The Top 5 Things New Homeowners in New Bedford Need to Know

If you are thinking about buying a home in Southeastern Massachusetts or if you recently just purchased a new home, there are some things that you need to know. Protecting your investment should be a top priority, as buying a new home is most likely the most significant purchase that you will ever make in your life. Your Massachusetts homeowners insurance agent can provide you with all of the information you need to ensure that you have the right amount and type of home insurance in New Bedford. If you have any questions about New Bedford homeowners insurance or need a home insurance quote, contact Borden Insurance by calling 508-999-3636.

#1 – Get a Good Insurance Policy

It is very likely that your lender would not approve the sale of your home until you proved that you already had a Massachusetts homeowners insurance policy ready to go. However, once everything is settled, it is crucial to go over your policy with an agent to make sure that you are adequately covered. In a rush to just “sign the papers” and “get everything handled” with the sale, many new homeowners don’t take the time necessary to review the proposed home insurance quote and make sure they have the right amount and type of coverage.

• ask your New Bedford homeowners insurance agent about upgrades and changes that you can make to your home that might lower your insurance premium, such as installing burglar alarms, replacing an old roof, or combining your auto insurance policy with your home insurance in New Bedford at the same agency
• make sure that you have enough insurance to fully rebuild your home in the event of a total loss – check to see that you have flood insurance or any other type of extra insurance coverage necessary depending on where you live or any other circumstances that might affect coverage for a standard policy
• check to see that all materials are listed properly in your coverage, such as granite countertops instead of basic tile or hardwood flooring instead of linoleum; it can make a big difference in the claim that you would receive if you ever suffered a loss

#2 – Make Sure You Get a Home Inspection

Before you buy a home, make sure to get a comprehensive home inspection from a reputable inspector. While you might think that major issues would be visible upon a walk-through, some problems might be hard to detect until you’ve lived in the home for a few weeks, months or even years. Leaking pipes, poor insulation, sagging roofs, and HVAC issues can all be costly to repair or replace. A home inspection will help you know what you are getting into and can even ensure that you don’t buy a “money pit” without understanding the risks. Do not simply accept the inspection required by the real estate agent or lender. Make sure to get an independent inspection that will help you make a more informed decision.

#3 – Consider a Home Warranty

This is a great way to protect all of the equipment, appliances, and systems within the home. As long as you continue to maintain your home and do not neglect repairs, a home warranty will protect you and save you from spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on home repairs. When something fails in your home within the specified amount of time, such as a year or more, you contact the company, and they will send a service contractor to your home to repair or replace the failed item. Your only cost would be a basic service call fee, which is sometimes waived once it is determined that the equipment needs to be replaced due to complete failure or inability to repair.

#4 – Perform All Maintenance ASAP

The moment you notice that something is wrong, take care of it right away. If you see water pooling near the foundation of your home, contact a trusted contractor who is licensed and insured in Massachusetts to perform an inspection and make any necessary repairs. The same goes for electrical issues, problems with the roof, concerns about the plumbing, or any other area of your home. Clean all systems, replacing HVAC filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and hire a professional to perform annual service inspections. This will help to protect your home – and everything in it – for many years to come.

#5 – Keep Your Property Safe

Don’t neglect the outside of your home. Shovel your driveway, sidewalk, and walkway in the winter, providing de-icing applications, as needed. Trim tree limbs, bushes, and shrubs that hang over your roof, walkways, driveway, fences, or make their way into neighbors’ yards. The more you can do to reduce potential liabilities for you as a homeowner, the less likely you will be to get sued or have to rely on liability insurance with your New Bedford homeowners insurance provider.

Contact Borden Insurance for a FREE Home Insurance Quote

Interested in home insurance in New Bedford for a new home or existing property? Give us a call at 508-999-3636. We can answer any questions you might have about Massachusetts homeowners insurance policies or set you up with a FREE home insurance quote. We can also offer you excellent coverage options for auto insurance and other personal insurance policies.