hours = 0.24 kilowatt hours

 

 

For the remainder of this great article and many more

Mortgage Rates Follow Bonds Higher

Thanks to A service of YellowBrix, Inc for the info below:

December 17, 2010

 

Average interest rates for long-term mortgages rose for the fifth consecutive week, the U.S. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. said Thursday.
The average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose from 4.61 percent to 4.83 percent with 0.7 points. Average interest rates for 15-year contracts rose from 3.96 percent to 4.17 percent with 0.7 points, Freddie Mac said.
Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages a year ago stood at 4.38 percent. Rates for 30-year mortgages a year ago averaged 4.94 %.

Mortgage rates followed bond yields higher in the week, as they have for two weeks.

“Market concerns over stronger economic growth that, in the near term, could lead to an increase in inflation have sparked a rise in bond yields and mortgage rates have followed,” Freddie Mac Vice President and Chief Economist Frank Nothaft said in a statement.

 

Register @ www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com for more great info

 

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Home Owners Included in Tax Bill

 

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Home Owners Included in Tax Bill

Source: The Alliance to Save Energy



December 17, 2010

Washington, D.C., December 17, 2010—The major tax bill President Obama is expected to soon sign includes a federal income tax credit of up to $500 for home owners who make certain energy-efficiency home improvements.

The Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010, H.R. 4853, offers a tax credit for up to 10% of the cost of energy-efficient building envelope materials—including insulation, sealing products, certain types of roofs, and windows. Windows are subject, also, to a flat $200 limit.
The bill also incorporates these dollar limits for other types of energy efficiency upgrades, which

are not subject to the 10% limit:

• $50 for an advanced main air circulating fan (for an HVAC system)

• $150 for certain natural gas, oil and propane furnaces and hot water boilers

• $300 for “energy efficient building property,” a category that includes electric heat pumps; natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters; central air conditioners; electric heat pump water heaters; and biomass stoves for heating or water heating

The Alliance to Save Energy, a consortium of government, business, and consumer leaders advocating for energy efficiency causes, said the tax breaks would help home owners who face rising energy costs.
“But,” Alliance President Kateri Callahan said, “we’re sorely disappointed that Congress did not see fit to make the incentives more generous. That would have increased their use by consumers, to the benefit of our economy, energy security, and environment.”

For more information and additional valuable resorces register @ www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com
 

Need to Replace your Water Heater?

Appliance Buying Guide: Water Heaters

By: Joe Bousquin

When it’s time to replace your water heater, you’ll find a wide array of high-efficiency models offering big energy savings.

Since hot water accounts for as much as 25% of your home’s energy use, when your water heater dies, the replacement you choose will have a big impact on your monthly bills. New technologies make many of today’s models far more energy efficient than that old tank you’re getting rid of. Some of the greenest options are tankless units that heat water on demand, but even conventional water heaters—the classic metal cylinders that are by far the most popular in the U.S.—have gotten less expensive to operate.

Water heater basics

Most households need a 50-gallon tank, according to Jeff Haney, a product manager at manufacturer Rheem. That’ll cost $900 to $2,000, installed, depending on which model you choose. Your plumber will put it where the old tank was, with the cold water supply pipe attached at the bottom of the tank and a hot water outlet pipe on top.

Inside the tank, a thermostat constantly assesses the water temperature and fires up a heating mechanism when it falls below the desired setting (120 degrees is standard). When you turn on a hot water tap, heated water flows from the tank and gets replaced by more cold

water from the supply line below.

To do this work, water heaters use electricity, oil, or natural gas. Choosing a new water heater that uses the same fuel type as your old unit is the easiest way to keep replacement costs down, says contractor Andy Wargo of Marcellus, N.Y.

What to look for on the label

Within each fuel type, you’ll find a range of models and price points. To compare, look for these key differences, marked right on the label:

First Hour Rating is a measure of how many gallons the unit can produce in one hour (which is more than its tank capacity since it starts making more hot water as soon as you draw some out). With the average shower using 20 gallons of water, a shave using a couple more, and washing breakfast dishes another 5 to 10, a busy family might need an FHR of 60 to 70 gallons to handle the morning rush. Your plumber can help you analyze your needs.

Energy Factor tells you how efficiently the unit operates. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit, and the less it will cost to run. In 2010, the highest EF units qualify for a 30% federal tax credit up to $1,500 for the purchase price and installation costs—as well as state credits and local utility rebates. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for local details.

