Uncategorized

Here are just a few reasons why a state-of-the-art smart irrigation system is worth installing.

Weather Responsive

A smart system will receive local weather data and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

Reduce Water Consumption

Smart sprinklers reduce your water consumption, making them an eco-friendly option that will lower your monthly bill.

Mobile Control

If you do need to make manual updates to your lawns watering schedule, smart systems can easily be controlled through an app on your smartphone.

Easy Installation

Installing these systems is usually as easy as purchasing a smart controller thats compatible with your current irrigation system.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Is your accessory building approved to be used as a living space? Here are four ideas for transforming it into a valuable feature.

Exercise and Wellness Space

Consider a small yoga studio or exercise area with a few spa-like features, such as a steam shower and a massage room.

Kids Space

From an art studio to a large game room, there are endless possibilities to transform this into a place theyll love for years to come.

Home Office

Converting your accessory building into a stunning office is sure to be a good use of this space, while also adding value to your home.

Guest Accommodations

Self-contained guest accommodations are one of the greatest luxuries that a home can have when friends or family are visiting, especially for extended stays.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Just as an umbrella can protect you from the rain, an umbrella insurance policy can shield you from lawsuits if something unfortunate happens at your home.

Homeowners insurance usually includes some liability coverage to protect your assets if someone is injured at your home. Umbrella policies can go beyond the $300,000 liability insurance that most insurers require of a homeowners policy, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

If your home or assets are worth more than $300,000, or if youre worried that someone might injure themselves on your front step and will sue you for over that amount, then an umbrella policy could be worthwhile. The potential loss of future income is another consideration, since your future wages could be garnished in a lawsuit.

A $1 million umbrella policy can cost $150 to $300 per year, according to III.

Here are some of the things an umbrella liability policy can protect you from:

Swimming pool accidents
Trampoline accidents
Dog bites
Bodily injury
Property damage
Landlord liability
Vacant land (if an uninvited guest is injured on your property)
Owning a home business that clients visit
Construction on property
Slander and libel
Shock and mental anguish
False arrest
Malicious prosecution

A personal umbrella policy (PUP), protects your personal items and usually doesnt cover your business, even if it’s a home business”a separate umbrella policy would be needed in this instance.

Depending on the type of umbrella policy you buy, there are some things that aren’t typically covered. Your personal belongings that are damaged wont be covered, but someone else’s will be.

Other areas that wont be covered by umbrella insurance include floods, health insurance, intentional crimes and written or oral contracts.

Wealthier individuals may have more reason to get an umbrella policy because they have more assets to protect. But even a homeowner with a modest-priced home may want to get an umbrella policy if their basic homeowners insurance doesnt have much liability coverage.

Since a home is usually your largest asset, its important to insure it properly. If someone is injured on your property, for example, you dont want to be held liable for injuries and damages that could add up to more than the value of your home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you’ve found the house of your dreams but are having trouble qualifying for a mortgage, you could ask another person to co-sign your mortgage. Here are some things to consider.

Reasons to Have a Co-Signer

Buying your first house, high credit card balances or a poor credit history are all valid reasons for having a co-signer.

Co-Signer Considerations

If you ask someone to co-sign a mortgage, expect them to have legitimate reservations.

Doing so will increase their debt-to-income ratio.

Should You Ask Someone to Co-Sign?

Before you ask someone to co-sign, make sure you can afford the monthly mortgage payments.

If you have any doubts, put off home buying until you save more money and improve your credit score.

Published with permission from RISMedia.