Happy April!
Events:
- Taste of Montclair:
Ilan Penson and I enjoyed handing out cookies and wine at the annual Taste of Montclair event. Look out for our next event, the Montclair Beer & Wine Festival, on June 14th from 12 to 6 p.m.
Fun stuff:
- Awards:
Last week, I won the Million Dollar Personality Award at The Crafties, an industry awards ceremony sponsored by LaSalle Mortgage. Thanks to LaSalle for celebrating the quirky, fun people in this crazy business. I hope to receive a crown or at least a sash by mail—I'll wear it the next time we meet. -
R.S.V.P. for MES Reunion:
If we know each other from Montclair Elementary School (MES) or that kid-raising era, and you still like me (caveats abound) but have not yet received my invitation for a free and fun event on May 24th, contact me. I thought a reunion would be fun! RSVP here.
Does anyone care about home insurance? Here are my Top 10 Takeaways from April's Home Insurance Panel Important Stuff
- The concept of "shopping for home insurance" is gone forever.
- Everyone in California will pay their share of the 1 billion loss from the LA fires.
- Insurance regulations need to change, or the industry will become insolvent.
- The insurance commissioner's status as an elected official and Prop 103 from 1988 keep insurance rates artificially low in California based on our risk.
- Spending money on home hardening makes sense for peace of mind, but it won't save you much on premiums.
- AI plays a more significant role in determining a home's insurability and a homeowner's profitability, monitoring permits, and home maintenance liability.
- The Fannie Mae Condo Blacklist of uninsurable properties is growing quickly and includes some prominent local communities. I have a copy of it if you're interested.
- If you have a mortgage and your insurance carrier goes bankrupt, they don't need to inform you. The lender will automatically find a new carrier and charge you for it. Keep your lender close.
- If your home is in a Trust, you must update your insurance with a Trust Endorsement.
- Look at your insurance policy closely. Off-brand, online only carriers like Geico and Progressive will issue a policy, but you may not be covered for particular risks unless they ask the right questions up front.
This is a friendly reminder to consider me a resource for all things related to home ownership, not just buying and selling. Most people forget that Real Estate Agents work with painters, electricians, gardeners, handymen, and obscure home maintenance vendors all day. And if something goes awry with a vendor I recommended, I'm here to help and make it right, if you know what I mean. ;-)
I appreciate your referral if you know anyone considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate.
With Gratitude,
Marissa
