As every South Central Vermont homeowner knows, property insurance is a necessity. The cost of adequate insurance may seem daunting initially, but there are certain steps you can take to reduce your costs to a reasonable level.
1. Shop around for the best value. Check online for quotes from at least three reputable agencies. Be aware that some companies offer a discount of 30% to 40% if you buy online. Other possible discounts can result from insuring both the home and the contents or by insuring your home and your car with the same firm.
Also know the replacement value of your home, taking into consideration any unique features that will be expensive to replace. Keep in mind probable inflation increases at renewal time. Does your insurer automatically adjust your coverage or do you have to request the change?
2. Make periodic updates to your South Central Vermont home or property. Ways to reduce insurance costs include the following:
A) replacing the existing heating system to one which is safer and more cost-efficient.
B) keep plumbing in good working order and protect it from freezing
C) replace fuses. Inspectors are looking for circuit breakers and a safe wiring system
D) install fire detectors or even a central alarm system. Be sure to keep a record of all repairs/replacements and inform your insurance company of each one.
“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
~ Burton Hillis
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals globally and is no longer viewed as a purely religious holy day. It is now a time enjoyed by people of many countries and faiths, and there are numerous universally recognized icons which we associate with the yuletide. In fact, these symbols have become so commonly associated with the celebration of Christmas that when we see Santa riding on a reindeer, a mantle hung with stockings, coniferous green trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments, or houses festooned with evergreen wreaths and mistletoe, we know that the magic spirit of the season is upon us.
The tradition of the Christmas stocking dates back to approximately 250B.C. in Asia Minor. There Nicholas, rich man who became a very generous Christian priest and a saint, is said to have secretly filled the stockings of three poor sisters with gold, thus giving them a dowry and allowing them to marry. Legend has it that after that “miracle,” neighbors of the fortunate women followed suit with their stockings, and the tradition slowly spread across the globe. Children throughout the world now hang stockings–or even put out shoes–to be filled with small gifts and food by Santa (Saint) Claus (Nicholas). Many people create their own stockings, personalizing them for themselves or for others and often providing a family activity that is fun for all. Find instructions for making your own Christmas fireplace stockings.
Along with the Christmas holly, laurel, rosemary, yews, boxwood bushes, and, of course the Christmas tree, mistletoe is an evergreen displayed during the Christmas season and symbolic of the eventual rebirth of vegetation that will occur in spring. But perhaps more than any other of the Christmas evergreens, it is a plant of which we are conscious only during the holidays. One day we’re kissing under the mistletoe, and next day we’ve forgotten all about it (the plant, that is, not the kisses).
The Holiday season provides us with many opportunities for fun with our family, and decorating inside and outside your South Central Vermont home is one activity that can be enjoyed by both young and old. As always, however, the use of common sense and the taking of safety precautions are vital to ensuring happy holidays.
To that end, the Consumer Products Safety Commission strongly suggests you follow these timely tips when decorating your South Central Vermont home:
TREES:
LIGHTS:
DECORATIONS:
FIREPLACES:
Remember, protecting your family and your South Central Vermont home is a present you give to yourself and to our loved ones. Enjoy the season!
Finding ways to deal with small spaces in your new South Central Vermont home can be tricky. Everyone likes the place they call home to be somewhere they can kick back and relax. However, it is hard to relax in areas that are cluttered and uncomfortable. Strategic interior design can make a big difference when dealing with small living spaces. Colors, lighting, organization, and décor can make spaces appear smaller or larger. Here are some solutions to make your South Central Vermont home look and feel cozier.
Organization is the first thing to be conquered when transforming a small living space. Getting rid of clutter and maximizing the use of storage space are the keys to success. Clutter will make any space appear smaller than it really is. Eliminating excessive knick-knacks is one way to reduce clutter. Multiple pieces of small, scattered furniture can also make a room look jumbled. Using a couple pieces of slightly larger furniture leads to a less cluttered look. Every inch of storage space should be taken advantage of in small living areas. Planning out storage space will allow for more walking room, functional closets, and more productive space. Use multipurpose furniture like ottomans, which can be used for storage and seating. Try installing an organizational system in the closets. These systems usually provide a perfect spot for everything.
Everyone enjoys spending time relaxing poolside or splashing around in the refreshing cold water. For many kids it is a favorite summer pastime that seems harmless. Drowning is actually the second leading cause of death for children who are 14 years old or younger. Approximately 3,000 children in this age group make trips to the emergency room in need of treatment for near drowning incidents. People ages 60 and older are also at a higher risk for experiencing danger in the water. Death and other water related accidents can be completely prevented and avoided if the proper precautions are observed and enforced. Whether hanging out around your Rutland home’s backyard pool or enjoying the day at the community pool these tips will keep family and friends safe and smiling.
I found a great website, Energy Savers, with energy saving tips for Rutland and South Central VT home owners. This site provides homeowners with tips for saving energy and money at home and on the road.
By following just a few of the simple tips found on this Energy Savers Web site, you can make your home more comfortable and easier to heat and cool—while you save money. The site also helps you beat the high cost of fuel, with driving and car maintenance tips to save you money on the road.
Some easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy include:
Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The information on this Web site is also available in PDF format (PDF 2.7 MB).
If you are a Rutland VT home owner, I encourage you to check out Energy Savers. Following a few of their suggestions will not only put more money in your pocket, but make our planet healthier and greener.
If you are thinking about buying a Rutland or South Central VT home, visit ISellVermontRealEstate.com. It’s a great place to learn about Rutland and South Central VT real estate and view Rutland and South Central VT homes for sale.
So sit back, turn up your speakers and click on the link below. And please share it with friends, family members and co-workers. They’ll love you for doing it!
Thinking of remodeling or staging your home for selling or furnishing a new home??? “Baby Boomer News” offers some suggestions for saving money on household items by waiting to buy during certain sale times. Here are the typical sale months for bargains on specific merchandise:
January – Linens, fabric, quilts,blankets, small appliances, TVs
February – Bedding, floor coverings, furniture, housewares
March – Washers and dryers, air conditioners, china, glassware
April – Kitchen ranges, wallpaper, paint
May – Radios, TVs, linens
June – Bedding, floor coverings, furniture, storm windows
August – Linens, rugs
September – China, glassware
October – Rugs, fabrics
No, Freedom Isn’t Free
By CDR Kelly Strong, USCG (Ret).
I watched the flag pass by one day.
I heard the sound of taps one night,