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Some people make boat launching look easy. But it's a touchy, tricky business, especially for new boaters. If you've struggled in the past, don't give up in frustration. Practice makes progress! And with a little more experience, you’ll soon be the Captain Jack Sparrow of the boat launch.
Here are eight tips for getting your boat back to its natural habitat!
Source: https://blog.foremost.com/boat-launching-tips.asp
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If you're new to hauling a boat, these tips will help you build confidence and get comfortable with towing a boat from point A to point B. If you're already an experienced boat-trailering captain, this will serve as a helpful refresher course before your next outing.
Without further ado, here are eight tips for a trouble-free trip to the boat ramp! 1. Experience leads to confidence. Practice so you can get comfortable with trailering. Find a large, open space—like an empty parking lot—and put down some orange cones or life jackets. Then spend time learning to back up, make turns and avoid obstacles. 2. Backing up takes extra practice. Most people find driving in reverse while towing a boat to be the toughest, so work on honing this skill. Remember that backing up in a straight line is almost impossible. Instead, focus on moving in the right direction with slow, slight turns. 3. Level-up your mirrors. Big, extended side-view mirrors are definitely a great idea for trailering, especially when you tow on busy roads. Attachable side-view mirrors are available for purchase when you need to increase visibility. 4. Swing wide when tackling turns. To ensure you don’t hit curbs or other vehicles with your boat, take turns extra-wide. If you can, try to prepare for turns by staying in the outside lane to give yourself more room. 5. Keep it roomy with stopping distance. Extra distance between your vehicle and those ahead of you is crucial. You don't want to slam on the breaks with a boat in tow—that could cause jackknifing. So slow down and be alert… patience you must have, my young Padawan. 6. Be conscience of large vehicles. If semi-trucks and other big vehicles pass you, briefly lift your foot off the accelerator. This little trick will help reduce buffeting by the truck's wind and keep your rig from swaying. If you notice swaying, take your foot off the gas to minimize it. 7. If swaying—stop, inspect and adjust. Taking your foot off the gas will minimize swaying, but if it seems to be a constant problem, get out and examine your rig. Try adjusting the trailer's tongue weight—it should be between 10 and 15 percent of the rig's overall weight. 8. Conduct a post-arrival check-up. When you reach your destination, feel your trailer's wheel hubs. They should be cool or slightly warm. If they're hot, there may be problems with your bearings; get them serviced as soon as possible! Ready for the next step? Read our blog about boat launching so you know what to do when you reach the ramp! Source: https://blog.foremost.com/boat-trailering-tips.asp THE MONEY
Mortgage A mortgage is a loan agreement between you, the home buyer, and a bank or other creditor. They lend you the money and you get a home. To repay the bank or creditor for providing this money, the home buyer agrees to pay back the amount they borrow to purchase the home (the principal) plus an additional amount of money as interest A helpful Loan Calculator is located at http://www.calculator.net/loan-calculator.html You can change the repayment terms on a loan by choosing a 15-year fixed rate mortgage instead of a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, which means you'll pay off the loan principal and accrued interest in 15 years instead of 30. This will increase your monthly payment, but will decrease the total amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan. Note: there are many different types of mortgages! While I only mentioned a 15-Year and 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage, there are also variable rate and alternative loan programs like FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and VA (Veteran Affairs). Down Payment A down payment is a percentage of your home’s purchase price that you pay up front when you close your home loan in addition to the money you borrow. Lenders often look at the down payment amount as your investment in the home. Not only will it affect how much you’ll need to borrow, it can also influence:
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) If you are unable to pay 20% down on your home purchase, private mortgage insurance may be required by your lender. PMI is a special type of insurance to protect a lender (the bank or creditor) against loss if a borrower (you) defaults on your obligation to repay the loan. This type of insurance is costly and is not required if you can afford a 20% down payment. Even if your lender requires you to obtain PMI, you may not need to carry the PMI over the life of the loan. Check w/ your lender about your options to terminate the PMI once you have achieved a specified level of equity in your home. Appraised Value Many lenders require a formal appraisal by a licensed appraiser to ensure the value of your home is at least as great as the purchase price. This appraisal occurs between when your offer is accepted and when you close on the house. While you may have offered $180,000 on a house, if the appraiser returns and says the house is worth $170,000, you either have to pay that $10,000 difference in cash or ask the seller to reduce the purchase price to $170,000. Learn more about what to do if your home appraised lower than the purchase price here. Earnest Money Earnest money is submitted with your offer to demonstrate your intent to follow through with the sale if your offer is accepted. The appropriate amount of earnest money varies from market to market; your realtor can advise on what is customary for your situation. Earnest money can be handled in many ways; the following are common scenarios:
Closing Costs These are the costs incurred for the various expenses involved in the home buying transaction like title insurance, loan origination fees and appraisal fees. These costs vary widely from transaction to transaction. Your realtor and lender can assist you with learning more about the closing costs for which you will be responsible, but you can safely assume an average between 2%-5% of the purchase price. Remember, you as a buyer are responsible for paying your closing costs in addition to your down payment. So while you might have $30,000 saved up for a 20% down payment, you will also need additional funds to afford closing costs. THE TACTICS Closing Date The closing date is the date sign all the documents necessary to officially purchase a house. This is typically about a month after your offer is accepted. However, do not confuse this date with possession date, which is defined below. Possession Date At closing, you officially own the property. However, you may have agreed in your purchase agreement to allow the former owners to keep possession of the property until a later date. This means that although you have paid the down payment, paid closing costs, and are now responsible for the mortgage, you still do not have the right to move into your new home. Possession dates that don't line up with the closing date generally occur because the sellers need time to find a new place to live. However, the buyer must agree to a later possession date as part of the purchase agreement in order for the seller to retain possession of the property after the closing. Inspection A home inspection is a non-invasive, examination of the condition of the house that is designed to identify any problem areas with the property. The home inspector typically looks for evidence of insect, water or fire damage that may affect the value of the property. They will likely check heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems. They also may check structural items like the floors, walls and ceiling as well as the roof and attic. If your house has a basement, it should be examined for leaks and to make sure it has the proper supports in place. Remember, a home inspection is an examination of the property's condition, and is not the same thing as a home appraisal (see definition above). If your inspector finds damage in the home, you may be able to negotiate that the seller fix the issues or agree to a lower purchase price. Buying a house is complicated! But once you find the one that makes you feel at home, the headaches seem to be worth it. Best of luck to you all! Souce: https://blog.foremost.com/what-those-big-words-mean-buying-your-first-home.asp Whether you've been riding all your life or are looking to purchase your first bike, buying a new-to-you motorcycle can be pretty challenging. What make do I want? What's my budget? Where should I look? Even if you think you know what you're looking for, finding a used bike that meets your criteria is no easy task, especially when there are so many different motorcycles out there!
