Firefighters reported fire coming from behind the house on 1300 block of North 20th Street. When they arrived around 2:30 am, the fire originated in an underground garage. It then spread to the floor and the room between the ceiling and the roof. Reports indicate no injuries, and damage to buildings and contents is estimated at U.S. $ 130,000. Cause of fire still under investigation.

With $130,000 of damages, expect the insurance companies to cut some corners. Homeowners must be aware and file and insurance claim the right way. Allow our products and services to aid in any of your insurance claim needs.

The fire was reported shortly after 11:30 on Saturday. It started on the second floor of the 2 1/2-story house and spread to the attic.

The American Red Cross was called to help two adults, their child, and one firefighter who was injured. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

We at Property Claim Tips are here to help people who face these types of situations. If you are a victim of fire damage, please don’t hesitate to pick of the phone and call us (215) 364-4546. We understand that filling an insurance claim may be overwhelming at times, but we are professionals who are here to help. Check out our revolutionary claim kit that helps guide homeowners through the insurance claim process from start to finish. Share and Enjoy:

Taxes: Property taxes can vary greatly from one neighborhood to the next so it’s important when shopping for a home to know what the property taxes are for each individual property. Also be sure to find out if there are additional village taxes that may apply to a certain property as well. You should be able to call your county tax office for up-to-date tax information on any property.

Inspections and Appraisals: Once you’ve found a home that you want to purchase you will need to have the home inspected and the bank will almost always order an appraisal. The homeowner is typically responsible for all of these costs. An inspection should be carried out by a licensed home inspector and costs can typically range anywhere from $300 to $600. Sometimes the bank will choose the appraiser they want to use and for a basic appraisal you may be looking at a cost of around $500. Shop around where you can as you may be able to save a few hundred dollars just by doing so.

Property Insurance: The cost for homeowners insurance will vary depending on the home and the location. The size and building style of the home, for example, will determine the replacement cost of the home which will affect how much dwelling coverage you need. Also, homes closer to the coastline or a body of water may be required to be covered by a flood insurance policy. Shopping around for multiple home insurance quotes will ensure that you get the best deal available. For rough estimates, visit the average home insurance rates by state map.

Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees: If the home you are purchasing is located in a private community or development (as is often the case with condos, apartments and townhomes) you may be required to pay HOA fees to the community. These fees typically cover costs associated with maintaining the neighborhood such as landscaping and community buildings and pools. If one of the homes you are considering is located in a private community be sure to ask your real estate agent about any possible HOA fees that you would be responsible for.

Closing Costs: Finally, when it comes time to close on your new home there will be closing costs involved that must be paid to the lender, the title company, the insurance company and your attorney. Your closing costs also typically include reserves for your escrow account which are typically a few months worth of homeowners insurance and property taxes paid up front. These costs are paid usually by the buyer although sometimes the seller will pay part of the closing costs as well. Your lender should be able to give you an estimate on your closing costs as you get closer to your closing date. Websites like Zillow and Yahoo! Real Estate offer closing cost calculators that you can use to estimate your closing costs in the meantime.

• Central Austin is close to all the things that make Austin such a popular destination. Minutes from downtown, central Austin neighborhoods are close to businesses, live music venues, cultural activities, the Texas state capital, University of Texas, and the Town Lake hike and bike trail. With so much within close range, it is not surprising this is one of the priciest parts of Austin.
• East Austin has recently experienced a building boom. With a rich community life including plenty of local restaurants and businesses, the east part of Austin offers some of the city’s most affordable housing. An influx of new residents and new home construction has raised property values, but the prices remain reasonable for now.
• North central Austin houses noteworthy residents such as IBM and the Texas Culinary Academy. While there are many established neighborhoods in the area with available homes starting from the 1950s, there is also promising new development. This area stretches from the middle of Austin to Pflugerville and Round Rock.
• Northwest Austin features high-tech employers like Motorola, Texas Instruments, and Motive. While traffic heading into town during the week can be difficult, the area is very desirable with golf course living and plenty of shopping.
• South Austin is funky enough to show you what Austin is all about. With hip neighborhoods, trendy shops, cool bars, and great restaurants, it is a fun area in which many younger people like to call home.
• Southwest Austin has some of the most family-oriented Austin neighborhoods. The area has plenty of new construction and a comfortable suburban feel. With ample green space, this is a great place to live if you enjoy outdoor activities.
• West Austin and the West Lake offer excellent schools, beautiful scenery, and expensive homes. It is not surprising that some of these neighborhoods are most sought after in Austin. This area is home to the 360 Bridge, Austin Country Club, Barton Creek Greenbelt, the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, and more.

