This Week in Real Estate - 8-7-2015 - Check you Hazard Insurance

Better check your Homeowners Insurance

Check with your insurance company, the massive wild fires are triggering alerts for these companies to limit their potential losses.

In many cases premiums could be increasing significantly or some Insurance Companies are not offering or renewing fire policies in some of our local areas.

This happens every time there are significant fires, but with the recent extreme droughts, the effects are more wide spread than ever.

-Kris

Tip of the Week.

It is that time of year again. How quickly the summers just fly by, but here are some great tips from greatschools.org to keep the Chaos down in your home during back to school.

#1. Ease into the school-year schedule. Getting back into the school routine can be a challenge for everyone in the family. To make the adjustment easier, start early. A few weeks before school starts, move bedtime back to an earlier time. Put a positive spin on going back to school. Talk about the fun things your child will learn, the old friends he’ll see and the new friends he’ll make.

#2. Take advantage of the slower pace during your time away from school to set up for the busy school year ahead. Many schools send out school information and a packet of forms to fill out before school starts. Have the necessary immunization records available for easy reference. Update school emergency contact and health information for the coming year. As you read through all the school information, mark important dates (such as back-to-school night, parent-teacher conferences and school holidays) on the family calendar.

#3. Save money at the sales. It’s always a great idea to buy what you know you’ll need early, if you can. Keep in mind school dress codes while shopping. Some schools prohibit short skirts and tank tops for girls and “sagging” (baggy trousers that hang low) for boys.

#4. Plan for the other activities before school begins, discuss what extracurricular activities your child will participate in. If your child needs a little extra encouragement to audition for jazz band or to take that early morning Italian class, now is the time to go over the benefits of these activities. If, however, your child needs to have limits set, have her pick her favorite activities and forgo the rest. Be realistic and don’t fall victim to over-programming. Make sure to leave enough time to do homework and for family time.

#5. Have set routines and a place to study at home. It will make it easier for your child to be organized and successful at school. Set up a well-lit, quiet place with a good work surface to do homework. Try to keep this place dedicated to homework and free of other clutter. Establish a regular homework time. This will help your student to complete assignments on time.