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Insuring your coastal Texas property for wind and hail damages

Posted on July 12, 2017August 17, 2017 by agentinsure

Tornado and hurricane season means an increased chance of wind and hail damage to homes. If you are a new resident in coastal Texas, you may be surprised to learn that wind and hail damage aren’t covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies in the 14 coastal counties of Texas. Instead, you’ll need a separate policy to cover your home and other structures from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. If you want to enhance your financial protection against hurricane and tornado damage, you can add endorsements like replacement cost-dwelling and replacement cost-personal property that can make hurricane and tornado season damages easier to bear.

Wind and Hail
Eligibility for TWIA coverage is not automatic. Each building must meet windstorm building codes and the property owner must hold a Certificate of Compliance (WPI-8 or WPI-8-C) for each structure. According to Texas Insurance Code Chapter 2210, this applies to "any building constructed, altered, remodeled, enlarged, repaired, or added to on or after January 1, 1988." A TWIA policy covers wind and hail damage only. Winds include damage from tornado or derecho.

Water or Flood Damage
Throughout the US, a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program covers flood damage. Home owner’s insurance covers other water damage. For example, if high winds tear off your roof and rain water enters through the hole, home owner’s insurance covers the water damage. If rising water from heavy precipitation enters your home at ground level due to seepage, flood insurance covers the water damage. An NFIP policy lets you insure the structure, its contents or both.

You Need an Umbrella
You may desire a higher level of coverage on personal property such as boats, sporting equipment, etc. An umbrella policy can help you round out your insurance coverage and protect expensive items with a level of coverage that provides full replacement value if needed.

Come see us at InsureUS in Cypress, TX to talk about the level of coverage needed to protect your home and belongings from Texas coastal storms. We’ll help you weed through the paperwork, so you can enjoy the Texas sunshine.

Tips to Prevent Mold Damage to Your Home

Posted on April 19, 2017April 15, 2017 by agentinsure

Mold can cause severe damage and time-consuming, costly repairs to your home. Save your time and money by addressing these suggestions to rid your house in the Cypress, TX area before it takes hold.

Use a critical eye to eliminate unnecessary clutter, especially around airflow points that prevent your HVAC air circulation.
Controlling your indoor climate by setting the thermostat at 78 degrees F to prevent the air conditioning unit from dehumidifying during humid summers.
Make sure our AC unit is the proper size for your home. If it’s too small or large, it will not run efficiently and can lead to mold.
When running the AC, shut windows and doors to prevent humidity in the air that leads to condensation and mold.
Monitor the indoor humidity level in humid climates and keep it below 60 percent to prevent mold growth.
If the humidity level regularly is above 60 percent, check your AC is working properly. For example, is the temperature correct, is it cycling periodically, does it blow cold air, and are the coils clean?
Watch for standing water or dampness around sump pumps, freezers, hot water tanks, refrigerators, windows, and basement doors.
If groundwater is an issue in your area, cover the crawl space floor with a plastic barrier to trap the moisture in the ground and keep moisture vapor from rising into the home.
Consider using a dehumidifier if you have high humidity regularly.

InsureUS

At InsureUS in the Cypress, TX area, we understand how difficult it can be to fight indoor mold. We have a commitment to helping you keep your home safe and mold-free for your family, and help you ensure that you have the home insurance coverage necessary.

Signs That You Need To Replace Your Roof

Posted on March 3, 2017February 20, 2017 by Victor Varma

Signs That You Need To Replace Your Roof
Studies show that most homeowners don’t know the right time to replace their roof. This puts them at the risk of getting injured in the event the top crushes. To help you out, here are signs that the top of your house is ripe for replacement:

It’s already too old
Experts report that top of the house can last up to 25 years. If your top is of this age or older, it’s time to think of replacing it. If you aren’t sure you should hire a professional to inspect it. If it’s in bad shape and puts your home and family members at risk, you should hire an expert to replace it.

The top is leaking
Most of the leakages can be fixed without having to replace the entire house top but if your top is leaking, it’s a sign that top is worn out and you should give it some attention. When the top of the house is leaking, it means that the flashing is damaged and you should replace it. When you notice a leak, you should have it fixed as soon as possible. This is because the leak allows a lot of water into the top that promotes the growth of mold which reduces the lifespan of the roof.

The shingles have buckled or curled
Curled or buckled shingles expose your home to outside elements. They also put your house at the risk of shingle blow-offs in the event of a storm. Two of the main reasons for buckled shingles are old age and moisture. To keep your family safe, you should replace your top when your see curled shingles.