Tankless water heaters are the greenest option, but even conventional water heaters are more efficient than they used to be. Image: GE Appliances & Lighting

Since hot water accounts for as much as 25% of your home’s energy use, when your water heater dies, the replacement you choose will have a big impact on your monthly bills. New technologies make many of today’s models far more energy efficient than that old tank you’re getting rid of. Some of the greenest options are tankless units that heat water on demand, but even conventional water heaters—the classic metal cylinders that are by far the most popular in the U.S.—have gotten less expensive to operate.

Water heater basics

Most households need a 50-gallon tank, according to Jeff Haney, a product manager at manufacturer Rheem. That’ll cost $900 to $2,000, installed, depending on which model you choose. Your plumber will put it where the old tank was, with the cold water supply pipe attached at the bottom of the tank and a hot water outlet pipe on top.

Inside the tank, a thermostat constantly assesses the water temperature and fires up a heating mechanism when it falls below the desired setting (120 degrees is standard). When you turn on a hot water tap, heated water flows from the tank and gets replaced by more cold water from the supply line below.

To do this work, water heaters use electricity, oil, or natural gas. Choosing a new water heater that uses the same fuel type as your old unit is the easiest way to keep replacement costs down, says contractor Andy Wargo of Marcellus, N.Y.

What to look for on the label

Within each fuel type, you’ll find a range of models and price points. To compare, look for these key differences, marked right on the label:

First Hour Rating is a measure of how many gallons the unit can produce in one hour (which is more than its tank capacity since it starts making more hot water as soon as you draw some out). With the average shower using 20 gallons of water, a shave using a couple more, and washing breakfast dishes another 5 to 10, a busy family might need an FHR of 60 to 70 gallons to handle the morning rush. Your plumber can help you analyze your needs.

Energy Factor tells you how efficiently the unit operates. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit, and the less it will cost to run. In 2010, the highest EF units qualify for a 30% federal tax credit up to $1,500 for the purchase price and installation costs—as well as state credits and local utility rebates. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for local details.

Here’s a breakdown of your basic water heater options from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy:

Water Heater Type	Installed Cost	Yearly Energy Cost	Life (years)	Total Cost (over 13 Years)
Conventional gas	$850	$350	13	$5,394
High-efficiency gas	$1,025	$323	13	$5,220
Conventional electric	$750	$463	13	$6,769
High-efficiency electric	$820	$439	13	$6,528
Conventional oil [there are no high-efficiency oil options at this time]	$1,100	$230	8	$4,777

High-efficiency options

Three types of tank heaters are eligible for the federal tax credit: high-efficiency gas, gas condensing, and electric heat pumps. Ask for a Manufacturers Certification Statement from your retailer. If it doesn’t provide one, the model doesn’t qualify.

For more of this article and additional valuable info register @ www.teamcarsonaxrealtors.com

Holiday Treats

15 Holiday Treats from Food & Wine

Scallops with Potato Pancakes and Caviar Sauce

Vinny Dotolo found inspiration for this elegant dish by thinking about New Year's Eve classics. Both Champagne and caviar flavor the butter sauce that he spoons over seared scallops set on mini potato pancakes.

Ricotta-Stuffed Arancini

Arancini means "little oranges," referring to the golden color of these fried rice balls and to their usual round shape. A popular Italian snack, arancini are often filled with meat, cheese or vegetables, but these are filled with fresh ricotta and a hint of Parmigiano-Reggiano

Arugula Salad with Prosciutto and Oyster Mushrooms

When he was a boy, Fabio Trabocchi loved foraging for mushrooms in the woods around his house. In this elegant salad, he tosses lightly sautéed oyster mushrooms with arugula and tops them with thin slices of prosciutto and Pecorino Toscano.

Ligurian Seafood Soup

This gorgeous dish of layered shellfish and seafood is based on a recipe that sommelier Richard Betts found in a 1995 issue of F&W. Betts freely adapts the recipe to whatever looks best at the market, but he always follows the same formula: fish on the bottom, shellfish on the top. "It’s so impressive," he says. "When you pull it out of the oven, people freak."

