Navy Fellas Realty Group

Real Estate, Residential sales and purchase

Do I Need Flood Insurance Coverage For My Home?

by

One of the most important overlooked form of insurance for homeowners is Flood Insurance. Flood damage is not covered on a typical homeowners insurance policy. Although sometimes FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides help for victims of flood damage, it does not provide coverage for personal property, and is often defined as a loan and must be repaid.

Flood Insurance for Homeowners: What Does it Cover?

Depending on the type of flood insurance you carry, it covers various things. The basic coverage on a flood insurance policy covers the structure of the home, which would  also  include permanently installed fixtures, finishes, and systems.  This would typically include your electrical system, plumbing, heater, water heater, built-in appliances,  flooring, and permanently installed cabinets, bookcases, and fixtures.

You can also add additional flood insurance to cover the contents of your home, that would include your clothes, electronics, furnishings, and other personal belongings.

Is Flood Insurance for Homeowners Included in Standard Homeowners Policy?

Some types of water damage may be covered by your home insurance policy, but generally speaking, damage caused by rainfall, rising water, or runoff will not be covered. For example, if your bathroom pipes burst and flood your bathroom and bedroom, your home insurance would typically cover the repair or replacement of your damaged floors, walls, and your personal property. However, a standard homeowner’s policy does not cover actual flooding from rising water caused by a source outside of the home. This is where flood insurance would take effect.

Do I Have to Obtain Flood Insurance?

Depending on who holds your mortgage and whether FEMA’s flood map indicates you’re in a flood zone, you may be required to carry a certain amount of flood insurance for the property.  Other times, flood insurance is considered an optional coverage. Keep in mind that being told by your lender that it isn’t necessary to buy flood insurance isn’t a guarantee a flood will not happen and t is important to remember that regular home insurance won’t replace your personal property or repair your home if your property is damaged by a flood.

What Does Flood Insurance Cost to Protect Your Personal Property?

Flood insurance costs are determined by several factors, including whether your home is in a high-risk flood zone (or in any flood zone at all), the type of flood insurance you want to purchase, the deductible you choose, the amount of coverage you choose, where your home is is located, the age or design of your home, and the location of it. The elevation of the property may also be a factor for properties located in or near flood zones. To get a better idea of the coverage needed as well as deductible that is right for you, speak to a trusted professional agent.

7 Tips for Pet-Proofing Your Home and Furniture

by

Living with pets brings endless joy, but it can also mean dealing with a few challenges, especially when it comes to protecting your furniture and home from potential damage. Whether you have a playful pup or an energetic cat, pet-proofing your living space is essential to keeping both your pet and your home in good shape. Here are seven practical tips to help you protect your floors, furniture, and belongings from pet mishaps.

1. Protect Your Floors
Pets, particularly puppies and kittens, can have accidents that damage flooring. Hardwood, tile, and carpet are all susceptible to stains and odors. To minimize the risk, consider using absorbent pads in spots where accidents have occurred. If you’re going to be away for a while, crate training or installing a smart pet door that allows your pet to go outside can be helpful. And don’t forget to keep a good-quality carpet cleaner on hand that eliminates odors and uses enzymes to neutralize stains.

2. Give Your Cat Something to Scratch
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch, and if you don’t provide an alternative, they’ll likely take it out on your furniture. Scratching posts can be a lifesaver. Try placing the post near your cat’s favorite scratching spot to make the transition easier. It’s also worth experimenting with different types of posts, including vertical and horizontal designs, or even climbing frames and perches, to see what your cat prefers.

3. Make Scratching a Sticky Situation
If your cat is particularly persistent about scratching your furniture, double-sided tape can be a game-changer. Cats dislike the sticky feeling on their paws, so this simple solution will encourage them to find other places to scratch—preferably on their scratching post!

4. Make Chewing Unappealing
Dogs love to chew, but that doesn’t mean your furniture should be their next target. To deter chewing, use bitter sprays specifically designed for this purpose, or try applying a bit of hot sauce or Tabasco to the item. The spicy sensation will make your dog think twice before gnawing on your shoes, furniture, or baseboards.

5. Try a Baby Gate
When you need to keep your pet away from certain areas, a baby gate can be an effective solution. Use gates to keep pets out of rooms with valuable furniture or holiday decorations. It’s also a great way to limit access to areas where your pet might get into trouble while you’re away.

6. Use Slipcovers
For homes with shedding pets or younger animals in training, slipcovers are a must-have. These washable covers protect your furniture from fur, dirt, and even accidents. Once your pet is fully trained, you can easily toss the slipcover and enjoy your furniture looking fresh and clean again.

7. Hide Cords and Remotes
Pet owners know that cords and remote controls are prime targets for chewers. Keep these items out of your pet’s reach by placing them on high shelves or storing them in drawers. For cords that are more exposed, consider using protective covers, or try applying bitter sprays or hot sauce to make them less appealing.

By taking proactive steps to pet-proof your home, you can enjoy the company of your furry friends without worrying about potential damage. With a little preparation and patience, you can create a pet-friendly environment that’s safe for your home and your pets.

Protect Your Home When You’re On Vacation With These Five Simple Tips

by

Protect Your Home When You’re on Vacation with These Five Simple TipsWhen making plans for a fun-filled vacation, you shouldn’t forget implementing certain home security measures to ward off thieves. Nobody wants to return home only to find that intruders had ransacked the residence from top to bottom.

If you’re going away on vacation, make sure you protect your home against break-and-enters with these five tips.

Alarm Intruders With Audible Deterrence Measures

Installing a professional home security alarm is one of the most cost-effective ways for people to protect their homes when they are away.

Buying and setting up the right system will ensure that the proper authorities will be notified if thieves break in or attempt to force their way in.

While determined crooks will be hard to discourage, most would-be intruders will look for easier targets if they inadvertently trigger a loud, piercing alarm that attracts too much attention from anyone who could call the police.

Make Forced Entry Difficult With Solid Doors

Some thieves will take a very direct approach to break-ins by simply trying to force their way through a locked door. If the exterior doors are hollow, thieves will have a pretty easy time getting through. This is why it is important to install solid doors rather than hollow ones; solid doors are much harder to break through. 

If you’re concerned about intruders forcing their way through your hollow doors, your best recourse is to upgrade to solid doors. Upgrading will cost a pretty penny, but the added protection they will provide will be well worth the investment.

While getting solid doors installed, you can go one step further by investing in good locks, deadbolts and reinforced strike plates.

Do Not Advertise Your Departures

A pile of newspapers at the front door or a mailbox full of mail and flyers will be proof positive to crooks that no one’s home. Homeowners who are going to be away on vacation should ask neighbors or other people they trust to collect their mail while they are away. 

If having a neighbor collect your mail isn’t an option, go to the post office and request that mail service to your home be suspended until you get back. It is also best to suspend newspaper deliveries for the vacation period as well.

Neighborhood Watch To The Rescue

One great home security solution that won’t cost a penny is having neighbors who look out for you. Homeowners would do well to ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on their property while they are away on vacation. Tell those trusted neighbors to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and to call the authorities if necessary.

Protect Sliding Doors With This Simple Trick

Before heading off on vacation, you should safeguard the sliding glass doors in your home by putting something like a metal rod in the track. This way, thieves will not be able to force the door open.

Vacations are a time to unwind and to have some fun. However, responsible homeowners will do what it takes to make their residence less attractive to would-be thieves while they are away.

For more information on how to safeguard your home, or to get answers to your pressing real estate questions, contact your trusted real estate professional for prompt and practical advice.