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​Insurance Group Blog

Holiday fire safety

12/6/2021

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It's the holiday season again – that special time of year when you brighten your home with colorful and twinkling lights. Although decorating with electric lighting helps you create a cheerful atmosphere, it also brings an increased risk of accidental fire.
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Here are some important safety tips to help you avoid electrical fires, overloaded circuits and other holiday fire hazards both outside and inside your home.

Outside lights
  • Always buy lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
  • Never use seasonal lighting outside your home unless it is specifically labeled for outdoor use.
  • Connect outside lighting to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupting (GFCI) outlet. If you don't have a GFCI outlet, contact a qualified electrician for proper installation.
  • Never secure the wiring of outdoor lighting with staples or nails – or place lights on sharp hooks or nails.
  • Do not close doors or windows on extension cords, or mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation.
  • Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. Never overload extension cords.
Inside lights
  • Keep kids and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
  • Unplug all holiday lighting before leaving the house or when going to bed.
  • Make sure the lamps do not rest on the supply cord or on any wire.
  • Avoid covering lights with cloth, paper or any material that is not part of the lighting.
  • Throw away any lighting that shows cut, damaged or frayed wire insulation or cords. Also discard lights with cracks in lamp holders, loose connections or exposed copper wire.
  • Virtually all holiday lighting is provided with overload fuse protection. A blown fuse indicates an overload or short-circuit situation. When this occurs, unplug lights from the outlet immediately and replace the blown fuse.
  • If the replacement fuse blows, a short circuit may be present. Either throw the light string away – or return it to the retailer if new.
  • Take the lights down when the holidays are over. Seasonal lighting is not intended for permanent installation or use.
Christmas tree safety
  • When lights are placed on a live tree, be sure your tree is fresh and well maintained. Never purchase a tree with dry or dropping needles.
  • Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water every day.
  • Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over. Make sure the tree stand is well secured and stable before putting on the lights.
  • Always use safe tree lights that have been tested by an independent testing laboratory.
  • Inspect lights carefully. If a string of lights has worn, frayed or broken cords, or loose bulb connections it should not be used.
  • Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat source. Try to position it near an outlet so cords don't have to run long distances.
  • Do not position the Christmas tree where it may block exits.
  • Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
  • Buy artificial trees only if they are labeled as fire-retardant.
  • Make sure larger tree lights have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb.
  • Keep an eye on children when they are near the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
  • Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children.
  • Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Don't keep dried out trees in your home or garage, as they are highly flammable.
  • NEVER attempt to burn a dried out tree in your home's fireplace. It may burst into hard-to-control flame instantly.
Candle fire – Beauty or a beast?
  • The warm glow of holiday candlelight is beautiful, but can be a severe fire hazard. Since December is the peak month for candle fires, put safety first when lighting any holiday candle. Here are a few safety tips to observe.
  • NEVER use candles to decorate your Christmas tree!
  • Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials.
  • Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • Don't place candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them.
  • Use sturdy candleholders that won't tip over easily and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
  • Remember, a candle is an open flame and can easily ignite nearby combustible materials – such as clothing, books, paper or any flammable liquid.
  • Keep candlewicks trimmed to one quarter inch and extinguish taper and pillar candles when they are within two inches of the holder. Votive candles should be put out before the last half-inch of wax starts to melt.
Candles and children
  • Keep candles up high and out of reach of children.
  • Do not use candles in places where they could be knocked over by children.
  • Never leave a young child unattended in a room with a lighted candle.
  • Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
  • Store candles, matches and lighters up high – out of children's sight and reach.
During power outages
  • Try to avoid carrying a lit candle.
  • Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
  • Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern.
Sources of holiday lighting information and web links
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)









