Remodeling? You Need to Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

When it comes time for a home renovation project, think beyond installing granite countertops or knocking down walls. Think about renovating your home insurance to protect your investment.

Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com to determine fair market value.  Insurance value is calculated different than market value and the tax accessor does not recognize insurance value.

The insurance industry suggests reviewing your coverage with your agent annually, a recommendation roundly ignored by many homeowners. Keeping your agent informed especially makes sense if you’re planning a makeover, simply because there’s no magic formula to determine how much a project might affect your premium.

Ed Charlebois, vice president of personal insurance for Travelers Insurance, recommends talking to your agent if you’re adding to the value of your home by 5 percent or more. Explain what work you’re planning and get an estimate of how it will affect your premium.

Increase your insurance coverage before the work begins in case there is loss or damage. While you’re at it, make sure the contractor and subcontractors are insured for liability and workers compensation.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/sc-cons-0426-home-insurance-20120427,0,7981429.story

Micro Renovations Yield Macro Results

Undergoing a major home renovation can feel like signing up for surgery. At its best, coming out of it unscathed means your breathing is easier, your livelihood restored. But any unanticipated hiccups, and you’re dealing with additional procedures both costly and nerve-wracking.

Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com to discuss the value of your home.

Consider micro-renovations your answer to the annual check-up: upgrades that are do-able over a long weekend versus weeks on end. Less expensive and less laborious, they require neither contractor nor aspirin, but can go a long way toward helping your home feel young again.

Just remember the micro-renovation rule of thumb: Keep it simple.

“As soon as there is any kind of demo, removal or anything involving a sledgehammer, you are in trouble,” says DwellStudio founder Christiane Lemieux. In other words, don’t let your office-to-guestroom metamorphosis transpire into a tornado of power tools and permits. “Once you open a wall,” Lemieux warns, “there is always a bigger issue than you expected.”

Instead, limit yourself to the tangible: wall and window treatments, furniture and lighting. And leave the sledgehammers on the tool bench.

Read more at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/home/sc-home-0409-small-reno-20120420,0,1718717.story

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Selling Your Home in a Buyer’s Market

With average home prices back where they were 10 years ago and sales still sluggish, it seems as if sellers can’t catch a break. But if you want to sell your home this year, there are glimmers of hope. The National Association of Realtors recently reported that sales of existing homes nationally rose slightly from the year before. Plus, the inventory of existing homes for sale fell 21 percent from the year before.

Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com to assist with pre-valuation of your home.  Remember a sale could fall through if the property does not appraise for the mortgage.  Cost does not always equal value.

But even if you have less competition and better prospects, today’s buyers are still a tough bunch. They’re nervous and risk-averse. They want a home in move-in condition, with all the upgrades completed, because they know they can’t count on a quick increase in the home’s value to help them recoup money they spend on improvements. “You must find a way to improve the condition or lower the price until a buyer pulls the trigger,” says Leigh Brown, an agent with Re/Max in Charlotte, N.C.

How long will it take to sell your home? You can get a rough idea by looking at the average “days on the market,” preferably for your neighborhood and price tier. You’ll find that and other market statistics on the website of the local Realtors association or from an agent. You may have some advantage if your home is in a desirable location because, say, it’s in a good school district or close to jobs.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-201203291730–tms–kplngmpctnkm-a20120413apr13,0,3254799.story

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only