Skirt Steak with Paprika Butter

"I love skirt steak because it's just fatty enough, and it cooks quickly, which is great for dinner parties," says Vinny Dotolo. He serves the steak thinly sliced, with a lightly smoky, tangy paprika butter

To continue reading this article and for many more sign up for this blog

Homeowners Insurance Basics

You didn't save, shop, and slog through red tape all this time just to move into a place that might get toothpicked by a hurricane, did you? Here's how you can maximize your insurance protection when you buy a place.

What It Is
A standard homeowners insurance policy is a "package" of four categories of insurance: coverage for the structure of the building; coverage for your belongings (everything inside the building); liability protection in case someone is injured in your home; and living expenses if you're forced temporarily out of your home. All four kinds of coverage can be tweaked and customized based on your needs. Most homeowners insurance claims are made because of fires or natural disasters, but the coverage also protects your property against theft (damn kids!) and protects you against potential lawsuits.

Who Needs It
Ain't you listening? Every homeowner needs a policy. Most banks require one when you get a mortgage anyway, but their minimums may only cover the structure -- not the stuff inside, liability, or living costs.
How It Works
After you buy, you should reevaluate your coverage regularly at a set time -- say, each year at Christmas, when you can photograph all your rooms and take a look at the new things you've added or gotten rid of in the last year. You can reduce extra coverage for valuables as they depreciate (like a custom home theater you poured thousands into back when you loved Nickelback) and increase certain types of protection as your home takes shape. Also, be aware that while the standard homeowners policy often covers perils ranging from fire to theft to "civil unrest" and vandalism, earthquake and flood coverage must be bought separately.
Floods (the natural disaster kind, not the washing-machine-backup kind) aren't covered by homeowners policies -- flood insurance is actually sold as a separate policy, which is funded by the federal government (check out fema.gov/nfip/ for the full scoop). Wondering why flood insurance comes from Uncle Sam? Flood damage costs are generally so high and so difficult to predict, private insurers can't afford to cover them. So while flood insurance is bought through private agents, it's in fact run through FEMA -- the policy costs are set and underwritten by the government.
You can also purchase an umbrella policy -- an extra million dollars in coverage costs only a few hundred dollars per year. This extra liability coverage protects your home and other assets if, for example, you're held responsible for a serious car accident and your car insurance liability coverage can't handle all the legal costs.

register to finish reading this article and for much more incredible free info @ http://www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com/

6 New Home To-Dos

6 New Home To-Dos

You’ve found a dream home in your dream neighborhood. Congrats! Now the real work begins: Start ticking these things off your list.

1. Check Your Insurance Policies

Moving to a new state? Chances are you’ll have to get new insurance policies. You might even need to find a new company since not all insurers blanket the entire country.

2. Sign Up for the Town Newspaper

It’ll help you get to know the area quickly. Also, consider subscribing to the regional magazine—all of those dining guides are invaluable.

3. Get Copies of Your Medical Records

Even if you’re young and perfectly healthy, you’re still going to need your records at some point. Avoid the hassle by getting them before you move out of the area—you’re going to need to change doctors when you move, so you’ll want your new doc to have all of the information that they’ll need.

4. Hook Yourself Up

Call your current water, electric, cable, Internet, and phone companies and soon-to-be companies a month before your move date. This way, you have enough time to schedule appointments required for shut off and turn on. This will prevent you from getting charged after you leave your old home or for any service that’s not on in your new one. Ask for written confirmations in case you have to appeal a charge.

For more great articles and the remainder of this one sign up to follow this blog by registering @ http://www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com/

The best steps to follow when buying a home

7 Steps to Buying a House

Find out how much you can afford.

Before your first steps to buying a new home, your mortgage lender will look at a couple different numbers to find out your spending limit. The first figure is your take-home pay. Banks like to follow the 28/36 rule: Your monthly mortgage payments should total no more than 28 percent of your net paycheck, and your total debts, including car payments and student loans, shouldn't inch over 36 percent.

Get preapproved for a loan.

For a small fee, a lender will contact your employer, bank, and others to verify your income, assets, debts, and credit history. You’ll then get a letter stating that your mortgage is approved for a certain amount (which will help you determine your price limit!) up until a certain date. This document is more for the home seller’s benefit to prove that you’re a serious buyer. There's no obligation on your part to actually get a mortgage.

Start searching for new digs.

A good way to start is to look at advertisements of homes located in neighborhoods you might want to check out. Then see who the listing agent is -- chances are that company does a decent amount of business in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Also use our finding a home tool.