There are algae on the top of the house
Algae are always in the air but germinate when they land on damp surfaces. If your top has moisture, the algae will grow and feed on the roof which weakens the top and over time, the top can come down. You should inspect the extent of the damage and if it isn’t that much, you should scrub off the algae from the top of your house. You can also remove the algae using zinc strips.

The chimney is leaking
The chimney should be properly flashed for it to work properly. If the chimney is leaking it means that the flashing isn’t properly connected to the top of the house. In most cases, this problem comes about when the top is deteriorated and needs repair. You should work with your contractor and confirm if you can fix the flashing. If you can’t, you should replace the entire top of the house.

You are having high energy bills
High heating and cooling bills mean poor ventilation and insulation brought about by a poor performing roof. You should ask a contractor to inspect the top and if in bad shape, replace it.

Conclusion
These are some of the signs that your roof needs to be replaced. To make the decision, you should hire an expert to first inspect the top of the house. For ideal results and for the unit to last for a long time, ensure that the new unit is of high quality.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Satvik_Mittal/1728302
By Satvik Mittal | Submitted On January 31, 2017

3 Reasons To Shop Home Insurance In Cypress

Posted on February 23, 2017February 19, 2017 by agentinsure

Being a home owner in Cypress, TX has its benefits. You want to be a responsible homeowner and this means shopping for home insurance. You don’t want the first policy offered to you. Instead, it’s best to make some comparisons. When you know more about why you should shop for home insurance, it will be easier to do it.

It’s Affordable

It might seem time consuming to shop home insurance in Cypress, TX. However, when you work with one of our agents at InsureUS, we will be able to help you find competitive premiums. This will ensure you have an affordable premium to enjoy through the year. Plus, you don’t have to do all the research with the individual insurance companies.

There are Many Options

There are more options than you might think with home insurance. This includes getting the coverage where you need it the most: your belongings, your home, and for liability. Not all insurance companies offer the same level of coverage. This is why it’s important to take the time to shop the various options so you have what you need.

You Need Financial Protection

Financial protection is a must when you’re a homeowner. Unfortunately, things happen all the time. You can’t predict if a storm is going to damage your roof or someone’s going to break into your home and steal all of your valuables. The reason for shopping home insurance is to get a good premium that you can rely on. When you have financial protection in place, it will make it easier to contact the insurance company to file a claim. They will then take care of you so that you don’t have to spend a fortune out of pocket.

Learn more about shopping for home insurance and to get help every step of the way by contacting InsureUS today.

Roofing Contractors – What Do They Do?

Posted on February 21, 2017January 17, 2017 by Victor Varma

They are workers who replace and repairs roof on commercial buildings and homes. Many are self-employed but there are some construction firms that will hire many roofing contractors to do major projects like installing roofs on housing projects that have recently been constructed. They work year around. Some builders have become roofing contractors because of their knowledge of home construction. Before a roofing contract can start getting clients, they must obtain a business license, which is a form of legal authorization to operate a business in the county, state, or city. They will also have to go through a certification process. This involves spending time working with an experienced roof contractor to gain a good understanding of the work they do.

When a homeowner has damage to the roof that was caused by fires, storms, water leaks, and other similar event they will normally hire a roofing contractor. The contractor will inspect the roof to determine the extent of the damage. They will calculate the cost of buying the materials that will be necessary to repair the damage and give the homeowner the estimate of the repair costs. Labor costs are included in the estimate. Most homeowners will get price estimates from several roofing contractors before making their choice as to which one to hire. Some contractors will lower their estimates in order to win the contract when they know that there will be others bidding to do the job.

Roofing contractors are also hired by homeowners to install a new roof. Most contractors specialize in certain types of roof like tile or metal roofs. If it is a large roofing project contractors will often hire sub-contractors to help with the installation. In some areas, government entities will offer cash incentives and tax rebates to homeowners who install solar panels. Some roofing contractors specialize in installing these panels. Those that specialize in solar panel installation have previously worked as electricians. In some areas a contractor who installs solar panels have to be a licensed electrician or will have to hire a sub-contractor that is in order to complete the work.

Before agreeing to insure a commercial or residential property, some insurance companies may require that the owners pay to have a roof inspection first. The reason is that roofs are among the most expensive part of a home or building to replace. If the roof is in a state of disrepair, the insurance company may refuse to insure the home or building. When a roofing contractor performs a roof inspection, they will accept a flat fee for the work. The contractor will give the insurance company a roof inspection report and if repairs have to be made the owner will have to make them before getting insurance.