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Revamp Your Kitchen

12/2/2021

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Whether you bought a new or used mobile home, odds are that when you purchased it the design wasn’t exactly what you wanted. Builders may not use the most high-end materials on new builds, and if it’s an older model, it may be time for an update. If you ever plan to revamp a room in your mobile home, consider starting with the kitchen. It can make your mobile home look more modern, and they can have some of the best return-on-investment rates.*
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If you’re not sure where to start in your kitchen or if you’re looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. Foremost® has done some research for you and put together a list of ideas you can use to give your kitchen a more updated look!
  • Paint your cabinets.
    This can be a great option to give your kitchen a completely new look. If it’s in your budget, consider having professional painters do the job. However, if you’re up for the challenge, there are plenty of step-by-step tutorials online that explain how to prep and paint your cabinets. You can definitely save some money if you go this route, but it is not an easy task!
  • Add an island.
    This could be a nice way to add more counter space without doing extensive work. We’ve learned that there is such a thing as a mobile kitchen island. They have wheels and will allow you to move the island where you need it. There are a wide variety of styles to choose from, so you are likely to find one that matches your kitchen.
  • Update the lighting.
    Switching out your light fixtures can be a game changer. Replacing the light fixtures with more decorative options is a simple change that can make the space look trendier, more unique and improve the overall style of your home. If you want to save a few dollar bills on your electric bill, consider going with energy saving LED lighting.
  • Paint the walls.
    This can be an inexpensive way to change the look of any room. With kitchens, you typically want to brighten up the space, so you may want to go with a lighter color. The wall color will depend on what your cabinet colors are, so make sure you pick one that pairs nicely. White is timeless (and popular right now), so that is a color you can’t go wrong with!
  • Install backsplash.
    Adding backsplash to your kitchen or switching out your current backsplash can instantly give the space a facelift. If you’re into DIY projects there is plenty of free information and videos online that explain how to install it. However, if it looks too intimidating, it may be best to get it professionally installed.
  • Switch out the hardware.
    Replacing the knobs and handles on your kitchen cabinets is an easy, inexpensive way to give your kitchen a new look! There are tons of different colors and styles to choose from; you can visit your local hardware store to see what your options are or search online.
  • New window treatments.
    Giving your windows a more polished look can really complete the look of your kitchen. There are certain styles that are popular for kitchens right now and will be sure to make a statement in the room whenever you have guests over. Window treatment styles to consider are: Roman shades, faux wood blinds, wood shutters and roller shades.
We hope some of these suggestions fit into your budget and give you the motivation to get started. Good luck on your DIY journey!

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Understanding the tiny house takeover

3/17/2021

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It's so easy to get wrapped up in the notion that "bigger is better." Contentment always seems to be tragically unreachable whenever cravings for more and more consume us. We want more so-called "friends" on social media. We want more closet space for an ever-growing pile of clothing that we rarely wear. "Why yes, I'd like to supersize my meal!" we chant in a frenzy at our favorite fast food joints. Our appetites never seem to be satisfied.

OK, perhaps I'm making hasty generalizations and exaggerations, but we can all at least admit to occasionally being tangled in the chaos and busyness of life. Everyone has their own tedious tasks to take on and along with them come bills to pay, relationships to build and hours of sleep to never completely catch up on. Organizing, compartmentalizing and managing all of the overwhelming "stuff" that accumulates in life can make one weary and stressed. From this perspective it's easy to see why we have the tendency to think that more money, more space, more tools, more time — more everything — will help us solve all of our problems.
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However, there is a group who has found contentment in having less; satisfaction in the simple life; and freedom in letting go of materialistic burdens. These unique and inventive individuals are the ones who are driving the rising tiny house movement.

The tiny house movement refers to the social and architectural movement that encourages living simply, efficiently and sustainably in small homes. Just how tiny are these homes? Typically containing a living area, sleeping loft, kitchen and bathroom, these homes rarely exceed 400 square feet. Some of them are built on permanent foundations, but many of them are on wheels and are easily portable.

