barefoot-realtor.com

5/3 stunning Pool/Lake home in Gated Country Woods. Loaded with extras:

• Crown molding
• faux finishes
• maple cabinets
• ss appliances
• granite counters
• The bedrooms were enlarged from the original Plans.
• Screened Pool area overlooking Lake and fountain

Only $619,900 Property F800183 0183

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Woah… Everyone in Florida is reeling after they received their new homeowners insurance bill.

I’ll tell you some steps you can take to lower your premiums (steps that NOT everyone else will mention).

• The massive insurance reform bill that passed in February, 2007 allows homeowners covered by a private carrier to opt into Citizens (the Florid State Run Insurance pool) if they’re paying rates 25% higher than what the state run insurer charges. This is unlikely, but might be your situation.

• Another reduction could come from asking your insurance agent to give you the name of a Windstorm Mitigation inspector. You pay $150 for the inspector to come out and inspect your property. Then in about 72 hours he will issue you a Windstorm Mitigation Certificate that you should promptly give to your insurance agent. The newer the home, the more likely it will be that it has the upgraded hurricane resistant construction features like upgraded roof supports (trusses), and hurricane shutters that were mandated in South Florida Building codes after Hurricane Andrew in 1991. I had my home inspected and it has saved me $1,726.00. This reduction is then applied every year. Many times if the inspector can’t save you money on your policy, they will refund you the $150. Check their money back guarantee before you lay down your cash.

• Another way to reduce your premium is to increase your deductibles. Change your “all perils” deduction (which includes fire, theft etc. anything other than a named hurricane) from a fixed deductible to a percent. Here is an example; if you currently have a $1000 deductible and instead increased your deductible to 1% of the total coverage. This alone would save from hundreds to thousands per year (based on the value of your property).

You need to have a serious discussion with your insurance agent. But DON’T settle for a “That’ll only reduce your premium by a few bucks” answer. INSIST on exact numbers. Keep in mind that your agent is motivated money, and what you are asking him to do is reduce his income, he makes a percent of your yearly premium. So he really doesn’t want it to go down. Suggest that if he can’t or won’t sharpen his pencil then maybe you will be looking for another carrier or another agent. ALSO, We all need to voice our concerns to our representatives in the Florida legislature. Let them know that the insurance companies, who inflate rates and are complaining that insuring South Florida homes is so expensive, while at the same time reporting RECORD profits, are not fooling anybody; and it is the legislature’s jobs as our elected representatives to protect US, their constituents, from insurance companies and their unfair practices. Here is as link to the Find your legislators site. Send your representatives emails and tell them to act. http://tinyurl.com/2ylp4f