Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Pensacola Homes - 800-309-3414

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) consistently ranks contractor fraud as its number one complaint. Don't be a victim. If you (or someone you know) is thinking about hiring a contractor, please read or share these tips straight from the BBB before signing anything.

• Obtain bids (from at least three licensed contractors) based on building specifications, quality of materials, labor and time to complete the project.
  
  
• Ask for customer references, and be sure to contact them. If possible, check out previous work.
  
  
• Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for a report on the contractor and review site thoroughly for further advice.
  
  
• Ask to see the contractor's pocket license and another form of ID.
  
  
• Call the Contractors State License Board to see if the license is valid and if a bond is in place.
  
  
• It's very important that your contractor have property damage and personal liability insurance coverage, and, if the contractor has any employees, workers' compensation. Insist that the insurance broker send you certificates of insurance.

Remember, a contractor may not ask for more than ten percent of the total contract price, or $1,000 (or two percent or $200 in the case of swimming pools), whichever is less, as a down payment. (Insist upon a lien release from all subcontractors and suppliers before you pay for any work).

Anything you sign may constitute a contract. Before you sign a final contract, be sure it includes the following:

• the name, street address (not just a post office box), and local telephone number of the contractor;
  
  
• if you must obtain a loan to pay for the project, that the agreement is valid only if you obtain financing at a given rate;
  
  
• a written description of all work to be done, including a detailed description of the kind and quality of materials to be used;
  
  
• a bid based on the job, not by the unit;
  
  
• a price breakdown for both labor and materials;
  
  
• starting and completion dates;
  
  
• the schedule for releasing payments to the contractor;
  
  
• a written statement reiterating any oral promises made by the contractor or sales representative, including any warranties on materials or labor;
  
  
• that the contractor will obtain the necessary building permits.

Don't sign a completion certificate until you're satisfied that the job has been completed according to the contract and inspection has been completed by local building authorities.

On November 6, 2009, The President signed a bill into law that immediately extended the popular tax credit program offering up to $8,000 for qualified first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) into the first half of 2010.

The bill also instantly expanded the program, offering up to $6,500 in tax credits for qualified repeat home buyers, swinging open the door for even more qualified homebuyers to take advantage of this valuable opportunity at a time when mortgage rates are still near historical lows.

Charles Stallions, CRS, CSP, CBR, CDPS, - 800-309-3414, a leader in real estate investing, buying and selling. Lead Real Estate negotiator for several investment clubs as well as investors throughout the US. Call Charles for a list of references before buying or selling you what some consider being their largest investment.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com

Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Homes for sale

Looking for a home to rent, sell or buy in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida then this site was designed with you in mind. E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com for a complete list of foreclosures, short sales, homes for sale or for rent in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida area. Charles Stallions Real Estate Services located at 139 East Burgess Rd. Pensacola, Florida 32503 has a 6 member team, including experts on Loan Modifications, a Certified Residential Specialist,a Distressed Property Specialist with over fourteen years in real estate dealing in foreclosures, first time home buyer programs and investor sales. We offer full time, full service Property Management in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida.Click here to view Homes for sale in Pensacola Florida or search pensacolamls for new homes on the market.

Flat Fee of $2995 to SELL or MLS $1495 + 3 %

We offer Property Management for $50. flat fee monthly

Call Now 800-309-3414 for over the phone evaluation and NO Obligation

Yes you heard here...Santa's first visit to Pensacola will be at CiCi's pizza, located at 7145 N.9th Ave. Saturday from 3:30 to 5:30 November 21st 2009. Bring your camera and take all the pictures you like. It is rumored that he will have a few gifts and lots of candy. Be one of the first kids to see hime this year. Call 850-478-8811 for further details and to see where his next stop may be.

Charles Stallions, CRS, CSP, CBR, CDPS, - 800-309-3414, a leader in real estate investing, buying and selling. Lead Real Estate negotiator for several investment clubs as well as investors throughout the US. Call Charles for a list of references before buying or selling you what some consider being their largest investment.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com

Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Homes for sale

6 Overlooked Insurance Policies

When insuring your assets, one misstep can leave you with an expensive loss. "Never risk more than you're prepared to lose," says Jack Hungelmann, a veteran insurance and risk management specialist and author of "Insurance for Dummies." My friend Melissa Neiman has given me a new idea on the subject of insurance.

Experts typically urge people to purchase insurance coverage in five risk areas: major medical bills, destruction of home, major lawsuits, long-term disability and premature death, Hungelmann says. "A good insurance program is a balanced one that covers all five major risk areas," he says.

But what about less obvious forms of insurance? In some cases, a little extra coverage may go a long way toward securing your financial future. Following are six policies you might need, even if you don't realize it.

Backup of sewer and drain coverage

This type of policy covers damage resulting from backup of the sewer system, as well as sump pump overflow. Such damage may result from flooding due to heavy rainfall during a power outage.

Coverage for a sewer or drain backup is recommended if your home is connected to a public sewage system, especially if you have a finished basement and a sump. Your need is even greater if you live in an area with considerable rainfall.

"Claims from standing sewage (or) water in a home can easily be in the tens of thousands of dollars," says Bill Wilson, associate vice president of education and research for the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and director of Big "I" Virtual University.

Coverage for a sewer or drain backup is typically inexpensive, costing $50 per year on average, Wilson says. That makes the coverage a relative bargain for an event that occurs more often than some might think. "While losses aren't common, they aren't rare," says Wilson.

Hungelmann says it's important to choose the right amount of coverage for any disaster that might strike.

"If your basement fills with sewage or flood water, you're going to have a real mess on your hands," Hungelmann says. "Be sure that you have enough coverage to rebuild if such damage occurs."