Architect and author, Susan Susanka, is often credited with starting the movement in 1997 when she published The Not So Big House. Since then, the idea that bigger doesn't always equal better in home building has continued to grow. There are many strong advocates for the movement, like Jay Shafer, who founded the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. Schafer's manufacturing company builds customized tiny houses and ships them to customers who are eager to pursue a simplified lifestyle.

In an interview with Shareable, Schafer explains that the movement is about people not wanting to consume more than they have to. "It boils down to efficiency," he remarks. When asked about what qualifies a home as part of the tiny house movement, he states, "Any house in which all the space is being used well."

Indeed, the idea of living an efficient, self-sufficient and simplified lifestyle has attracted many to the movement. The appeal of environmental consciousness is also a large contributing factor: tiny houses require much less energy and greatly reduce one's ecological impact. Lastly, tiny houses are much less expensive when it comes to building, heating and maintenance, so the more economically-balanced lifestyle that is offered through tiny house living is more than enough to draw interest.

Tiny houses are capturing the attention of the public and, for many, are becoming a legitimate housing alternative. The movement is gaining increased media coverage. TV shows like Tiny House Nation, Tiny House Builders and Tiny House Hunters celebrate the exploding movement by offering building tips and spotlighting unique tiny houses and their owners. In addition, nonprofits like the American Tiny House Association and groups like the Tiny House Community are working to promote the tiny house as a formally acceptable dwelling option and are sponsoring workshops, fairs and conferences that bring together builders and enthusiasts. Online communities like Living Big in a Tiny House, Small House Society, The Tiny Life and Tiny Home Builders create opportunities for people to connect and share advice and stories from their tiny house lifestyles.

Though living in a tiny house may not be for everyone, there is definitely something we all can learn from the movement. Learning to share, adapting more efficient and sustainable practices and choosing to live freely and fully by slowing down and taking the time to refocus on what's truly important in life are certainly all commendable endeavors.

Foremost offers solutions for insuring tiny houses. If the unit is on permanent foundation and attached to permanent facilities, it is eligible for a Dwelling Fire or Specialty Homeowners policy. If the unit is RVIA approved, with the wheels still intact, it is eligible for a Travel Trailer policy.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/Understanding-the-Tiny-House-Takeover.asp

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When to show your roof some love

3/17/2021

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You may tend to overlook your roof, but it's actually the most important component of your home - and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but roofs don't last forever!

I didn't really think about the importance of roofs until recently when my friend and her husband bought their first home. It was built in the late 40s, and since she moved in she's been saying how badly her roof needs replacing. Of course, that was five months ago, and work has still yet to be done. I then thought to myself, is putting off the project really going to affect you that much?

The answer is, yes!

So — I began to research how one would go about replacing or repairing a roof.

The first order of business: understand the relationship between the age of your roof and its life expectancy. According to the Good Housekeeping magazine, shingle roofs should last between 20-30 years (if you have a different type of roof, such as metal or clay tile, you may have to follow different rules). If your home is new or the roof was recently replaced, you should be in the clear. However, it doesn't hurt to do a checkup after getting hit with severe weather like a hailstorm, ice and snow or crazy rain.
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If your roof is getting close to its 30th birthday, keep your eyes open for warning signs that tell you it's time for a revamp. Here are a few things to look out for:
  • Loose shingle tabs
  • Cracks in shingles
  • Broken or missing tabs
  • Buckling or curling shingles
  • Shingles covered in moss or algae
  • Majority of granules worn off tabs
  • Sunlight is shining through the attic
  • Extensive leaking

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According to Home Advisor, a roof replacement can range anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000. The size of your home, the materials used and where you live will affect that price range. It's no small sum, but in return for the investment, you'll add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home and ensure a safe and habitable dwelling for years to come. Don't need a new roof right now? Do a quick check each month to see if maintenance is needed. If you notice problems like missing shingles or signs of water damage, be sure to call a roofing specialist to make the repairs as soon as possible - it could save you a bundle by prolonging the life of your roof and stopping costly leaks in their tracks.
Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/when-to-show-your-roof-some-love.asp
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Spiders! Making your home their home.

