​Owning a home is usually a great experience. But it can also be a hassle, especially when unexpected issues pop up—whether you have a minor breakdown or a major catastrophe, it's almost certainly going to require time and money to fix.
In many instances, however, those "unexpected" issues shouldn't be a surprise at all because they're often due to a lack of maintenance or other oversights by homeowners. And not just new homeowners, either: It's common for people who have been in a home for years to neglect even some of the most basic tasks that can prevent problems down the road.
Here are five mistakes we often see homeowners make—and tips from experts to help you avoid them.

1. Forgetting about (or ignoring) the small stuff. The toilet that runs constantly? That faucet with a slow drip? The little crack in that one board on the deck? They might not seem like big problems, but they can become more significant issues over time. For example, a leaky faucet or running toilet might mean your water bill is higher than it should be. And that small crack can lead to rot, which could lead to replacing the board—or the entire deck. When you see "small" things around the house, take steps to address them as soon as possible because it likely will be a lot easier (and cheaper) today or tomorrow than a year from now.
2. Not doing regular checks around the house. Speaking of seeing things around the house, how often do you look around the house? You'd be surprised how many homeowners haven't been in their attic or crawlspace for years. It's a good idea to do a walk-through periodically to look for leaks, areas of wear, or other problems. And don't forget to go outside! How is your roof looking? Do you see any cracks in your siding? Are the seals around your doors and windows solid? It's important to catch those things before the rainy season begins in fall and winter.
3. Skipping maintenance on your appliances. Not only will keeping your appliances in good shape ensure they work effectively and prolong their lifespan, but maintenance also can prevent serious risks. For example, when was the last time you cleaned out your dryer exhaust vent? No, not the screen you pull out when you're doing laundry, but the one on the back or side. Too much lint buildup can cause a fire—so clean it out at least once a year. You also should check the hoses connected to your washing machine and dishwasher. Are they worn? Do they need to be replaced? Please do it now, before one fails when you're not at home and causes significant water damage. Other tips:
   • Clean your refrigerator coils at least once a year.
   • Clear out your dishwasher's food filter regularly.
   • Vacuum up dust and other debris in window air conditioners before you start using them each year.
   • Remember to test your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors twice a year, installing fresh batteries each time.
4. Neglecting other systems. Your HVAC system needs attention, so it won't fail when you need it most. Having your furnace, heat pump, and/or central AC unit serviced each year before you start using them heavily will alert you to any potential problems. You don't want to find out that your furnace is out of whack when it's 30 degrees outside or that your AC is on the fritz when it's 95. Change filters at the appropriate intervals, and if it's been a while since you've had your ducts cleaned, consider that as well.
5. Not having a home warranty. Despite your best maintenance efforts, that air conditioner might break down, leaving you sweltering in the summer. The water heater could stop working, meaning cold showers every morning. Or the refrigerator suddenly won't get very cold anymore. These things sometimes happen, and if your appliance is out of warranty, you're on the hook.

Your home is one of the most significant investments you'll ever make, so it pays to be diligent about caring for it. Keep your eyes open around the house. Don't hesitate to get out the tools, or call a professional if needed. Remember, prevention is the best medicine—and that old saying holds just as much for your home's health as it does for yours.

​Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do daily, there's the risk of identity theft.
You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you're shopping at a legitimate site. Your doctor's office could experience a data breach. Or, you could come across a tampered credit card reader at the gas pump.
The risks your identity faces go on and on. So, what can you do to stop it? Unfortunately, virtually no one today can completely negate the risk of identity theft. But, we can all take some necessary steps to help prevent it.
Here are ten sensible habits to adopt that will help you protect your identity:

1. Limit what you carry in your wallet, and know what's there if it goes missing. First things first, don't carry your Social Security card regularly. Instead, keep it in a locked safe at home. Have a form of identification or some other card with your Social Security number (SSN) on it? Carry a photocopy instead of the real thing, and cut out or otherwise render your SSN unreadable. As for credit cards, only carry the ones you need. Finally, make photocopies of the front and back of the cards you always keep in your wallet and store them in your home safe. If one (or all of them) goes missing, you won't have to search high and low for the card issuer's contact information.
2. Keep your computers, software, and other electronics secure and up to date. This means using strong passwords or enabling passcodes – remember not to write them down. It also means installing firewall, spyware, and virus protection. Keep everything up to date (and backed up) for the latest security enhancements. For your portable devices, consider installing software to remotely wipe your data or locate the device if it's ever lost or stolen.
3. Don't overshare. Does every entity that asks for your (or your child's) SSN need it? Take a moment to think instead of automatically jotting it down. At the very least, maybe only the last four digits will do. In addition, be careful what you share online. Posting your full address, phone number, license plate number, or your birth date online, even if it's in a photo, may help others piece together a complete picture of your identity.
4. Do check your credit reports throughout the year. You're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three bureaus once a year. And, since the information on each report is frequently primarily the same, you can stagger your requests and receive a different report once every four months. Once you receive it, check your report for accounts and other activity you don't recognize. Even a credit check from a company you haven't done business with could be an attempt at identity theft. To order your free credit reports, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.
5. Keep an eye on your accounts. Your account statements can alert you to identity theft sooner than your credit report, in most cases. Check regularly for unauthorized charges or withdrawals and other illicit activity, such as address changes or additional cards you didn't request.
6. Watch your surroundings. Whether you're using the ATM or a portable device, you want to be sure others nearby aren't watching as you type in your PIN or password. And, just because you don't see anyone nearby doesn't mean they're not there. If you're using a shared or public WiFi, everyone else on the same network may see the data, including passwords or account numbers, you submit. Be sure to conduct sensitive transactions on secure networks.
7. Reduce your mail. Start by opting out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT and following the prompts. This should stay in effect for five years and help curb the risk of someone else obtaining a new credit card in your name. Next, sign up for paperless billing with your financial and service providers and/or schedule automatic payments through your bank. The less mail containing personal and account details that comes to your home, the less likely it will fall into the wrong hands.
8. Be skeptical when someone asks for your information. Scam artists don't always have to steal your information. Sometimes they convince you to give it up willingly by telling you via a phone call, email, snail mail, or text that you won a prize or need to verify your account. To claim the prize or account, you'll, of course, need to supply some sensitive information. Requests like these are almost always inauthentic – what's known as a "phishing" scam. So, stay on guard and contact the entity through a known, verified method to inquire about the matter, rather than providing personal details on the spot.
9. Mind your garbage. If you're throwing out account statements or other documents with personal information, you're making it easy for dumpster divers to learn a little, perhaps a lot, about you. They may even know enough to take over one of your accounts. So, shred your sensitive documents and then recycle them – don't just throw them out in the garbage.
10. Tidy up at home. Tax returns, credit cards you use infrequently, checkbooks, passports, birth certificates – are important documents you should store under lock and key. Whether it's in a home safe or a locking desk or file cabinet is up to you. And, don't leave the code or key in an easily discoverable place.

Despite your best efforts, you may still discover that your identity was stolen. If so, take immediate action to:

• Fill out the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Affidavit.
• Take your affidavit to the police and file a report. Be sure to get a copy for your records. It will come in handy if you need to close fraudulent accounts, straighten out your credit report, and more.
• Call your financial providers to request new account numbers and, if needed, cards.
  Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, which will encourage creditors to contact you before opening new lines of credit on your credit report. The bureau you contact will share it with the other two.
  Experian: 1-888-397-3742
  Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
  Transunion: 1-800-680-7289

And, if you're involved in a data breach and offered free credit monitoring, be sure to take advantage of it.
In today's world of hyper-connectivity and speed, it's easy for your information to end up in the wrong hands. But, by being cautious with how you use and share your information and checking for misuse, you can help keep your identity secure.

