Home Buying Resources

The materials used to build your home can have a big impact on your insurance rates. Homes built with masonry—meaning cement blocks—tend to be more resistant to hurricane damage than wood-frame homes, and insurers often reward that with lower premiums. It’s a win-win: better protection and potential savings.

Whether you’re moving in full-time, renting it out, or planning to keep it vacant, the way you're using your home matters. Insurance companies need to know who’s living there to provide the right coverage. Getting the policy right upfront avoids surprises later—like denied claims if your policy doesn’t reflect your living situation.

In a hurricane-prone region, your roof's shape is more important than you might think. A hip roof, which lets wind pass over easily, offers the best protection and might even score you a discount on insurance. It’s a small but mighty feature!

Floods are a common concern in the Southeast – especially in Florida – and even if your home isn’t on the coast, flood insurance might be required by your lender. It’s an essential add-on since standard homeowners insurance won’t cover flooding. Better safe than sorry!

How far you are from a fire station or hydrant matters—especially when emergencies happen. Homes farther away from these services tend to have higher premiums, so it’s worth considering how close your potential home is to fire services in case of an emergency.

Older homes often need more TLC. If your dream home has older plumbing, roofing, or electrical systems, you might face higher premiums. Updating these systems not only makes your home safer, but can also lead to more affordable insurance.

Pools and trampolines may offer endless fun, but they also increase your liability. Make sure you’ve taken any safety steps that your policy requires – like adding a secure fence around the pool – to keep everyone safe and your insurance coverage intact.

Installing a security system does more than give you peace of mind—it can also lead to discounts on your homeowners insurance. The safer your home, the happier your insurance provider will be!