3/16/2021

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I am guessing I'm not the only one who doesn't want to share their home with eight-legged strangers. When I see those creepy spiders crawling across my floor I immediately feel like I need to check under every chair, table and rug for the rest of their families. Of course, in the part of the country I live in, the spiders are harmless, but that doesn't stop me from feeling just a little uneasy when crawling friends start taking over my home.

It's starting to get warmer out and that means that my home is beginning to be infiltrated with spiders! Because of that, I feel the need to share some tips and tricks for keeping those creepy, crawly creatures out of our homes:

Outside:
  • Seal and cover cracks. Walk around your house and think like a spider. Cover the gaps around the house and especially around doors. Check whether screens and windows are repaired. Air vents need to be covered in hardware mesh and cracks sealed in the foundation.
  • Clean up the perimeter. Clean up or move any leaves, woodpiles, or other debris next to your house. Spiders don't like wide open spaces, but they love dark nooks and crannies.
  • Get rid of their paths. Trim any shrubs or stray branches that are touching the sides or roof of your home. These are a direct path for spiders.
  • Spraying isn't the answer. According to the University of California's Integrated Pest Management Program, pesticide control is difficult and rarely necessary. Spiders are very resilient and you've practically got to fire the spray right at them. Instead, just clean up anything around the base and sides of your home.
Inside:
  • Clean up your act. Allowing things to build up, like a stack of newspapers or a pile of shoes make perfect homes for spiders. Try to hang up or put away whatever you can.
  • Vacuum their hiding places. Vacuuming up webs and dust leaves little room for spiders to feel comfortable. Spiders love hiding in webs and dust.
  • Caulk. Caulk around doors and windows to keep the spiders outside and you safe and warm inside.
Whether or not you have eight-legged roommates trying to move in, it won't hurt to follow the above steps to deter any little creatures from trying to make your home their home!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/spiders-making-your-home-their-home.asp
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Inspecting your home after winter

3/9/2021

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After what felt like an endless winter, everything is slowly starting to thaw out and melt. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year, and as a new homeowner, I am starting to observe new things on my home that I need to inspect, and projects I want to tackle this summer. I purchased my home in the dead of winter with snow piled up on the exterior, so I couldn't fully see everything as much as I would have liked. Now that I have a clear view, it's time to start my spring maintenance checklist and inspect for any damage sustained during winter.
  • Examine your roof. Inspect your shingles to see if any blew away or were damaged during winter. Shingles that are loose, cracked or buckled need to be replaced. If you come across any of these issues, call a professional to assess the damage.
  • Check the gutters. Grab your gloves and clean out all of the leaves and debris in your gutters and downspouts. Then, inspect your gutters and make sure they aren't sagging. Make sure the downspouts are facing away from the foundation for proper draining.
  • Inspect your driveway and other areas with concrete. Look over your driveway and sidewalks for any sign of cracks or movement. If you see any, you can fill them in with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.
  • Check the outside faucets and hoses. Turn on the water to make sure it's still running properly and place your thumb over the opening. If this stops the water flow, the water pressure may be too low and one of your pipes may be damaged. Call a professional for further assistance.
  • Inspect windows and doors. Check for bent or broken hinges, and any cracks or holes. Depending on how serious the damage is, you can either replace or repair your door. If you have a screen door, you can usually buy a repair kit to fix any holes or tears so bugs can’t sneak through. If your windows look good, take the opportunity to wipe down the interior of the window sills if there is any dirt or mold present.
  • Inspect your deck and fences. If you have a wooden fence, repair or replace any loose slats or rotted sections. For your deck, look for any signs of water stains or discoloration. Remove any loose or rusty nails, and make sure the railings and stairs are secure.
  • Run your in-ground sprinkling system. Turn your sprinklers on to make sure they are working properly. Also look for any leaks or broken sprinkler heads, and readjust them if needed.
  • Inspect your AC unit. Clean up any leaves or branches around the cooling unit, and change the filters. If you want a professional cleaning or a tune-up, you can call a qualified heating and cooling contractor.
Good luck and happy spring!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/inspecting-your-home-after-winter.asp
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Home theft deterrents

2/28/2021

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A burglary occurs approximately every 15 seconds in the United States. Home security has become an important issue for everyone, no matter where you live. While there's no foolproof way to stop every break-in, many burglaries are preventable. Keep in mind that burglars search for easy targets.