As an Independent Insurance Agency we definitely understand the value we bring to the public. Because we represent many insurance companies therefore giving you options on pricing and coverage. Also, being Independent allows us to offer more insurance products. And this is important to us because we can fill the gaps in your need of insurance.

So why are Independent Insurance Agents the better option? Because, again, we can shop around coverage for you with a price you can afford.

We speak to our clients and the public about Life insurance and surprisingly they think it is only good for one thing, to provide a death benefit when their loved one(s) die. If they knew that Life insurance can do so much more would they have gotten covered earlier in life?
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That answer is dependent on your needs and what you can afford. Because millions of people are covered through their job. But, as the world changes so does our employment.

Today marks the 3rd day of Hurricane Season. And if you are a property owner there are things you need to know to keep you, your family, and your property safe.

Now is a good time to check your property insurance to make sure you have adequate coverage from the effects of a hurricane. One thing that we mention often is that Floods are not covered in a standard property insurance policy. 

If you have been watching the news you see that weather events are becoming more severe especially floods. 
Flood insurance is the insurance that is rarely discussed because if you do not live in a high-risk flood zone you probably believe you do not need it.

To the contrary, we are seeing historic flooding in areas that do not usually flood.
​So what does that mean for you?
Well, it has been reported that natural disasters will be getting worse overtime. And more areas will see floods.

Flood waters can happen from a water main break, a bad rain storm, overflow of inland or tidal waters, just to name a few. And the coverage is less expensive if you do not live in a high risk flood zone.
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The policy will provide coverage for your home as well as your personal property, if you choose.
When all you have is your home you do your best to make sure its covered from all risk that is likely to happen.
Go to fema.gov to learn more. And give us a call if you have further questions.

The winter is here and this is the time we see our largest share of apartment fires. Mostly due to how people choose to keep themselves warm.
With that being said, you do not want to forego insurance coverage. Especially if you reside in an apartment building, which can increase the possibility of risk. We see it every winter, people being displaced from their home. But there is hope! Renters insurance can help alleviate this worry!
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Most renter insurance policies will cover you from fire, water, theft, and more.
But most importantly it will put you in temporary housing if you were displaced from your home due to a claim. And that is the peace of mind that you and your family need. It will also reimburse you for damages made to your personal property.
Many of us can not indemnity ourselves, so we need insurance. Ask yourself, if you were displaced from your home due to a claim do you have the savings to purchase a new home, tomorrow?
If the answer is no, then you need to get renters insurance Today!

An endorsement, also known as a rider, is additional coverage you can get added to your homeowner insurance policy. But if you don't know, and your agent does not tell you, then you can be left uninsured. 
Insurance is forever changing. As well as, the options you can choose from.

The number 1 most filed claim is Wind & Hail, second is Water damage. Majority of our homeowner claims are due to water.

The two endorsements we feel no homeowner should go without is; Service line coverage and Sewer Water Back-up. They are frequently filed claims and can cost thousands in damage. 

Other endorsements may include:

• Identity Recovery Coverage
• Refrigerated Products
• Valuable Articles (Group or Itemized)
• Special computer coverage
• Earthquake
• Sinkhole collapse

And more!

As a licensed life insurance agent I greatly understand the need to be insured. As well as the importance of getting coverage early in life.
I originally got life insurance at the age of 24. And not knowing the true benefit of having at that age, I surrendered my policy to receive a payout. But I wish I did not, at that time most companies were offering 4% guaranteed interest. And I am not the one to use life insurance as an investment, but it is good to know if one falls on hard times they have a safety net that can possibly keep them afloat.

Landlords, as you continue to accrue property your exposure increases, which in turn increases the chances of you filing a claim.

You are investing in your future and last thing you need is a huge liability claim which can hurt your reputation, but also have a negative financial impact on you. Which can happen if you do not have the proper liability coverage.