With all the new home communities Austin has to offer, you are sure to find one to properly suit your family. If you are looking for new home construction, consider Clark Wilson Builder. With over thirty-five years in the industry, Clark Wilson is committed to building high quality, energy-efficient homes for satisfied customers. Visit the website to learn more, or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Is it enough to be minimally covered?

Oftentimes when a homeowner is shopping for homeowners insurance they are looking to get the best rate available which, especially in this economy, is understandable. However, policyholders should be careful not to settle for a lower rate at the expense of being inadequately insured.  

A homeowners insurance agent will typically make recommendations on coverage while a homeowner may think they should opt for less to save money. So when it comes down to it, how much homeowners insurance do you really need to protect your investment in your home? While the answer will vary from one scenario to the next, here are a few things to consider:

Dwelling Coverage is the portion of a homeowners insurance policy that protects the actual structure of a homeowner’s home in the event of a covered peril. For example, if a fire damages an insured home, the dwelling coverage portion of the homeowners insurance policy would pay out for the repairs. However, there are limits stated on each policy for how much the insurance company is required to pay in the event of a total loss of a home. These limits must be equal to the current replacement cost of the home in order for a homeowner to be adequately insured. This means that if a home was completely lost in a covered peril (for example a fire) and needed to be rebuilt from the ground up, the home must be insured for the full value to replace the home in its entirety. If the cost to replace the home is higher than what the home is insured for- the homeowner will be stuck with the additional cost.

This is when it is important to consider purchasing a policy with guaranteed replacement cost coverage. This guarantees that as long as a home is insured up to full value when a policy is purchased, the insurance company will pay the full value to replace the home even if the dwelling coverage limit is lower than the replacement cost at the time of a total loss. Most standard HO3 policies include guaranteed replacement cost coverage otherwise a homeowner can add it for an additional premium as an endorsement.

Contents coverage protects personal possessions inside of the home against covered perils and includes things like furniture, clothing, electronics and other items. Typically this coverage limit is provided as a percentage of the dwelling coverage and should not be lowered. For example, if the dwelling coverage limit on a home is $250,000, the contents coverage may be set at 70% or $175,000. This means in the event of a total loss the most amount of money a homeowner could get for their possessions would be $175,000. An important thing to keep in mind is that in some cases it is valuable for a homeowner to increase the amount of contents coverage they have. If they own specific items of high value such as jewelry or fine art collections- those should be scheduled as an endorsement on their policy for an additional premium.

Personal liability coverage is included in a standard homeowners insurance and is often one of the most undervalued portions of a policy until, of course, it becomes needed. Typically the minimum amount of personal liability coverage that a homeowner can have on their policy is $100,000 although many insurance agents these days recommend against carrying minimum liability limits. Some agencies will not write a policy with less than $300,000 in liability coverage simply because they know that in the event that the homeowner is presented with a major lawsuit- $100,000 is usually not enough to cover the lawsuit, legal fees and court costs.

All in all, opting for lower coverage does not necessarily you will be saving money in the long run. If you are ever need to file a major claim and don’t have sufficient insurance coverage you could end up paying a great deal out of pocket that you could have avoided. Your best bet is to work with a licensed agent that can make recomendations for you.