If you're looking to buy a used motorcycle, read on to help prepare for a better buy – your wallet and watch will thank you later! Decide what you're using your bike for What type of riding are you looking to do? Commuting, sports, touring or a combination? A 1000 CC sport bike may get you excited, but there is a good chance you’ll never need that kind of power while commuting to and from work. These are the main types of bikes you can choose from:
Inspect the bike Don't blindly trust the seller's word as truth. If you've owned a motorcycle before, do an inspection on the bike. But if you’ve never done work on a motorcycle before, we suggest inviting someone you trust to check it out before you sign anything. These are the specific areas you should review:
Request a service history The seller may not have that information, but request the history in case they do! This will help you understand what kind of service has been recently done on the bike. The tires may be new but the oil could be a few years old. Also ask for an owner's manual and factory toolkit if available. Prepare your documents for purchase Remember that you can't legally ride a motorcycle unless you have a bike license! Take a safety course if you've never owned a motorcycle and purchase a DOT-approved helmet before your first ride. Don't know what kind of helmet to get? Read Protecting Your Noggin to help find a helmet that meets your needs. Take a test drive Pick a nice day with dry roads to test drive the bike. And don't forget your bike license and helmet! If at a dealership, be prepared to sign an insurance waiver; if private, be ready to leave your license with the seller as security. Start slowly on the bike to get used to how it feels and responds. Remember to test the brakes–they shouldn't 'pulse,' but rather engage smoothly and evenly. It's also a good idea to accelerate through the gears. The transmission should feel firm and not slip out of gear under acceleration or feel chunky. Be realistic about negotiations Use retail pricing guides to help determine your purchase price and understand that the seller probably has a specific price they're looking to reach. If you're buying from a private seller, respect their ride and understand that they've probably taken pride in it over the years. But don't be afraid to say "no" if negotiations aren't going the way you want – you still have the final say. Insure the bike through Us This one is obvious, but if you do buy a bike, don't ride naked! Be sure to protect your tail…pipe with reputable insurance from our best carrier for this market: Foremost. They've been offering specialized insurance policies since 1952 and understand your lifestyle! They also have an award-winning team of claims professionals who are available 24/7 to help restore your life to order after a claim. Visit our Motorcycle Insurance - Definitions and FAQ's page to learn more or start a quote! Source: https://blog.foremost.com/tips-for-buying-a-used-motorcycle.asp I remember the first day I passed my driver's test. I felt like I was on cloud nine…invincible. I instantly thought about all of the places I was going to go by myself. No more asking my parents or friends for a ride - my ticket to being independent had finally come, and I was ready to take on the road like a pro! Handing the paperwork to the clerk at the Secretary of State was empowering. "This is it," I thought to myself. "You are about to get your official driver's license!" I made sure I looked my best for my photo (I even made them take the picture twice) and they said I would receive a hard copy of my license in the mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Walking out that door with the authorization to drive on my own, I couldn't stop smiling, I felt like a true adult. However, I was far from it. The truth is, I was only 16-years-old and had no idea the weight of responsibility that was on my shoulders now. I'll admit for the first few months I was driving alone, I was a little scared. I would have to constantly keep rubbing my palms on my clothes because they would get sweaty and slippery on the wheel. If I got beeped at, I took it very personally and thought about what I could have done better. I made sure to make as little mistakes as possible – I didn't want any of the other experienced drivers thinking I was a beginner at this! Eventually, it got better with practice and I became more comfortable with going on highway ramps, switching lanes and driving in urban areas. If you have a teen that just passed their driver's test or are currently in driver's education, remember that this moment is an important, life-changing accomplishment for them. Even though you won't be physically by their side when they're behind the wheel, you can still offer them your support and driving wisdom beforehand. I know, it's easier said than done. Looking back, I didn't exactly listen to everything my parents told me when I was 16, but I must have retained something since I'm a pretty safe driver now! Sadly, according to the CDC, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. It's scary and the last thing you want to imagine, so it's important to make sure they're truly prepared for driving. Thankfully, you can guide your teen to ensure their driving experience is as safe as possible with these helpful tips:
For the first few weeks, it might be a good idea to have your teen start off with small trips that are less than five miles away. It will help build confidence, and allow them to get more comfortable with driving alone. If you're still nervous, there are other options you can look into, such as a GPS tracking device or smart phone apps that will monitor location and driving speeds. Plus, larger automakers have actually installed systems in their new models that allow parents to set limits on speed and drive time, so keep an eye out for those. Good luck and safe driving! Source: https://blog.foremost.com/helpful-tips-for-new-drivers.asp It's no secret that apartment hunting can be stressful. It can be hard to find the perfect one that meets your checklist, and that's within your budget. If you are looking to rent, here’s a couple things to focus on:
Source: https://blog.foremost.com/things-to-consider-before-renting-an-apartment.asp
sane as preparations are made to start the next chapter of life. If you're also planning on a move, don't you fret! Follow along beginning to end as we create a tolerable moving experience for ourselves. This four-part series will prepare you for the move, teach you effective and time-saving hacks for packing, help you organize the moving-out process, and get you ready to move into your new home. Let's start off by checking these items off our list.