Here are some security measures that may force burglars to look elsewhere:

Use the right locks and solid doors
  • Choose a single-cylinder dead bolt lock backed by a reinforcing strike-plate with three-inch screws. The dead bolt should be at least one inch thick and extend at least one inch into the doorframe when locked. Standard door locks may not be enough to deter experienced thieves. For example, a thief can open key-in-the-knob spring bolt locks by pushing back the lock bolt with a credit card or similar flexible object.
  • Use solid core or metal clad entrance doors along with sturdy door frames firmly attached to your home. Many intruders enter residences by physically destroying lightweight hollow core doors and flimsy door frames.
  • Be sure entrance doors have wide-angle peepholes or view grills so you can see visitors without opening the door. Ask anyone who comes to your door for identification before allowing them inside.

Secure sliding patio doors and windows:
  • For best protection, use a bolt lock.
  • Second choice would be a dowel or pipe in the slider track. This helps, but isn't perfect. Thieves can bypass them by lifting the doors or windows out of their slide channels. You can help prevent this by tightening adjustment screws to eliminate "play" in a door or window.

Protect your home with proper lighting:
  • Keep entryways, pathways, stairwells, porches, yards and parking areas well lit.
  • Mount lights up high so burglars can't easily unscrew bulbs.

Don't give thieves an easy way in:
  • Keep shrubs trimmed away from your home. Prune back tree limbs, particularly from upper windows and porch roofs.
  • Keep your garage locked, along with any storage sheds on your property, especially if they contain tools or ladders thieves can use to break into your home. Use a quality dead bolt lock here, too, if you can.
  • Invest in a heavy-duty gun-safe if you have firearms in your home. This will keep guns out of criminal-hands, as well as away from children, friends and relatives who don't know how to handle firearms safely.

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/home-theft-deterrents.asp
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Movin' on out

2/2/2021

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Moving is bittersweet. The excitement that comes from changing scenery and beginning a new adventure cannot be denied, but if you've enjoyed whatever living situation you've been in, leaving can be especially difficult. Not to mention, moving is exhausting! However, if we want to move onto that next adventure, there are steps we have to take.

In the first two blogs of this four-part series, we prepared ourselves for the move and learned the proper techniques for packing like pros. Now that our accounts are all in check, we can steam ahead and get to the exciting part – actually moving! Make your move a bit less stressful by following this checklist for a successful day.
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To read the other blogs in this series, click on any of the buttons below.​

Preparing to Move
Moving In

Confirm arrangements with your mover
Hopefully, if you've been planning on having a moving company help on the day of, you will have contacted them by now. If not, pick up that phone and make arrangements immediately! If you have already made arrangements, call and confirm them with your mover, detailing different belongings to make sure they show up with the proper equipment.

Ask friends and family to help
The more the merrier! Moving out is stressful no matter how many people are lending a hand. Recruit your friends and family to help you move, especially if you have not hired a moving company. Consider making it something of a party, with music and soda to keep the energy high as you sweat your home to vacancy.
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Take inventory
Completing a home inventory checklist is one of the best ways to keep track of your possessions before a move. It will also be handy to have an accurate record for insurance purposes in case of theft, fire or other disaster. Before the movers leave, sign the inventory list and keep a copy for your own personal records. Also, check out this article from Unpakt to see what technique is best for you.

Take pictures of new home (if renting)
If you're moving into a rental, take pictures of your place before the move in date so you are not charged with any damages made prior to your occupancy.