• Decide how much you can afford. This number is depends on your credit rating, monthly expenses, down payment, and the current interest rate. Be sure you have earnest money (the deposit put down when you make an offer), your down payment, and enough money to cover closing costs.
• Know what monies are available to you. There are many programs available to make the first time home-buying process more affordable. From HUD houses to first time buyers’ incentive programs, grants for single parents to programs assisting those with bad credit, money is available to help you buy a home. The trick is to do your homework; research available programs to find the one that is right for you.
• Get pre-approved for a mortgage. By pre-qualifying for a mortgage, you will know exactly how much money is available for you to spend. In addition, you will have the confidence of the seller once you’re ready to negotiate, and you will save yourself wondering if the house of your dreams is affordable or not.
• Understand your rights. The Department of Housing and Urban Development protects consumers against discrimination and provides people with the opportunity to own their own homes. By researching the rules surrounding housing and mortgages, you can be confident to assert your rights and receive fair treatment.
• Enlist the assistance of a professional. A real estate broker can be an extremely valuable ally in the first time home-buying process. Who better to help a novice homebuyer navigate the real estate market terrain than a trained real estate professional? A broker knows the neighborhoods, the schools, and the financial in-and-outs of home buying. In addition, brokers have access to resources most of us do not, like multiple-listing services. If you are considering a HUD home, you must have a broker since he/she must submit your bid.

This first time home-buying checklist will help you get started in the first time home-buying process, and your real estate broker can help you proceed. Buying a home can be stressful, but it is also very rewarding. In Austin, consider Clark Wilson Builder when you are looking for a new home. Established in 1986, Clark Wilson has a long and proud history of building quality homes for satisfied customers. Visit the website, or for a deeper connection to this customer-focused company, join the conversation on Facebook andTwitter. We’re also on Pinterest.

Team rivalry sparks injuries: One of our own agents told us about a Super Bowl party where things started heating up between fans from opposing teams. Our agent got caught in the middle of the argument only to find himself involved in a knock-down-drag-out which resulted in his head being smashed through a sliding glass door! The homeowner filed a MedPay claim on their homeowners insurance to cover his injuries and then had to cough up the loot for a new door.

Living room replays gone bad: One of our customers recalls thinking it would be a good idea to replay some of the game plays in the living room during half time with his buds. His wife was not pleased when she heard the noise and came in to find a broken sofa and a smashed antique coffee table. She was only further angered when her husband looked her in the eye and drunkenly suggested, “Touchdown?”

Alcohol related car crashes: One of the most serious and deadly Super Bowl Sunday accidents that can occur is an alcohol related car crash. All joking aside on this one- we’ve talked to drivers shopping for insurance who have been found guilty of DWI’s- many that occurred after sporting events. In addition, the National Highway Safety Administration reported recently that 48 percent of driving fatalities that occurred on Super Bowl Sunday were alcohol-related. Designate a sober driver or call a cab- we can’t emphasize the importance enough. Not only is the driver at risk but other innocent travelers on the road can fall victim as well. Also, keep in mind that host laws in may states can hold a homeowner responsible for damages caused by a drunk driver that left their party intoxicated.

Food Poisoning: Sounds silly but it happens all the time when people get together to share food that isn’t properly prepared. One homeowner we talked to in the past was curious if their homeowners insurance would cover them for serving spoiled and undercooked chicken wings that gave food poisoning to 20 different Super Bowl party guests. “At first I thought they made me feel sick because I added too much hot sauce,” said the homeowner. “But then a whole slew of my friends fell ill too- leaving us to blame the chicken wings that everyone had been eating”.

Stolen jewelry: It’s important to know who you are inviting over to your home for any kind of Super Bowl party as we’ve heard an increasing number of people tell us about guests stealing jewelry and other high value items while no one is paying attention. Make sure you know your guests so that they don’t go home with your possessions as party favors.

Objects thrown through the TV: One customer was disheartened to hear that they would probably not be getting a claim approved for a broken television set that he had, in the heat of the moment, thrown a remote control at and broken during last year’s Super Bowl game. Home insurance policies do not cover accidents like this so it’s advised to keep your remote away from the screen!

Dogs under stress can bite: On another serious note, keep in mind that our dogs are not always down for partying like we are, especially when they are not accustomed to being around a lot of rowdy people. We’ve heard many accounts of Medical Payments claims being filed for dog bites sustained by guests at a party. When even the tamest animal is under stress or feeling threatened they can lash out- so it’s best to keep the dogs outside or gated in a bedroom away from any loud commotion.