Identity theft coverage

Identity theft coverage pays for out-of-pocket costs to restore your identity if you fall prey to this growing crime. Such costs may include legal fees, long-distance phone charges and other expenses you incur while trying to clear your record.

According to Wilson, some insurers are now providing limited identity theft coverage for free. This protection often is offered as part of a homeowners policy. "Otherwise, it typically costs between $30 and $80 (annually), but the coverage amount varies widely from a few thousand (dollars) to five figures," he says.

Although Hungelmann says identity theft insurance is not crucial, he believes many people can benefit from the coverage. He suggests purchasing coverage that includes the services of a coach who actually walks you through the process of restoring your identity.

"An identity theft recovery coach will tell you what your rights are, send you sample letters, let you know who to call and stay with you until the problem is resolved," Hungelmann says. "Having a coach is 80 percent of the value of this type of insurance."

Business in the home coverage

This type of coverage protects home office furniture, equipment and supplies used for business purposes. It's a good idea for anyone who keeps at least a few thousand dollars worth of these items in their home, Wilson says. "Most homeowner policies limit coverage for damage to property used in a business to $1,500 or less on the premises and $500 or less off the premises," he says.

Many standard homeowners policies cover property as long as it is not used "primarily" for business purposes, he says. "So, if you used your home PC occasionally for business, the limitation probably would not apply," Wilson says.

However, other homeowner policies will not cover any furniture or equipment that is used for business purposes at any time. "Under that restriction, the limitation would apply to a home PC if it's ever used for business," Wilson says.

Business in the home insurance also covers liabilities that most standard homeowners policies do not. For example, this type of coverage would protect you if a client comes over for dinner and ends up with food poisoning, or trips and falls in your home and is injured.

The cost for this type of coverage depends in large part on the type of business and the value of its contents and inventory. Therefore, adding such coverage may cost as little as $75 per year, or may exceed $300 annually.

Car loan/lease coverage

The second you drive your new car off the lot, its value diminishes significantly. If you accidentally total the new vehicle minutes after purchase, your auto insurance policy will only reimburse you for the depreciated amount of the car. However, you will still be responsible for the full balance of the loan or lease.

Therefore, many people who buy or lease a new car with little or no money down can benefit from loan or lease coverage. "Given the current state of the auto market -- where down payments are often minimal -- this is a coverage car buyers might consider," says Wilson.

This type of insurance is often offered by a dealer, but you don't necessarily have to accept it. In many cases, you can save money by purchasing the coverage from your own insurance agent, Hungelmann says. "You don't necessarily have to buy this coverage from the dealer, even though they'll probably try to sell it to you," he says. "Check with your insurance company first, because the dealer's price will often be five to 10 times more expensive than the insurance company's."

Typically, six months of this coverage will cost around $25 when purchased from an insurance company, says Wilson.

While loan/lease coverage makes sense for many people, it probably doesn't make sense for those who have a little equity in the vehicle, Hungelmann says.

Earthquake coverage

If you live in Florida or Ohio, earthquake insurance probably is not crucial. But experts strongly suggest this type of coverage for those who live in earthquake-prone areas.

Wilson says costs for this type of coverage "depend entirely on where you are, home construction and value." An average home in what's considered a fairly high-risk area could be several hundred dollars (more in California).

The cost of earthquake coverage varies and is likely to be more expensive in areas at particularly high risk for such natural disasters. "It's typically more than flood insurance relative to the risk because it isn't subsidized," says Wilson.

Despite the importance of such coverage, Hungelmann estimates that only 20 percent of people who live in earthquake-prone areas actually have earthquake coverage. "Don't wait until the last possible moment," Hungelmann says.

Off-road recreational vehicle coverage

If you own an all-terrain vehicle, or ATV, golf cart or other similar off-road recreational vehicle, consider this type of coverage, which can run as little as $10 a month, according to Hungelmann.

Wilson also says off-road recreational vehicle coverage may be worth considering. "Most homeowner's policies only cover damage to motor vehicles that are used to service the premises or assist the handicapped," Wilson says. "If you want to insure damage to an off-road recreational vehicle, then a special policy is usually needed."

These policies typically provide liability coverage for the use of owned off-road recreational vehicles only while on an "insured location" -- which, for the most part, is your own premises, Wilson says. "If you ride your four-wheeler in wooded areas for recreation, hunting, etc., unless that property is declared on your homeowner policy, you generally have no liability coverage."

He adds that, by allowing someone else to "ride on or operate your ATV, you are a candidate for a lawsuit that could be in the millions." For this reason, he recommends both off-road recreational vehicle coverage and an umbrella policy.

Charles Stallions, CRS, CSP, CBR, CDPS, - 800-309-3414, a leader in real estate investing, buying and selling. Lead Real Estate negotiator for several investment clubs as well as investors throughout the US. Call Charles for a list of references before buying or selling you what some consider being their largest investment.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

THOUSANDS OF HOMES.... One Address www.charlesstallions.com

Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Homes for sale

Looking for a home to rent, sell or buy in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida then this site was designed with you in mind. E-mail charles@charlesstallions.com for a complete list of foreclosures, short sales, homes for sale or for rent in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida area. Charles Stallions Real Estate Services located at 139 East Burgess Rd. Pensacola, Florida 32503 has a 6 member team, including experts on Loan Modifications, a Certified Residential Specialist,a Distressed Property Specialist with over fourteen years in real estate dealing in foreclosures, first time home buyer programs and investor sales. We offer full time, full service Property Management in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida.Click here to view Homes for sale in Pensacola Florida or search pensacolamls for new homes on the market.

Flat Fee of $2995 to SELL or MLS $1495 + 3 %

We offer Property Management for $50. flat fee monthly

Call Now 800-309-3414 for over the phone evaluation and NO Obligation