Are You Properly Insured?

To “close” the deal when you’re buying a home, your lender will require you to obtain homeowners insurance on the property–enough to cover the loss in case of severe damage.

Discuss your needs with your insurance agent before you buy. Consider these points:

• Because you must purchase enough insurance to cover the loss of your home in a natural disaster, make sure you have your home’s value updated periodically.
• If you have a home office with others working for you, ask about a rider to cover injuries to those employees.
• Expensive jewelry, artwork, or antique furniture may require a special rider to cover their replacement cost. Have them appraised and photographed to document their value.

Protecting your real estate investment is an important responsibility of home ownership.

I suggest that you contact:

Eric Arnold
Liberty Mutual
8501 LaSalle Rd. Ste 305
Towson, MD 21286
Eric’s Website
410-821-0400

Do You Have Curb Appeal?

Why do some homes sell quickly for top dollar while others sit on the market for a long time? The answer is “curb appeal”!

Homes that invoke an emotional response in prospective buyers when they first drive up to the property have what is called curb appeal. Whether you own a town home in the city or a suburban house complete with a lawn, trees, and flowers, you can apply these tips to help you add curb appeal and create a positive emotional response to your home:

• Wash and dry windows until they sparkle.
• Clean the front porch or entryway of all debris.
• Paint your front door, railings, and other parts that need touch-up.
• Open curtains and shutters and turn on the lights.
• Revitalize flower beds with fresh, blooming flowers or plants.
• Keep the garage doors closed, storing bicycles and toys out of sight.
• Confine your pets to keep them safe and out of the way of people who may be afraid of or allergic to animals.

A potential buyer’s first impression is extremely important and can set the tone for the entire showing of your home. When a house has plenty of emotional appeal, it generally sells more quickly and for a higher price.