Make an offer.

Do your own research in your local paper, office of public records, or Zillow to find out what similar homes in the area have recently sold for. Choose a number for your initial offer. If it’s far below the asking price, be prepared to defend it with your research. Don’t let your real estate agent pressure you into making the first number any higher than you’re comfortable with.

Settle on a price.

The seller will respond in one of three ways: an acceptance, a counter-bid (giving you a number somewhere between your offer and the asking price), or declining by sticking to their original asking price. Find out why the sellers are digging in their heels. If you can agree on a number, you’ll sign a contract and be asked to put down a “binder” or “earnest money." Make sure the contract specifies that you can get this money back if you withdraw your offer.

Get an inspection.

Ask a realtor to recommend a certified inspector or check out the American Society of Home Inspectors. Have our home inspection checklist handy.


to continue reading the article and much more valuable info contact us today @ www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com

Here are some great tips for the holidays

10 Healthy Holiday Party Tips

Your guide to a guilt-free winter bash.

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD

I know that not everyone feels this way, but I personally love to attend and throw holiday parties. The holiday music twinkling in the background, those festive fashions, and time to visit with people you don't see often -- what's not to love?

Some might also think that a holiday party is not the place to highlight health. I beg to differ. What makes a party special is the people, the conversation, and the dancing (if you're lucky) -- not the high-cal desserts or greasy finger foods. It is possible to throw a healthy holiday party that will please most of your guests. (I say "most" because there are always a few people who are impossible to please, no matter what!)
That said, here are my top 10 tips for throwing a healthy holiday party. Adopt as many as you like -- the more the merrier!
1. Offer no- and lower-calorie drinks galore so your guests have lots of healthy options. Here are a few to try:

• Holiday tea
• Diet soda
• Mineral water
• Coffee
• Light beer and wine spritzers made with club soda
• Holiday punch made with diet soda (like ginger ale or lemon-lime soda) and/or light cranberry juice

2. Serve fruit and vegetable trays. For appetizers and dinner, I use the 50% rule: I try to cover 50% of the food table with fruit and vegetable dishes. Here are some winter options for your fruit and veggie arrays:

• For fruit trays or fruit salads, try apple slices (spray with lemon juice to prevent browning), orange slices or wedges, melon cubes, grapes, canned pineapple, and cherry or grape tomatoes.
• For raw veggie trays, try jicama, baby carrots, celery sticks, sugar snap peas, broccoli, and cauliflower florets.

3. Keep dips and spreads as light as possible by substituting nonfat sour cream, light cream cheese, light or low-fat mayonnaise, and low-fat yogurt for the more caloric versions.
4. Look for ways to add beans to your dishes to beef up the fiber and plant protein, which will help your guests feel fuller faster. It's easy to use beans in salads, casseroles, and appetizers. One of my favorites is a light 7-layer dip that features canned, nonfat refried beans.
5. Serve whole grains or whole-grain blends. You can use half whole-wheat flour in nut breads, muffins, and even cookie recipes. You can use whole-wheat blend pastas, whole grain crackers, and whole wheat (or whole wheat blend) dinner rolls. Check the ingredient list and the fiber grams on the nutrition information label for the rolls and crackers to make sure you are getting a product with at least half whole wheat and more fiber.
6. Serve lean meats and fish. There are lots of festive meat options that are lower in fat (and saturated fat) and high in protein. Try cooked shrimp served with cocktail sauce, roasted sliced turkey breast, lean ham, and sliced lean roast beef. Grilled or broiled salmon filet makes a great appetizer when served with whole-grain crackers.


To continue reading this article and other valuable info. register to follow us @ www.teamcarsonazrealtors.com

AZ Celebration of Lights

Here is a cool thing to do this Holiday Season. Thanks to Judy Hedding, (About.com Guide) for the info.

Where is the Arizona Celebration of Lights?

At 99th Avenue and Loop 101 (at Thomas). This is a new location in 2010. Here is a map and directions to the event.

When can I see the Arizona Celebration of Lights?

Every night, from Thursday, November 25, 2010 through Sunday, January 2, 2011.
Sunday, Monday through Thursday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and Holidays: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

What happens at the Arizona Celebration of Lights?

You'll be driving for about a mile through five tunnels to see the holiday light show. You stay in your own car. On Thursday through Sunday nights you can park at the end and visit a Christmas Village featuring food and vendors. I have written up some things you should know before you go, and they are on the next page.