Article by: Lora Davis
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9594438

Questions to Ask Before You Have a Home Built

Posted on February 3, 2017January 19, 2017 by Victor Varma

Verify Credentials

Don’t settle for just any custom home builder; find out all you can about them. Ask them how long they have been in the business and why they enjoy it. Ask them about their challenges and how they have overcome them. Find out about other homes they have built in the area and go take a look at them. Check online to see if there are complaints against them.

Once you find a terrific custom home builder to work with, ask them about their credentials. This includes insurance and licensing. Ask them about their crew and what types of checks they conduct on them to make sure they have the right skills for the job. A professional isn’t going to bat an eye at your questions or avoid answering them.

Models and Selecting Details

Most custom home builder providers have models you can walk though and look around. Others only offer those images on a computer for you to look at. Talk to them about the various floor plans they offer and how you select your colors and other details. If there is something unique you want to have added, make sure they can do this before anything gets started.

Change orders can be tough to accommodate when it comes to building a home. They can also be costly in terms of the materials and the time involved. The building shouldn’t begin until are completely sure about what you want and all of those details have been fully discussed. Take all the time you need to make your final selections.

Budgeting

You may have a bottom line in mind when it comes to your new home. It is important for the custom home builder to know this figure and to respect it. They can share with you what they can offer for that price. They may have a land/home package for you to think about. It is also possible you are buying the land separate and hiring them just to build the home.

There are other factors you need to take into consideration though. This includes plumbing, wiring for electricity, and other factors. The builder of your home should be able to share these needs with you as they do have to be factored into the overall cost. Typically, they will subcontract that work so you are only paying one person to get the job done.

In other instances, you may be able to pick those subcontractors. Find out what the process will be in advance so you can be prepared for what you are responsible for. If they are going to cover the subcontractors, ask who they are and conduct your research. You need to be confident they can do an excellent job for you.

Scheduling

Ask about the other homes they have on their agenda and when they will finish them. It isn’t uncommon for a custom home builder to have more than one crew. This allows them to work on various projects. The crews may all work on certain aspects of any given home. This allows those with certain skills to use them to complete certain tasks.

Find out how long it will be for them to start the construction of your home and when it will be completed. There can be delays with permits, inspections, weather, and other variables they can’t control. However, they should be able to give you a reasonable timeframe for the work to be done.

It is important to us for you to have the home you really want. We hold ourselves to very high standards so you can get the best possible results. We have the experience to create an amazing home for you. Working with us, we can help you to design it and to ensure everything is taken care of. Safety is a top priority for us and we ensure all building codes will be followed every step of the way. We are selective about who we obtain our building materials from. We only use the best quality products so your home will look amazing when you move in as well as down the road. Check out http://mikeblakehomes.com to get an idea of what we can do for you.

By Mike Blake

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mike_Blake/2213447

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9592566

Banks stop banking on mortgages, report says

Posted on December 30, 2016November 15, 2016 by Victor Varma

Fearful of regulations and expensive penalties, banking is backing away from traditional mortgages.

According to Inside Mortgage Finance, banks loaned less than half of all mortgage dollars in the third quarter of 2016. This is the first time in 30 years that banks and credit unions have not taken the lead in mortgage lending.

Traditional banks have shied away from making mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This follows a series of costly lawsuits brought by the federal government surrounding these loans in the last few years, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Non-bank lenders, such as Quicken Loans, have stepped into the market snapping up borrowers with less than pristine credit.

Meanwhile, banks have concentrated on jumbo loans (those more than $417,000 in most parts of the country) because they are considered less risky both financially and legally, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Six documents every homeowner should keep

Posted on November 18, 2016October 14, 2016 by Victor Varma

As a homeowner, you may find yourself with a lot of paperwork. While you don’t have to keep all of it, it is a good idea to keep certain files for tax or mortgage purposes. There are several documents that you should keep as long as you own a property and some after you sell the property. Those include:

1. House deed: A house deed is a document that transfers ownership of a house from one party to another. Keep this for as long as you own a property, to have proof that you own it.

2. Closing documents: Keep documents related to closing the sale of your new home or property as long as you own the property, and three years after the sale.

3. Receipts for home improvements: Keep these for three years after you sell a property. It will help to show an increase in home value help to justify a sales price during the sales process, and can be useful when it comes to your property taxes.