Request time off from work on the day of your move
.If you're planning to move on a work day, request that day off so you can supervise the day from start to finish.

Plan a payment with your mover.
If you haven't already discussed payment through a credit card with your mover, get a money order, cashier's check or cash for final payment and a tip. If the movers have done a good job, it is customary to tip anywhere from 10% to 15% of the total fee for the move.

Congratulations, you've officially moved out of your old home! Now that that's taken care of, make sure to check in next week where we'll talk about how to move into your new pad.
Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/movin-on-out.asp
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Is a condo right for you?

2/2/2021

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The time has come…do I keep renting, or do I buy? I've been renting various apartments for most of my life because it's been easy and convenient. However, since I've decided to stay in my city long-term, there's no reason not to start looking at homes on the market. From a financial perspective, it's a lot smarter. I would rather build equity with a home than continue to pay for something I'll never own. I was talking with a friend about home ownership, which is when she mentioned getting a condo, instead! The more I considered it, the more I started warming up to the idea of living in one – so I decided to make a pros and cons list for you and me!


Pros of owning a condo:

Amenities at my leisure.

Along with owning a condo, you have several different condo amenities available to you, which may include a fitness center, pool and play area for children.

No more outdoor maintenance.
The last thing I want to do when I get home from work is mow the grass and work on landscaping. Thanks to the homeowner association, I will no longer have to do any yard or exterior work on my building (that includes the roof!). Also, depending on your association agreement, they may also cover snow removal.

Lower price tag.
Buying a condo is more affordable than buying a single family home. The number, of course, depends on the size of the condo, and the cost of living in the area.

More Security.
Certain condos provide gated entries, doormen, or even security guards for their residents. This is very important for someone who lives alone. Also, being in close proximity to your neighbors is beneficial if you ever have an emergency, or feel like you’re in danger.

Cons of owning a condo:

Homeowners association fees.

All of those fabulous amenities, maintenance and other services are only available because of the HOA fees you have to pay every month. Yes, this is on top of paying your mortgage. The fees can range from a $200 to a thousand dollars or more a month, and can be raised at different times throughout the year.

You must live by the rules.
Condo associations have a set of rules to keep the building well-kept and everyone happy. The rules are often things like: no loud music after 10 p.m., keeping up the appearance of your home at all times, and in some cases, no pets allowed. They can even enforce what color they want to paint the exterior of your condo, and you have no say in the matter.

Not as private.
You are very close to your neighbors, so sometimes it can feel like nothing is private. Along with sharing walls, you share parking, pools, tennis courts, etc. There are probably times it will have the same feel as living in an apartment. There is such a thing as detached condos, but that comes with a higher price tag.

Condos appreciate at a slower rate.
This is because when you own a condo, you don't own any land, which is a key factor that increases a home's value. Instead, you only own the inside of the unit. I don't plan on living in a condo forever, so this was a big thing to consider.

In addition to my list, I'm getting some insight from people who currently live in condos to hear what they like, and don't like. If you currently live in a condo, feel free to share your experience in the comments below!

  1. https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2016-06-26/3-reasons-to-buy-a-condo-and-3-reasons-to-beware
  2. https://www.moneycrashers.com/pros-cons-buying-condo/
  3. https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/is-a-condo-right-for-you.asp​
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A Guide for Full-Time RV Living

1/21/2021

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Transitioning from a home where you have roots in one place to a full-time life on the road is a drastic change, but there are many things that draw people to this “nomad” lifestyle. It could be the flexibility, the love of traveling, or maybe you just want to get out of your comfort zone and try something new! Whatever the reason may be, if you’re preparing to be an RV full-timer, kudos for having the courage to embrace this exciting lifestyle change.

We know it can be overwhelming to think about the details involved with living full-time in an RV, and your choice to welcome the open road may seem impulsive to others, but that’s okay. Life is short, and who knows … you may end up regretting not doing this sooner!