How much will it cost to get in?

Passenger vehicles: $15 per vehicle
Buses: $1 per person, $15 minimum
If you plan to make more than three trips through this holiday season, you might want to inquire about a season pass.

Are there any discount coupons?

Receive a $2 discount per vehicle with a donation of three cans of food or a new, unwrapped toy; $2 discount on Mondays for seniors; $2 discount on Tuesdays for military personnel (present ID); $2 discount on Wednesdays for teachers, fire and police personnel (present ID).

You can also save time and money by ordering your Celebration of Lights tickets online. There's a small processing fee, but you still save money. Tickets purchased online are good for any night of the holiday light display.

Only one discount per vehicle. Partial proceeds from the event will benefit local charities.

What if I have more questions?

Visit the Arizona Celebration of Lights online.

Do you have any pictures?

Picture Gallery: Arizona Celebration of Lights

- - - - - - - - - -

Tree lightings, holiday lights, festivals, holiday music and entertainment, gift guides and holiday travel tips -- find them all at the Christmas Holidays Guide for Greater Phoenix.

For more info contact us today

5 steps to do-it-yourself credit repair

5 steps to do-it-yourself credit repair

By Dani Arthur • Bankrate.com

Blotches on your credit report cost you. But, don't despair. It's never too late to become credit worthy -- just get started, and remember that it won't happen overnight.

Here are 5 steps for improving your credit rating:

1. Order your credit reports
Find out what the top three credit bureaus -- Equifax, TransUnion and Experian -- are saying about you. It's likely that they're all slightly different. Yes, different! Creditors don't have to report to all three credit bureaus, so they typically report to the credit bureau to which they also subscribe.

Useful phone numbers and addresses
	Federal Trade Commission consumer response center (877) 382-4357
	Equifax P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241 (800) 685-1111
	Experian (formerly TRW) P.O. Box 2104 Allen, TX 75013-0949 (888) 397-3742
	Trans Union Corp. 760 W. Sproul Rd. Springfield, PA 19064-0390 (800) 888-4213

Time and money is wasted, says Steve Rhode, president and co-founder of Myvesta.org, if you only order a report from one credit bureau. You can order a credit report from each bureau for free once a year through annualcreditreport.com.

If you've been denied credit, insurance or employment because of your credit report, you are entitled to a free copy of your report from the reporting agency. The company you applied to must supply the credit bureau's name, address and telephone number. You have 60 days after receiving the denial notice to request your copy.

2. Examine your reports carefully
Nearly every consumer has an error on at least one credit report from one of the major credit bureaus, says Rhode. Credit bureaus generate your report on information they receive from your creditors; they don't verify.

Keeping your credit report a true reflection of you is -- like it or not -- your job. Get ready to clean and polish. Carefully look for everything from typing errors, outdated and incomplete information to inaccurate account histories. You'll want to make a thorough list of items you dispute and why. Be meticulous.

Here's how to read and understand your credit report.

If the negative information in your report is true, only time and improved habits can change that. Late payments, such as credit cards, and charged-off accounts remain on your report for seven years; bankruptcies for 10. Most creditors, however, look for a pattern of payment rather than focusing on one-time or rare occurrences; so consistent on-time bill payments will improve those blemishes.

3. Double-D strategy -- dispute and document
Remember, a bad report costs you money. So, it pays to be thorough! You can either complete the dispute form provided with your credit report or write a letter. Clearly identify each mistake and state why it's wrong. A recommendation is to send a photocopy of your credit report with the mistakes circled to the reporting credit bureau. Include copies of supporting documents.

Document, document, document. Keep copies and records of all the forms, letters and documentation that you send the credit bureaus, plus dates sent. The credit bureau must investigate any relevant dispute within 30 days of receiving your letter. Any item that is not verified as accurate by a creditor is removed.

Sometimes it's necessary to contact your creditors to resolve mistakes. Bankrate's 7 steps to fixing your credit report will help you tackle the serious errors.

If the credit bureau makes any changes to your credit file, it will send you the results and a free, updated copy of your credit report. Once a negative item is removed from your report, the credit bureau cannot put it back on unless a creditor verifies its accuracy and completeness -- and sends you written notice.

TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE AND FOR OTHER VALUABLE INFORMATION. CONTACT US TODAY!