Choosing the right homeowners’ insurance
Shopping for homeowners’ insurance is one of the least glamorous parts of the home buying process, but you’ll be glad you have it when the unexpected happens—a burglary, fire, flood, or when someone gets injured on your property.
Whether you’re in the process of finding homeowners’ insurance because you’re buying a new home, or you have an existing policy that deserves a second look, homeowners’ insurance policies can be difficult to navigate, between tricky language, vague coverage details, and long lists of exclusions.
When you’re ready to start looking for insurance, have this information handy:
Then, ask your insurance agent the following questions:
What type of coverage do you offer?
Be aware of differences in coverage. Basic coverage will cover the rebuilding of your home and its contents up to your policy limit. Replacement cost coverage (also called cash value coverage) pays to rebuild your home and replace your belongings, even if costs exceed your policy limit. For example, if your losses include a five-year-old television, a basic plan will only pay you for what the television is worth now, due to depreciation. Replacement cost coverage ensures that you will be able to buy a new television at today’s cost.
Is loss of use coverage included?
If disaster strikes your home and you have to completely rebuild, you’ll need somewhere to live until your home is habitable again. Does your policy include lodging, travel, and food coverage?
I live in a part of the country where earthquakes/floods/tornadoes/termites are a problem. Does my homeowners’ insurance provide coverage?
Most basic insurance policies do not cover earthquakes, floods, or pest damage. You may need a separate rider for natural disaster coverage. If the insurance company won’t provide it, contact your state or federal government. Some government offices underwrite natural disaster coverage.
I have expensive valuables. Are they covered?
A standard policy should cover your belongings. However, if you own antiques, artwork, or expensive jewelry, you might want a separate rider for these pieces. A standard policy may limit the per-item replacement to $2,000-$3,000, so if you need additional coverage, provide your insurance company with appraisals for your most valuable belongings.
Is your company financially solvent?
Only insure your home with a company that has a long history of financial stability. Insurance companies’ financial statements are released quarterly and can be found online. Don’t insure your home with a company that may not be around to pay your claims in the future.
HOAs in neighborhoods with single-family homes may cover sidewalks, landscaping, and common areas. Ask to see a comprehensive list of what is included.
What discounts are available to me?
Just like with car insurance, there are myriad discounts available for your homeowners’ insurance policy, including:
Once you’ve insured your home with a policy that fits your needs with a company you trust, revisit your policy documents every year and make sure that your coverage is still sufficient. Always revisit your policy when you’ve made renovations to your home, purchased expensive valuables, or when your financial situation has changed. The right homeowners’ insurance policy will provide peace of mind that you’ve protected one of life’s biggest investments.
Its back for 2012, the first class for the GET THE FACTS HOME BUYER TOUR will be Wednesday February 1st, 2012, @ 6:30PM.
This class is sponsored by RE/MAX Realty Group, Village Settlements and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. We will provide a clear and concise summary of current housing market trends and try to dispel misconceptions and provide the facts about home ownership, distressed properties and housing trends in the Maryland. DC area. Come and learn about the following:
$25 Gift Certificate Raffled Off to a lucky winner!!
WE ARE ONE WEEK AWAY FROM OUR GET THE FACTS HOME BUYER SEMINAR
No Doubt the last few years have been challenging for the Housing Industry and mighty confusing for first or second time home buyers. Those thinking of getting into the market face lots of questions and get bombarded regularly from the media, friends and family about the value of homeownership and whether it is a good idea to buy your first home or trade up to a larger one.
To answer these questions and provide potential Home Buyers a compass to follow, we will have Two GET THE FACTS HOME BUYER SEMINAR's later this month. The classes will be held at Village Settlements in Gaithersburg, MD. Located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland.
We will address the following topics and discuss many more important aspects that home buyers should know. We will tell buyers how to AVOID the pitfalls and get the most of the home buying experience. One that will bear fruit for many years to come.
WHEN: Wednesday Evening 2/23/2011 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday Morning 2/26/2011 10am-Noon
WHERE: VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS, 177 Kentlands Blvd #200, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Refreshments and Valuable Home Buying Coupons!!
HOW TO REGISTER OR ASK QUESTIONS:
Sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, RE/MAX Realty Group and Village Settlements.
In a vote of 9-0, the Maryland Health Care Commission awarded a bid to Holy Cross Hospital to build a new hospital in Germantown, Maryland on the grounds of the Montgomery College campus. This will be
the first new hospital constructed in Montgomery County in the last 30 years. The state reviewed two bids, the other from Adventist HealthCare to build the hospital a few miles north in Clarksburg. While the commission vote was unanimous, the sentiment is not. Those that supported the Clarksburg site are not ready to give up the fight and will continue to seek a hospital on the proposed site. Other groups are not happy a Catholic organization will be running the hospital. Holy Cross has operated Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, close to the DC border, since 1963.
Nonetheless, what is important is that residents in the northern and western sections of Montgomery County will get access to greatly expanded medical services. The new hospital will provide 93 beds and is estimated to cost approximately $202M. Germantown is located about 25 miles north of Washington DC.