4. Mortgage payoff statements: Keep mortgage payoff statements indefinitely. These are documents from your lender that both parties sign when you’ve successfully paid off your mortgage. Keeping them indefinitely offers you a defense if your lender tries to come back to you later and say that you still owe money on your mortgage.

5. Private or primary mortgage insurance statements and cancelled checks: Keep these for three years after the tax year in which you’ve claimed this deduction. This payment is part of your monthly mortgage payment.

6. Property tax payment: Keep your tax bill and statements showing payment for three years after you’ve made the payment.

The minimum time to keep important household documents is three years after payment is made, although it doesn’t hurt to keep many of these for longer. This is because the IRS can audit individuals for specific years for up to three years after the tax year (they can audit your 2015 tax return until the end of 2018.)

If you don’t keep these documents, you could find it difficult to state your case or provide proof during an audit or dispute related to your home.

3 Reasons You Need Home Insurance Today

Posted on November 17, 2016January 4, 2017 by agentinsure

Although it seems to be one of the least considered types of insurance, purchasing a home insurance policy is vital to ensuring that you and your family maintain suitable living conditions over time. Do you live in Cypress, TX and need more information in regards to acquiring a policy? The following is a closer look at three reasons you need home insurance today.

Accidents Happen

Firstly, one of the reasons you should always maintain home insurance coverage is because accidents happen. Although we like to believe we will know when bad things are going to happen and will always be prepared, unfortunately, the opposite is most often true. However, by acquiring and maintaining suitable home insurance coverage, you won’t be caught off guard and unprotected in the event of a major accident.

Mortgage Loan Mandates

In addition to that, most mortgage companies mandate that the homeowner must maintain home assurance for the entirety of the loan. Therefore, by acquiring a quality home insurance policy from the very beginning, you will avoid any hiccups brought on by the need to provide proof of insurance to your mortgage company.

Theft Protection

Lastly, the final reason to purchase a home insurance policy today is to protect your home against burglaries and theft. Although this will do nothing to stop the event from happening, this is one of the best ways to ensure you never lose substantial amounts of valuables that are stored within your home.

Overall, if you are looking for high-quality insurance in Cypress, TX, InsureUS is an excellent option. No matter if you are seeking home, auto, or any other type of insurance, InsureUS will provide you will competitive rates as well as excellent service.

What’s the skinny on using a title company?

Posted on November 3, 2016October 14, 2016 by Victor Varma

We take so much on face value.

That guy whose house you are buying, for example. We assume if he is selling the house, then he owns it. He does own it. Right?

What if he’s really a renter posing as the owner? What if his ex-wife is still a co-owner? Well, if so the seller doesn’t have a clear title, and that means you won’t either.

Happily, for a plethora of problems that can occur with a process as complicated as buying a home, the buyer has insurance. It’s called title insurance, and it is one of the most important safeguards of your money.

If you want to buy a home, you have to sign a contract with the seller, a mortgage contract with your lender, another contract with your insurer and a few other related documents. Not only is this process time-consuming, but it can also cause sleepless nights fraught with worries.

Signed contracts by two parties are legally binding agreements. They cannot be broken without costly consequences and in something as significant as a home, you want everything to go right.

Lots of problems can creep up in a property over a dozen or more years. There can be unpaid taxes. Or a problematic easement that prohibits your building a fence. There can be disputes over a property line. What if the city has underground utilities running the entire length of the property that the seller didn’t reveal in the contract, and you don’t discover them until you’re excavating for a swimming pool?

Professional real estate agents and contract law attorneys work with property buyers and sellers every day. They can interpret the documents, ask the right questions, add or delete anything, not in your best interest, and recommend a title company to launch a thorough search that secures you a clear title. In fact, your mortgage lender requires the purchase of title insurance, or it won’t issue the funds you need to close the deal.

The title company’s main mission is to declare a title defect-free; otherwise, it won’t sell you the required insurance. The search involves combing through public records for any matter concerning the house you want, including past deeds, wills, trusts, divorce decrees, bankruptcy filings, court judgments, outstanding liens and tax records.

Maybe the seller inherited the house under the terms of a will, but it was out-of-date, and a more recent will left the house to his cousin. Title insurance protects both your interests and your lender’s.

Title policy insurance is the best insurance policy you can ever buy. It is a permanent assurance that your ownership and use will be defended promptly against claims, at no cost to you, whether or not the claim is valid.

Every state and locality have a different regulatory rules that can affect charges. But you pay a one-time premium for coverage that lasts as long as you or your heirs own your property. Title insurance is one of the least expensive forms of insurance.