Toledo, Sylvania, Waterville, Perrysburg, Holland, and Maumee, OH Real Estate Blog

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Recent Changes in Ohio Homeowners Insurance

I attended a CE program about the current state of Homeowners Insurance in Ohio recently and thought that much of this information would be useful for consumers to understand when shopping for the lowest rates and best coverage. Although insurance costs have increased nationwide in recent years for a number of reasons, Ohio still has some of the lowest rates in the country. But, getting those low rates has become much harder. Here are some of the challenges homeowners face...

Buyers are now rated for insurance on their credits scores just like they are rated for interest rates on loans.
Homes are also rated according to previous insurance claims. Be sure to ask for the CLUE report on any home you might want to buy. CLUE reports list past claims.
Homes with flat roofs may not be insurable.
Pools, pets and trampolines may cause premiums to increase.

Here are some ways in which you may reduce Homeowner Insurance...

Carry both your auto and homeowners insurance with the same company.
Ask for discounts that you may be eligible for like non-smoker, recent home renovations, having an alarm system, upgraded electrical service, membership affiliations, being close to a fire hydrant, brick construction or a low community fire protection classification.
Carry a high deductible.

And, be sure you know what you are purchasing. Insure to the full rebuilding value with no depreciation deducted in the case of a claim. Don't expect automatic basement flooding coverage...that requires a special rider and is pretty important in our area.

Homeowner's policies really restrict what is covered once a home is vacant and may not even be valid if you rent a home while trying to sell it. Damage to plumbing and appliances from accidental freezing is likely to be excluded. And glass breakage or fire due to vandalism may be excluded.

A homeowner’s insurance policy also includes liability coverage. This protects you against claims and lawsuits arising from injuries and damages that you, your family members or your pets cause to other people. You should make certain that your coverage is adequate to protect your assets.

Finally most homeowner’s policies include medical payments coverage. This is meant to help visitors injured on your property with their resulting medical bills up to the limit specified in the policy.

Mike Green with Green & Associates presented the CE program for Welles Bowen. Although, I don't purchase insurance from Mike, he did strike me as a very honest and knowledgeable agent. I liked that he sits down annually and reviews a checklist with his clients to make sure they understand their coverage

POSTED BY: Kay McArdle AT 11:12 am | Permalink | E-mail this

Tuesday, 16 June 2009

Holland, Ohio Annual Strawberry Festival

Toledo area festival season is in full force and one you shouldn't miss is the annual Holland, Ohio Strawberry Festival starting tomorrow, June 17th and running through the weekend. It has everything families looking for an enjoyable and affordable way to spend an evening or afternoon should have...pageants, a parade, music, and midway rides and amusements. But, the best part of the Strawberry Festival is the strawberry shortcake. Volunteers long ago perfected the recipe which I think is lots and lots of sugar and smashing a good portion of the berries so its almost like a thin juicy and fruity jam on the shortcakes. My only reservation is that they gave up on real whipped cream a number of years ago. The Strawberry Festival is held at the Community Homecoming Park at 7617 Angola Road.

POSTED BY: Kay AT 02:30 pm | Permalink | E-mail this

Monday, 15 June 2009

Find out if you are in the new Lucas County Flood Map Area

Public meeting are scheduled to in the six Toledo council districts to present the new preliminary flood maps and discuss these changes. It is important for homeowners to attend one of these if they think they might be in the new 100 year flood map areas because they will be required to carry FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) flood insurance if they have a mortgage on their homes. But, homeowners may be able to successfully challenge being in the flood-hazard map area or be able to purchase the insurance now at a much reduced rate. The meetings all start at 6:00 PM.

June 18 Sanger Branch Library 3030 West Central

June 22 University of Toledo's Driscoll Center

June 23 Kent Branch Library 3101 Collingwood Blvd.

June 24 Friendship Park Senior Center 2930 131st St.

June 29 Common Space Library Glann Elementary School 1700 North Reynolds Rd.

June 30 Toledo Heights Brach Library 423 Shasta

POSTED BY: Kay McArdle AT 11:40 am | Permalink | E-mail this

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Sylvania, Ohio Art, Disco, Golf and Fireworks!

Don't miss these great Sylvania, Oh upcoming events to do with family and friends. Sylvania has lots to offer Northwest Ohio people looking for events and activities in the summer months.

June 13

Art in the Garden at Sylvania's Historical Village, 5723 North Main Street

This is a fun free event this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM featuring dozens of artists, music and food. A raffle of artwork donated by the artists and a flower sale benefit the American Cancer Society. Stroll downtown Sylvania to see some new shops and some of the handpainted benches on display from the "Sittin' Pretty in Sylvania," a joint fund-raiser for the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sylvania Arts Commission. Credit is given to Robin Crego owner of Garden Delights for sponsoring this Sylvania family event.

June 26

14th Annual Disco Party at Centennial Quarry

The newly renovated Centennial Terrace will open with the ever popular Disco Party. You can't believe how they have transformed this ugly duckling event facility into a showcase that all Sylvania residents will be proud of with a new stage, dance floor, concessions, and restrooms. Kudos to both the farsighted planners and the talented architects. Go to Sylvania Recreation to purchase tickets in advance.

June 29-July 5

Jamie Farr Owen Corning Classic

The Jamie Farr is celebrating its 25th year here at Highland Meadows Golf Club. Last year's winner Paula Creamer is defending her title against a tough group of women golfers. This is a great event held at a beautiful course enjoyed each year by both golfers and non-golfers alike. Millions of dollars have benefited Northwest Ohio children's charities from the great golfing tournament. Click her for more information.

July 3

Star Spangled Celebration

This is just the biggest 4th of July party held in the suburban Toledo area and it is held at Centennial Quarry located at 5773 Centennial and Pacesetter Park just west of the quarry on Sylvania-Metamora. The Bonkers will perform at 7:00 PM with fireworks at 10:00 PM. Food can be purchased at the Centennial Quarry or picnics can be brought into Pacesetter Park. A small admission and parking fee is charged. Call 419-882-1500 for more details.

POSTED BY: Kay McArdle AT 02:47 pm | Permalink | E-mail this