In her recommendation, chairwoman Marilyn Moon cited Holy Cross' better finances and the Germantown community's larger population, as well as its favorable demographics. Germantown also provides easier and quicker access to I-270 and the Shady Grove Metro Station.
It was also felt that the Holy Cross' plan provided a better range of services for the community. Having it located next to the Montgomery College campus also provides a wider range of educational training and synergy with the college's current programs. Estimates that about 400-600 jobs will be created with the new hospital.
No Doubt the last few years have been challenging for the Housing Industry and mighty confusing for first or second
time home buyers. Those thinking of getting into the market face lots of questions and get bombarded regularly from the media, friends and family about the value of homeownership and whether it is a good idea to buy your first home or trade up to a larger one.
To answer these questions and provide potential Home Buyers a compass to follow, we will have Two GET THE FACTS HOME BUYER SEMINAR's later this month. The classes will be held at Village Settlements in Gaithersburg, MD. Located in the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland.
We will address the following topics and discuss many more important aspects that home buyers should know. We will tell buyers how to AVOID the pitfalls and get the most of the home buying experience. One that will bear fruit for many years to come.
WHEN: Wednesday Evening 2/23/2011 6:30pm-8:30pm or Saturday Morning 2/26/2011 10am-Noon
WHERE: VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS, 177 Kentlands Blvd #200, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Refreshments and Valuable Home Buying Coupons!!
HOW TO REGISTER OR ASK QUESTIONS:
Sponsored by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, RE/MAX Realty Group and Village Settlements.
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Montgomery County, Maryland Real Estate, Germantown, Rockville, Gaithersburg Home Sales & Rentals.
As a twenty-two year resident of Maryland and lifelong Washingtonian, I enjoy working in a career that combines my passion for real estate and people. My top priority is your success, and I take a very personal, consultative approach with my clients to make sure that every need is met. I enjoy spending time with my clients to ensure that I truly understand your goals and desires when making a move. Then I can work diligently to ensure we can meet those goals and objectives. With my detailed knowledge of the local real estate market, you will find that working with me will be a smooth, pleasant, and very profitable experience. I would welcome the opportunity to get to know you and your family and discover how we can work together to make your dreams a reality.
Please contact me today so that I can get started MOVING MOUNTAINS for you. As we work together, my highest obligation is to serve you with integrity, honesty, and the highest possible commitment to your success.
About Dave and His Family
Originally from the Chicago area, my family moved to the Washington DC Metro region in 1967, where both my parents taught for the Fairfax County Public Schools. After growing up in Northern Virginia and graduating from George Mason University, I moved to Montgomery County, Maryland in 1987. After first living in Kensington, I bought my first home in Gaithersburg in 1989. In 1998, we bought a new home in Germantown where I currently live with my wife Jean and daughter Jenna (see photo). Both my wife and I love our area and our neighbors and are active and committed volunteers in the community. 
In addition to my wife and daughter, we also have developed a cadre of animals. We have 2 dogs, a Cairn Terrier and a German Shepard as well as 7 (Yes, seven) Guinea Pigs. In fact we had 10 at one point!
After many years in the computer industry, I decided it was time to work for myself. I always had an interest in real estate, so I started selling residential real estate full time, immediately after leaving the IT industry, in the summer of 2002. In total I have over 20 years experience in sales & marketing, client management, contract negotiation, and project management.
What I like most about my job is meeting people, learning about their lifestyles and needs so I can match them with the best neighborhoods and homes. Being a natural problem solver and task manager, allows me to stay on top of all the tasks that need to be managed throughout the home sale process. When you are buying or selling a home no one wants surprises, so I try to communicate
continually with my clients so they know where everything stands and what to expect as the transaction progresses to settlement.
Most of all, it is my goal to ensure my clients feel very comfortable and confident that their home purchase or sale is in good hands and they will know that there best interest is always in the forefront of my attention.
Use this section to write about your specific areas of expertise. Do you specialize in first time buyers - listing high end homes - etc. Are there specific market area's that you specialize in? The more you write about your area's of expertise the more knowledgeable you'll sound to a potential buyer or seller.
"If anyone should look up "ultimate professionalism" in the dictionary, I am sure your face would be right next to the definition! From the moment I contacted you about properties in Montgomery County, you became very engaged in finding me exactly what I was looking for. Week after week, you tirelessly kept me updated on new listings and you also made it possible for me to see properties I wanted to see. You were patient throughout the whole process, not once trying to push a sale on me that I did not want or was uncomfortable with. You always made yourself available by promptly returning phone calls, emails, and even going above and beyond the call of duty by researching processes that I found to be "way over" my head. With honesty in business becoming such a rarity, I am very happy to say that you are one of the few honest professionals left!"
~ ANDREA BUSH ~
Roger and I met Dave last year. Dave's first recommendation was to come to his office for a consultation about homeownership. We went to our appointment, and from there we looked at homes, and townhouses. Thanks to Dave we moved into our lovely townhouse in March 2007. Roger and I would still be losing energy, time, and money riding around looking at homes every weekend. Dave is a very professional and serious realtor. We our very honored to have Dave as our Realtor, and our friend.
