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Home Warranty Tips

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

by Cathy Watkins

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), many new-home owners are unaware of the limitations on home warranties, which can cause confusion and unnecessary frustration when problems crop up and repairs are needed. To prevent this, the BBB suggests prospective buyers do some research before accepting the keys to

their new home.

Find out how long the warranty company has been in business. Request a reliability report from your local BBB.
Shop around for the best prices. Most home warranties cost between $300 and $395, but not all offer the same benefits — and make sure to factor in the deductible.
Ask questions regarding the company’s policy on home repairs. Many have their own service contractors but others allow you to choose your own.
Get a professional home inspection so you are aware of any possible problems that may not be covered by your warranty.
Call the warranty company to ask questions and see how the customer service department treats you; this might indicate how you’ll be treated during future calls.

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Important Home Safety Tip!

Monday, August 18, 2008

by Cathy Watkins

We are always keeping an eye out for helpful tips for our friends, family and clients. This is a safety tip that I felt very strongly that I should pass along to you. It's a great idea and something that we have started to do. This is something that would never have crossed my minds, but now is something that we do every night! I hope you find this information useful. Please feel free to pass this along to your family, friends and co-workers. Have a safe and happy fall!

GREAT TIP FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT
PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED EVERY NIGHT

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your
home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for
your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound
until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home
for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a
security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no
installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house
and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it
with the button on the key fob chain.

It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off
when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or
rapist won't stick around... after a few seconds all the neighbors will be
looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the
criminal won't want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot.
The alarm can work the same way there.....

This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could
save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic.
It would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you
can't reach a phone.