A red alert is in effect for Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. A red alert means that the fundamental conditions for fire damage can happen right now or in the very near future.

The National Weather Service forecasters said that the combination of strong winds; low humidity and mild temperatures have created the threat for fire damages to happen now.

Firefighters recommend that all homeowners be careful when smoking cigarettes, using barbecues, and their fireplaces in order to avoid a homeowner insurance claim fire damage.

Protecting your family from filing a fire insurance claim is of the utmost importance because fire insurance claims can be devastating to you and your family.

If you have fire insurance claim questions then you need to seek fire damage insurance claim answers for your fire damage insurance claim solution.

If you need fire damage claim assistance then you need to protect your assets and contact Property Claim Tips, LLC.  Ask for Rick Kinney because he is your advocate in property damage homeowner insurance claims. After all can you really trust insurance companies to do the right thing? Do you really know how to file a fire damage insurance claim? Honestly, what do you really know about fire damage insurance claims!

Protect your family from fire by installing smoke alarms outside every bedroom and on every level of your home. Test and maintain your alarms as if your life depended on it…BACAUSE IT DOES! Make sure everyone can clearly hear the sound of your smoke alarms from their bedrooms.

Make an escape plan with two ways out of every room and PRACTICE it with your family. Especially, when there are family members who cannot escape unassisted. Consider a residential sprinkler system.

Every 78 seconds a fire occurs in an American home that is serious enough to call the fire department. If you are reading this article and if you were to ask yourself what would happen if you should sustain a house fire and how would I handle my fire claim damage and do not know? Then you need to get contact Rick Kinney at www.propertyclaimtips.com. 215.364.4546

With more than 35 years in the residential real estate business, it’s clear that you can trust Clark Wilson Builder to deliver the dream home you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or a retiree looking to move into your fantasy home, the process starts with filling out our contact form. You can also call us at 512 423-6262 for answers to all your questions.

Stay up-to-date on the Austin, Texas building industry by reading our blog, finding us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

Never miss a blog!  Subscribe to our blog and you will never miss the latest from the premiere home builder in Austin, Texas!

• Have the right plan. Choose a builder with a good reputation, who has the skill and experience to build a home to your specifications. Make sure your personalities are a good fit, and be sure to check references. Then carefully consider the needs of your family when choosing your floor plan, being sure to stick to a reasonable budget.
• Before you get started, make sure you understand all the terms. Look your contract over with an attorney and your builder, and be sure there are clear dates for each stage of construction, with a definite statement about who will pay for added costs due to delay. Do not assume that the terms of the contract cannot be changed, because there is also room to negotiate. Be sure that you hire your own inspector to check the work throughout construction.
• Be involved, and vigilant. You are your own best advocate, so take an active interest in the building process. Ask questions about anything you do not understand, or anything that seems wrong. It is your house, and you need to be satisfied with the end result.
• Understand how long each phase of building will take:
  • Preparing the site and laying the foundation – three weeks.
  • Framing – three to four weeks
  • Exterior Finishes – one week
  • Mechanical Rough-Ins – four weeks
  • Insulation and Air Sealing – one to two weeks
  • Interior Finishes – five to six weeks
  • Landscaping – two weeks
  • Walk- through – one week
• Plan a walk through with the builder before closing. You want to be sure that everything is as it should be, before all the legalities are completed. Allow time for the builder to make necessary repairs, and allow yourself time to follow through and make sure the repairs have been completed.

New home construction may seem like a great deal of work, but building your own home has many advantages. First, building your own home can cost significantly less than buying one that is pre-built, and yours will be customized to your specifications!

Clark Wilson Builder

With more than 35 years in the residential real estate business, it’s clear that you can trust Clark Wilson Builder to deliver the dream home you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re a first time homebuyer or a retiree looking to move into your fantasy home, the process starts with filling out our contact form. You can also call us at (512) 423-6262 for answers to all your questions. Stay up-to-date on the Austin, Texas building industry by reading our blog, finding us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.