Here are some tips to help you prepare for living in an RV full-time.

Become a Minimalist.​
Adapting a minimalist lifestyle often requires major changes. You’re probably going from a normal-sized home to a roughly 270 square foot space, which forces you to ask: “What do I really need?” To determine this, start by writing down everything you want to bring, then write another list of everything you actually need. This will help you visualize and prioritize your possessions.
Bring all the necessities, of course – clothes, toiletries, shoes, cookware, etc. However, you won’t nee
d 10 pairs of boots, or the many t-shirts that have been sitting in your drawers for 2+ years, or 20 drinking glasses that you currently have in your kitchen.

You may need to make some tough decisions, but take this opportunity to de-clutter your belongings. Make a “take” pile and a “donation” pile. It’s always a good idea, even if you aren’t planning to RV full-time!

Go Paperless.
Life on the road means you won’t be home to pick up your mail and see if you received any bills. Move all of your bills (cell phone, medical, credit cards, auto insurance, etc.) to automated billing so you don’t need to worry about it. Once you make the switch, you should get all notifications for your bills via email moving forward. Plus, this helps save the environment!

Sell or Keep Your Home?
This brings us to our next question – will you make the commitment to sell your home and have your RV be your only residence? This depends on how much you plan to travel throughout the year. Also, can you afford to keep your home while traveling? You will still have your mortgage payments, maintenance on the home and other obligations. If you decide to keep your home, there’s always the option of renting it out so you won’t have to worry about any mortgage payments. If you don’t start renting, make sure you have someone regularly stopping by your home to get the mail and take care of any maintenance needed as the seasons go by.

If you do decide to sell your home or cancel a lease, you will need to choose a domicile state and receive mail. Getting a domicile means you are choosing a state for your legal residence. This state will be listed on your driver’s license, where you purchase your health insurance, where you can vote and where you will accept mail. (There are lots of mail-forwarding services that will set you up with a street address so you can officially establish residency. This is helpful because a P.O. Box address will not be accepted as your legal residence). The best states for full-time RVer domiciles are Texas, Florida or South Dakota.* People usually choose these states because they are income tax-free!

Selling your home will also allow more financial freedom for your RV travels! Get that estate sale ready, or find a storage unit to put all of your furniture in, just in case you ever want a break from the RV life.

Determine a Monthly Budget.
You may think you’ll be saving a lot of money when you live on the road – but you will be surprised. Since your expenses will be drastically different from when you lived in a home, you need to budget and keep track of everything you spend. Things like campsite fees, eating out frequently, gas and unexpected RV repairs can add up. Once you get a good idea of how much you’re spending each month, you can adjust your budget accordingly.

Purchase Full-Time RV Insurance.
Since your RV will be your permanent residence, you need a specific type of insurance coverage called “Full-Time RV Insurance.” You will be covered against liabilities, Additional Living Expenses, medical expenses in the case of an accident and more! Contact one of our local agents today to get more information on how you can get covered, so you can enjoy your travels across the U.S., or start an RV quote now!

Stay Connected with Family and Friends.
Communicate with your friends and family on a regular basis. (They will miss you!) It’s also a good idea to let a few people know your current location and where you’re headed next on a regular basis, just in case of an emergency. To make your loved ones feel like they’re part of your adventure, post pictures frequently on social media or send them via text or email. It will let everyone know you and your companions are safe, and also allows you to stay connected with everyone even when you’re not physically with them.

Enjoy Every Minute.
Living life on the road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will see amazing things, meet one-of-a-kind people and make the best memories. Don’t take it for granted! With traveling, you will always run into some bumps in the road – but that’s part of the journey. Don’t let it discourage your long-term goals. You’re not tied down to a routine now, so enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with RVing full-time. Stay safe and happy travels from Foremost!

Source: https://www.foremost.com/learning-center/a-guide-for-full-time-rv-living.asp
*https://www.moneycrashers.com/rv-living-choose-domicile-state-get-mail/
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