John and Lisa Marker

Home Insurance - Where to Start?

Picking the right insurer for your home can be a daunting task especially if you're a new home buyer with no prior experience. There are so many providers out there with such a vast range of insurance packages, it's difficult to tell which is the right plan just for you.

Fortunately the internet makes home insurance shopping much easier especially with sites like InsWeb for the US and Money for UK residents. InsWeb provides a free database which offers quotes from up to 8 insurers and the UK Money site provides up to 20. They are basically search engine comparison sites so you can access quotes from one location without having to hop from one insurance site to another.

There's also an article on the CNN site under the money section which I recommend reading that discusses the top things to know about insurance. They even provide some other good articles worth reading pertaining to home ownership in general.

Insurance coverage and requirements also vary based on which state and country you live in. For example, I live in San Francisco which is very earthquake prone so an optional earthquake insurance option is available. Others who live in the mid-west are prone to hurricanes so their insurance will be more expensive. Regardless of your location, it's always important to seek out and find at least 2-4 quotes before making your decision. Not only will you save money but you'll also have peace of mind knowing that you didn't just select the first insurance plan you came across. Good luck in your search!

Those in the market for their first home have good reason to act now, area real estate agents say.

That's because the federal home buyer tax credit - which gives first-time home buyers a credit of up to $8,000 - has been extended by legislation signed recently by President Barack Obama.

First-time buyers can use the credit on a home purchased or under contract by April 30, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

Under the new legislation, the tax credit is no longer just for first-time home buyers. Long-time homeowners can also receive a tax credit of up to $6,500 on the purchase of a new home that replaces their principal residence.

The income limit for using the tax credit was also changed to include those who make more money. Under the legislation, individuals with a modified adjusted gross income of between $125,000 and $145,000 can qualify for a portion of the tax credit as can couples filing jointly who make between $225,000 and $245,000.

Also making home buying attractive is an interest rate that's steadily been around 5 percent. Plus, there are a lot of available properties and sellers eager to unload them.

For more info, and to learn how you can take advantage of this tax credit please visit http://www.themarkerteam.com

Livonia Neighbors and Friends Club

Livonia Neighbors and Friends Club was originally started as part of the Livonia Welcome Wagon, and in 1975 separated itself from them and changed its name to Livonia Neighbors and Friends.

They are a non-profit women's organization; striving to establish and maintain friendships, social relationships, mutual help and to take an active interest in the civic, social and moral welfare of the community. They donate to various local charities, hold numerous community events and activities and participate frequently in fundraisers.

Weekly activities include but are not limited to:

Livonia Neighbors and Friends Club is always open to new ideas and if you want to volunteer, organize an event, host an activity or have an idea for a new activity group, you should Contact the President or Vice-President for more information.

Upcoming events and charities include:

The 2009-2010 Planned Charity
Livonia Goodfellows--TBA

"The Jersey Boys in Concert," in January 2010

Check out their website at http://livonianeighborsandfriends.tripod.com/welcome.htm

To get more information on memberships and how they can help welcome you to the Livonia, Michigan neighborhoods.

Livonia Neighbors and Friends Club

Livonia Neighbors and Friends Club was originally started as part of the Livonia Welcome Wagon, and in 1975 separated itself from them and changed its name to Livonia Neighbors and Friends.

They are a non-profit women's organization; striving to establish and maintain friendships, social relationships, mutual help and to take an active interest in the civic, social and moral welfare of the community. They donate to various local charities, hold numerous community events and activities and participate frequently in fundraisers.

Weekly activities include but are not limited to:

Livonia Neighbors and Friends Club is always open to new ideas and if you want to volunteer, organize an event, host an activity or have an idea for a new activity group, you should Contact the President or Vice-President for more information.

Upcoming events and charities include:

The 2009-2010 Planned Charity
Livonia Goodfellows--TBA

"The Jersey Boys in Concert," in January 2010

Check out their website at http://livonianeighborsandfriends.tripod.com/welcome.htm

To get more information on memberships and how they can help welcome you to the Livonia, Michigan neighborhoods.

In Need of Home Repairs?

The city of Livonia, through the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, has implemented a program designed to provide financial assistance to low and moderate income homeowners; to assist in bringing their place of residence up to code and correct items affecting the health and safety of the residents. Depending on the type of repair, loans can range from $1,500 to $15,000.

The Process

Anywhere from 3-5 licensed and insured Inspectors from the City of Livonia's Electrical, Plumbing and Heating Departments will be out to certify homes in need of these repairs. Once the walk through is completed and the home has been thoroughly inspected, the Community Development Staff and Housing Specialist will write a proposal, detailing the work to be done. The office of Community development will take the lowest responsible bid, sign a contract with the workers and the repairs will begin.

Types of Improvements

Examples of appropriate improvements:

• Install Grab Bars/Handrails

• Insulation installation

• Hot Water Tank replacement

• Humidifier installation

• Thermostat installation

• Smoke/Carbon Monoxide detector

installation

• Repair/Replace exterior doors

• Repair/Replace storm doors

• Install deadbolt locks

• Repair/Replace broken window

panes/screens

• Repair/Replace garbage disposals

• Minor plumbing/electrical repairs

• Small masonry repair

• Sewer Cleanout

Guidelines / Eligibility

If you meet the following criteria you may be eligible to receive a grant for either minor or major home repairs.

City of Livonia residents who:
1) Own and occupy their home (Land contracts are not permitted),
2) Meet the current income guidelines as determined by HUD
3) Have property taxes and water bills paid to date,
4) Have current homeowner's insurance,
5) Have assets that equal less than $50,000.00 (Not including home and car).

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A HOME REHABILITATION LOAN?
Interested homeowners should call the Livonia Housing Commission, Office of Community Development at 734-421-6450 ext. 103 or e-mail Tracey at: CDBG@ci.livonia.mi.us for program information and to make an appointment.

For additional information please contact John Marker at 313-850-3020