After working with hundreds of buyers and seller in the Houston area, I can tell you that insurance is beyond important! I have helped clients navigate the rebuilding process after such tragedies as Harvey, both with and without insurance and the let me tell you, recovery is faster and more complete with insurance.
Personally, I just had a situation in one of my rental units in the last month that we are just now recovering from. Without proper insurance this leak, which flooded the whole downstairs of our property, would have cost us all the profits on this property for years. The out of pocket expense would have been crippling had we not been covered by a solid insurance plan. As it is with proper insurance we just paid the deductible and the home is being put back better than before.
The average American will work one third of their life just to pay off their home. Very few individuals have sufficient savings to cover major unforeseen damages. This is where homeowners insurance steps in! Get the extra coverage of flood! If you never use it then you are blessed. If you do wind up having to make a claim, then be thankful that it is there and you protected yourself in advance.
THE BENEFITS
1. PROTECTION
The biggest home owner insurance benefit is the fact that your investment will be protected. For those with multiple properties, look into asking your insurance agent about an umbrella policy which you can use to cover the structure of each of your individual properties. This is a great way to consolidate and actually lower your premiums.
2. LOW MONTHLY PREMIUM
Speaking of premiums, generally speaking, home owner insurance is not as expensive as many other types of policies. This has a lot to do with the type of home you have (such as brick, stucco, or wood… pier and beam or slab foundation). Remember to bundle your coverage for the best rates. If you need a referral for a competitive insurance agent in your area reach out to your local Zebra Realtor! (just call or text me… I know people!)
3. LESS STRESS
No amount of money can ever compensate for the time and stress you go through when something tragic happens to your home. Being able to call and have professionals step in to handle the situation can alleviate the extra stress you incur from unforeseen issues. Protect yourself!
Click on the link below to see the kind of damage and stress a "little" water can do to your property and yes this happened to me and to a tenant of mine.
https://www.facebook.com/quade.lamb/videos/10215403058323668/
My personal opinion on flood insurance in Houston is that it does not matter if you are in a flood zone or not, just pay the couple hundred dollars a year to cover your property and carry that flood insurance. The peace of mind just knowing you are covered in the event another flood comes through will make it easier to rest at night.
When you have questions about your property call me. It does not matter if you are buying, selling, renting, or planning on living there another 20 years. Your homes are investments you must protect. Zebra Properties has a network of qualified and vetted individuals which I work with on a daily basis to give my customers the best service available, the best service for the lifetime of your home and beyond. If you ever have any question no matter how silly, just pick up the phone because I would love to hear from you!
Putting people in better places with Zebra Love!
-Amy