Source: https://blog.foremost.com/preparing-to-move.asp
Congratulations to our own Britany Reed for completion of several specialist designation programs with Foremost Insurance Company. Britany earned the designations upon completion of a 5-week program early in December.
MARINE As a Marine Specialist, she can help make sure you choose the right coverage for your marine risks, whether it’s a pontoon boat or a cabin cruiser. MANUFACTURED HOME As not all manufactured homes are built alike. The comprehensive training program has positioned us to be able to help our customers choose the right insurance coverage for their property, whether it’s a single-wide, double-wide, or rented manufactured home. SPECIALTY DWELLING This designation is backed by product and underwriting knowledge to be a specialist in the growing rental property insurance market. As a specialist, she’ll be more effective in making sure our customers know about the right coverage options for their rental properties We understand that customers look for an agent who understands their specific insurance situation. Contact us today! This week we meet Britany Reed of Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group in Miami, who shares her passion for nurturing her business, talks about the challenges of unplugging, and also offers some advice for those just starting out. J: How did you get started with your business?
B: On starting Harris, Reed & Seiferth Insurance Group, I was looking for a career and life change, and a business that I could dedicate my life to building and nurturing. I wanted to build something that I could establish financial strength, freedom and independence for myself, and also provide that fortitude to my clients. I felt this business called upon all of my aspirations and business experiences. It enabled me to build a career that provides me and those lives I touch with lasting purpose and honor. I set very high standards of excellence and integrity for myself, my staff and the results I provide to my clients, which provides me with the foundation to earn the opportunity to work with the people I dedicate myself to. J: How do you make use of Google products in your business? B: G Suite is a key player for us, coupled with the ability to incorporate apps like DocHub, Contacts, Analytics, Forms, Drive, Hangouts, Calendar. Even Maps keeps us running efficiently. We're always looking for latest Google updates on recommended partner applications. J: What’s your biggest challenge today? B: Unplugging. I’m HORRIBLE at this. I try to put conditions in place so that I don’t email after 8pm and I don’t respond to clients after 12pm on Saturday, but it always seems to creep in. J: What do you hope for in a year’s time? B: As we are currently licensed in seven states, we are hoping to solidify licenses for the remaining, or at least half, within the next year. J: What’s your best advice for a new business owner? B: Anything is possible. Dream big, aim high in your ethical and professional standards of excellence and, with relentless dedication, you can achieve a business and life that is filled with great purpose, substance and fulfillment. On behalf of the Small Business Community, thank you Britany. Did you enjoy reading this post? Share your comments and questions right here. Google My Business The 58th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be the best South Florida Boat Show yet, quite possibly - the world, as it attracts a global audience. The show will feature an array of exhibits including yacht builders and designers as well as exotics and brokerage yachts. Awide variety of boats will be on display ranging from runabouts, sportfishers, high performance boats, center consoles, cabin cruisers, flats boats, skiffs, and express cruisers to sailing yachts, motor yachts, bowriders, catamarans, ski boats, jet boats, trawlers, inflatables, canoes, and extraordinary superyachts.
The show will display many boats never before seen on this side of the coast, such as Cruisers Cantius 42; Ferretti Yachts 780 and Riva 76 Bahamas; Princess 62, V40, and S60; and the Pershing 82. The show is owned by the largest marine trade organization in the Southeast U.S., Marine Industries Association of South Florida. Of course our agents will be out at the show to discuss and run free boatowners insurance and commercial marine insurance quotes and get you ready for your time on the water. Whether you’re in the market for a new boat, already have a boat and seeking different options, or just calculating the costs of buying/owning a boat, we will get you a complimentary insurance quote from various A+ rated carriers! Already a client of ours? Great! We would LOVE to speak with you at the show! For more information and to order tickets online, please visit the show’s link for purchase below: |
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