Tips For Home Buyers

If you're in the market for a new home this spring, here are some valuable tips for home buyers.  Buying a house? Don’t forget to consider insurance Many experts believe the housing market is getting ready to rebound — I hope they’re right! If you’re thinking about buying a home, don’t forget to consider insurance. Would-be buyers often get pre-approved for mortgages, research school districts, and look at numerous houses before finding the “perfect” home for them. Often however, they don’t consider the insurance implications of buying a specific house. Insurance is not a one-time expense. If you have a mortgage it’s likely you will pay for insurance for the life of the mortgage, so keep insurance issues at the forefront of home-buying decisions. Do some investigation The following factors will typically impact the price and perhaps the availability of insurance for the home: Quality and location of the fire department Proximity to the coastline or floodplain and risk of flooding History of earthquakes Age of the home Condition of the roof Whether or not the home is well-built and up to code Swimming pool or other special features Before you make an offer Get a CLUE — It’s important to learn about prior claims on the house — not that a prior claim is necessarily a barrier to securing insurance. In fact, sometimes it may be good news — for example, the roof was damaged by a wind storm and replaced with a new one. Ask the current owner for a copy of the insurance loss history report, such as a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.) report from ChoicePoint, or an A-PLUS report from ISO, a source of information about property/casualty insurance. A record of insurance claims on the house can provide answers to two important questions: Have there been any past problems in the home? If damage occurred, was it properly repaired? Note: If the home has been claim free for 5 years there will not be a loss history report on the home. Get the house inspected — The inspector should: Check the general condition of the home. Look for water damage, termites and other types of infestation. Check the electrical system, water heater and septic tank, if there is one. Show you where potential problems might develop. Make certain that past problems have been properly repaired. Suggest upgrades or replacements that may be needed. Call me, sooner rather than later Don’t wait until the last minute to think about insurance. Call me to learn about different coverage options so you can be sure you know what you want and have an idea of the cost. Happy house hunting! http://www.farmersagent.com/mhobbs Marianne Hobbs Insurance Agency 602.547.1970

Mold Mitigation and Remediation

Mold

Mitigation and Remediation

  

 

Excessive amounts of mold and certain types of mold may present health concerns.

Water damages can cause mold growth in your home or business, therefore it is important to have your water damages cleaned promptly and professionally.

Signs of the presence of excessive mold include: 

• The presence of visible mold.
   
• Strong, musty odors.
   
• Any evidence of past moisture problems that might have caused undetected mold growth.
   
• Excessive humidity. 

Help IsAvailable

In most water damage situations, mold growth is not a problem, and Water Restoration Professionals can safely restore your home or business to pre-loss condition. The need to address the presence of mold can only be determined by an on-site, indoor environmental inspection. In some situations an indoor air quality professional will be required to create a restoration plan for your home. 

Your Insurance Agent can direct you to a restoration company that is experienced at carrying out the assigned plan and working to make it "Like it Never Even Happened. "

11 Steps To Take In The Event Of A 'Clean Water Damage'

What to do in the event of a 'Clean Water Damage'
1. Stop the source of the water.
2. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping or blotting.
3.  Wipe excess water from wood furnishings after removing any contents lying on surface.
4. Be aware of any potential electrical hazards. Do NOT attempt to vacuum up water with standard vacuum equipment.
5. Clearly designate wet areas with floor signs and safety tape.
6. Pad or block wood furniture to prevent permanent staining of carpet.
7. Carefully remove colored items from affected areas, especially those in contact with carpet and upholstery.
8. Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushions for even drying.
9. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
10. Do not attempt to use electrical devices exposed to moisture or use unexposed electrical devices while standing on wet floors - especially wet concrete.
11. Do not turn on ceiling fans or light fixtures if ceiling is wet. Avoid standing beneath sagging ceilings.

Contact a professional water restoration company as soon as possible.

8 Things You Can Do To Keep Your Head Above Water During Monsoons

8 Things You Can Do To Keep Your Head Above Water During Monsoons

Monsoon season is upon us! These 8 things will prepare homeowners for monsoon season and protect their property from unnecessary damage and costly repairs.

1. INSPECT THE ROOF FOR DAMAGE:
In Arizona, extreme heat causes the worst damage. The sun dries out the roof membrane and causes materials to crack. The roof should be thoroughly inspected one a year for every type of penetration, bubble, blister or a crack. Each crack should be sealed to prevent damage to the roof membrane and protect the interior of the structure. The roof should be cleaned regularly with a power blower or broom. Be aware that: pigeons, dirt, wind damage and golf balls can also cause significant damage to your roof!

2. KNOW THE LOCATION OF SHUT-OFF VALVES:
As a homeowner, it is essential that you know where to shut off electricity, water and gas. Have them checked regularly to ensure they are in proper working order.

3. CONDUCT REGULAR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE:
Thinning trees regularly, and moving drip lines away from trunks, prevents them from becoming top-heavy and vulnerable in a monsoon. Re-routing drip lines away from trees forces the roots to grow outward. This root structure creates stability for the tree keeping it upright during a storm and away from your windows, cars and roof.

4. CLEAN RAIN GUTTERS OR HAVE NEW ONES INSTALLED:
Rain gutters assist in proper water and flood management around the property. When they are clogged, standing water becomes a serious concern. Rain gutters should be inspected and cleaned immediately after each storm.

5. CHECK WEATHER STRIPPING AND SEALS ON ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS:
Extreme temperatures during the summer result in cracked weather stripping and seals. A single defective five-dollar weather strip can result in a $15,000 mold remediation project.

6. INSPECT AIR CONDITIONING UNITS:
During the summer particularly during monsoons, air-conditioning units are working harder due to higher humidity. It's important to clean and inspect condensation lines thoroughly to prevent them from clogging. Clogged lines become backed up, redirecting the water into the home.

7. EXAMINE THE FOUNDATION:
The exterior base of the building must be inspected regularly for cracks and missing building materials to prevent water from leaking in. This also prevents insect infestation.

8. PROTECT THE POOL:
Heavy storms can overwhelm a pool's cleaning system. Turn the pool motor on to prevent debris from settling on the bottom of the pool

Courtesy: AM/PM Restoration