~ ROGER COPELAND & QUARN LINDSAY ~
I recently moved into the area from the mid-west and was in desperate need of help finding a new house. Much to my good fortune, I was referred to Dave Bender. Dave gave me as much of his valuable time as I needed, explaining the buying process, the local market conditions, state and local legalities, the services offered by the various communities and an in-depth understanding of the available inventory matching my requirements. His extensive network of local resources was so helpful and pleasurable to work with. I would not have closed the deal. Dave's work ethic instilled so much confidence in me that I felt as though we are life long friends. He went way above and beyond the call of duty for me, even helping me with my move from Illinois. Dave's web site was every bit as helpful as he was. I found it an incredibly valuable tool for assisting me in making the many decisions that needed to be made before I was handed the keys. Dave's personal attention and exceptional competence turned what could have been a frightful, agonizing experience into a happy, joyous occasion. I got a great house and a warm home as well. I can't thank you enough, Dave!
~ DANIEL PASQUALE ~
"We are really happy we chose Dave to sell our home. He stayed on top of all the details, was very proactive and showed a genuine concern for making sure this process went as smoothly and profitably as possible. When trying to move, there are always so many small details, Dave was prompt and responsive in helping us with even the smallest need or question. He went above and beyond the call many times and far exceeded our expectations. I also found he was very professional, stayed on top of the whole process, and communicated with us frequently. I would not hesitate to recommend Dave to our neighbors, friends, or anyone I knew was in the market to buy or sell a home."
~ ROB & MICHELE GREENFIELD ~
"The guidance and support Dave provided during the entire process of selling and buying a new home has been great. His professionalism and knowledge of the market has been invaluable to us. He possessed a keen eye for what mattered and synthesized our wishes and requirements into an action plan that worked. Dave possesses a wealth of knowledge on the marketplace, as well as was able to guide us on all the available scenarios based on the situation.
When it came time to make decisions, Dave was great, very helpful will all the information and resources needed. We cannot thank him enough ? Keep it up!"
~ RON & NANCY ISAACSON ~
"Dave´s honesty, integrity, friendliness, and attention to detail renewed my faith in the real estate business. Mr. Bender was diligent in representing my interests, and was always prepared. He took the time and effort to make the selling process easier for me."
~ RICHARD HINKSON ~
"We could not have had a better Realtor to look out for our interests. Dave thoroughly researched everything needed to sell our home at top price within a few days of putting it on the market. Dave is truly invested in the client, whatever the needs or concerns. He made this process easy for us by being so informed and on top of everything."
~ JERRY & PEGGI WALKER ~
"I am more than happy with the real estate services that Dave provided to me. You took the time to learn what I wanted, and showed me only those properties that met my requirements. You were flexible with my time-limited schedule, and were a great advocate when making an offer. Honestly, in this extremely competitive real estate market, I think that your skillful advocacy was a key element in the seller's decision to accept my offer. I will recommend you without reservation to any of my friends and colleagues who want to buy a home in Montgomery County."
~ CAROL MAMBER ~
"I was very pleased with Dave´s service. He was very responsive and answered all my questions in a timely and thorough manner. He took it upon himself to help resolve all obstacles and helped make my house hunting process fairly painless."
~ DR. JON KELLER ~
"As a young first time home buyer he explained the entire buying process easily and in detail. He went out of his way to take additional time or contribute resources to ensure I always knew where I was in the process, what the next steps were, and made sure I was pleased with the process. He was always flexible to my concerns and worked with me around my chaotic schedule. Additionally, he kept me motivated and enthusiastic about buying a new place such that going out to look at places was made fun. Aside from being my Realtor, he also believed in building a friendship by inquiring about my impressions on a place and then giving me his honest insights and opinions."
~ BRIAN APPEL ~
"We recently purchased our first home, and were so lucky to have Dave Bender as our realtor. He took us by the hand and led us through the minefield of "home-buying". Nothing was too much trouble for him. We feel he exceeded all expectations of a realtor, and made the journey as trouble free and as easy as it could be, and always with a smile. Whatever time we would call him with our numerous questions he was available and ready with a solution.
We can´t thank Dave enough and will have no hesitation in recommending him to friends wishing to buy a home, and whenever we choose to move we would do it with him."
~ ROBERT & SUSAN STUBBE ~
"Knowing that this was my first home sale & purchase in 13 years you really gave great suggestions, ideas, and guidance for both the sale and purchase of my homes. It was great how flexible you were, but also how you really jumped up when it came to contracts and settlement. You kept me informed of everything that was happening, always fast to respond to my calls, and had great references for movers, handymen, etc."
~ CHAR GLENDENING ~
Dave very quickly understood our requirements in a new home and helped us find the right home at the right price. We would hire him again if we were to sell our house"
~ ANIL VEMULAPALLI ~
~ REKHA DODDAPANENI ~
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