Don’t Let Your Vacant Home Sit Unprotected!
One of the things most homeowners do no give much thought to is their insurance when they vacate a property - they just keep paying the premiums and believe they are protected. This is not the case, most homeowners insurance policies do NOT cover homes that are vacant!
If you have a vacant investment property, a home for sale that is vacant, or a home that is vacant due to a renovation project or a delayed move, do yourself a big favor and check with your insurance company.
Of course, there are other things you really must do to protect yourself - make sure the lawn is maintained, ask a neighbor to pick up any newspapers, flyers, etc. that are left in your driveway, mailbox or front stoop. Leave drapes or blinds on the windows and leave lighting that is on timers, particularly upstairs where you can't easily see in the windows. If your home is listed for sale, ask your agent to check the house at least once every week. It's a good idea to leave a note on all doors to ask that the door be locked after opening. Sometimes clients will wander off in different directions and open basement or rear doors, not thinking to lock them and since the agent can't be with everyone all the time, it could go un-noticed and left unlocked. A sign on the front door (or main access door) saying something like "Please be sure all doors are locked before you leave, any problems please call XXX-XXX-XXXX (the phone number of your agent or a neighbor who has a key).
Finally in the MLS listing itself, there are two different areas for remarks - one that only agents see and one that is "internet remarks" that the general public sees. Ask your agent to be sure NOT to say "vacant, show any time" or any reference to vacant in the public remarks!
As they say, an ounce of prevention.........
As always.... BE INFORMED and CHECK BACK HERE OFTEN
Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
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