This October saw a surprising rise in sales of existing homes, giving economic forecasters reasons to be cautiously optimistic. The overall decline in home prices, combined with an extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit, has helped to fuel the highest number of sales since February 2007.

Sales of foreclosed homes have risen slightly, but some are cautioning that this “sales spike” could decline in December before picking up again next spring.

If you are looking to insure a new home or better protect your existing property contact us, your local insurance agency. No matter what turns the value of your house takes, we will be there to help you.
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Is your family ready for flu season? Studies of flu vaccines delivered in 2008 show that children, having the greatest risk for infection, are the least likely to actually receive flu shots. This year however, fears about the H1N1 strain are causing greater concern about flu season in general.

In some areas of the country traditional flu vaccines have been running short, but officials and pharmacies are still committed to producing and distributing vaccines to as many people as possible.

If you and your children haven’t been vaccinated yet, consider taking the time to visit a local clinic or pharmacy. Like insurance, taking steps to prevent a problem is often easier than facing that problem after it hits home.
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Yesterday The National Center for Healthy Housing released a report on the “State of Healthy Housing.”

The non-profit’s study found that over the last ten years housing conditions may actually be on the decline due to the recent housing bubble and crash. The study also confirmed the troubling divide in housing quality across the US. Metropolitan rental properties consistently ranked lower in the study in terms of overall health and upkeep.

Are you doing your part to keep your home healthy and safe? Are there repairs you could do today that would significantly improve the cost of insuring your home? Talk to us, your local agent about the benefits of keeping your home healthy and sound.
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The Credit CARD Act signed into law this May is going into effect today. What does this mean for consumers?

The new law offers some protection to consumers by requiring a 45 day advance notice of any changes in interest rates or fees. Payments won’t count as late unless a bill was sent 21 days prior to the due date.

Still, experts warn that consumers need to be wary of changes in their credit-lines. How much you are allowed to borrow through your credit card may impact your overall credit score and companies are still able to alter credit limits without notice.

The best advice anyone can give about credit cards is to read the fine print. Make sure you understand the terms of any credit card offer and make informed choices about how much credit card debt you take on.
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Being aware of a health problem before it occurs is usually a good idea, for individuals and communities.

That’s why the US government is hard at work testing out vaccines for the H1N1 virus (aka the “swine flu”) and hopes to have them ready by mid-October. The vaccine is built and tested like a traditional flu vaccine.

The current testing will help to determine the safety of the vaccine for adults, and eventually children and the elderly. Watching out for health problems before they start is a shared responsibility. If you’re worried about your health insurance coverage talk to us, your local agent, today; we can point you in the right direction.
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Economic experts and investors have been encouraged recently by a report that indicates a sharp rise in home sales. While this may not be good news for those shopping for homes in certain areas, it is a sign that things are starting to turn around.

The Commerce Department is reporting that home sales in June were up 11% from May, continuing a three-month trend of rising home sales. Sales have not risen this fast since December 2000.

Our economy is still suffering from the aftershocks of a collapsed housing bubble and a full recovery will take time. As your local insurance agency we understand what a valuable asset your home is to you, no matter what the current price-tag on it is. Contact us today and we’ll help you protect that home with affordable, quality coverage.
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The next time you see an ad on the internet or your television that promises big bucks fast, think twice. Many consumers have discovered too late that “money back guarantee” only applies to companies that play by the rules.

In response to an increase in business opportunity and “free grant” scams the Federal Trade Commission has launched a new enforcement and education initiative, Operation Short Change. Check out their new youtube video, where a former con man explains how he used to reel people in to get-rich-quick schemes.

Remember, you don’t have to be a victim of fraud. When purchasing an insurance policy you want to trust the people you do business with. Call us today and we’ll make time to meet with you, face to face.

Read more about Operation Short Change.

If you plan to support a young college student, you know the importance of rising tuition costs. A recent nationwide survey has found that tuition, while on the rise, will see less of an increase this year than any year since the 1972-73 school year.

Tough times have forced veteran instititions to enact hiring freezes, halt new construction, and rely more heavily on endowments. However, analysts warn that this year’s mild increase in tuition rates may be followed by tougher choices down the road.

As your trusted agency, we promise to help you find affordable insurance that meets the needs of your family, at home and at school.
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Auto Dealers have few problems finding customers willing to buy. Banks willing to lend to those customers are another story. In reaction to the credit crisis many lenders like GMAC tightened up their practices, trying to exclude risky borrowers. Now, that reaction has gone so far that even buyers with good credit scores are having trouble getting financing.

The numbers aren’t the same everywhere; dealerships in certain markets have been able to offer competitive financing. If you are turned down at one location and you have a good credit score, don’t assume that you are at fault. Shop around and remember to talk to us about insuring your new vehicle. Distant lenders might be willing to give you a tough time, but as your local insurance agency we’re more than happy to get you on the road again.
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Sidewalks across the country are heating up, as kids rush from the shade of classrooms to beaches and outdoor games. Summer can be a fun time, but changing weather and habits can also mean the potential for common problems like heatstroke, sunburn, dehydration, and accidents.

As your insurance agent, we recommend practicing good summer safety. You don’t need to buy fancy gadgets to tell you when to get out of the sun. Use common sense and check out the updated guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Let this be a safe summer to remember!