• What is Homeowners Insurance?
  • It basically comes down to protecting your valuables! A standard homeowners policy generally covers four categories:
    • The structure of your home: if its damaged or destroyed by fire or most other natural disasters
    • Your belongings: if they're stolen or destroyed by fire or other insured disasters
    • Liability: if you, your family members, or pets cause damage to anyone else's property
    • Additional living expenses: if you have to live away from home due to fire or other insured damage
  • Do We Need It?
    • Not by law, but if you're getting a mortgage, your lender will most likely require it. Even if it's not required, do you want to risk losing the investment you've made in your home?
  • How Do We Get It?
    • Do a room-by-room inventory, taking photos of valuable items or make a video. Note products make, model and serial number, and include receipts and appraisals to the list. Make a copy of your inventory and store it with a relative or in a safe deposit box.
  • How Do We Choose?
    • Shop around; get quotes from at least 3 companies and compare them. The Insurance Information Institute can give you more info about companies, policies and other basics.
  • How Can We Save?
    • Get a higher deductible. The higher the deductible, the lower your rate.
    • See if you can get a lower rate if you buy your homeowners and car insurance from the same company.
    • Ask about discounts (for having home-security devices or for staying with the same company for a long time).
    • Most policies cover personal property even when you're not at home, like if your wallet gets stolen at the mall - make sure your policy is one of them.

Read more here!

This Sunday, November 16, 2014 from 1:00-3:00pm, Geri Reilly Real Estate is hosting 2 Open Houses! Join us at 299 Sycamore Street in Shelburne & 9109 Williston Rd in Williston, Vermont. Stop by to say "hi" and take a look around!

We look forward to seeing you there!

299 Sycamore Street, Shelburne

Desirable Rivercrest Estates

Private 4 BR/4 BA home in sought after Rivercrest Estates with chef's kitchen with center island, fireplaced family room with atrium door to deck, 1st floor office, hardwood floors, master suite with private balcony, finished walkout basement, stone patio and fire pit, Easy access to snowshoeing & walking trails.

MLS#4374482/ $514,000

Directions |  More Information

9109 Williston Road, Williston

A Rare Find

Private 4 BR/3 BA ranch-style home with flexible floor plan & kitchen with eat-in island, spacious dining area with wood stove, mudroom or office, and family room with "game and book" nook. Second floor master suite with walk-in closet and slider to private deck overlooking woods.

MLS#4363532/ $299,900

Try some of these simple and easy steps to improve your homes curb appeal to make a great impression on potential buyers:

• Brushing a new coat of paint obvious first step
• Adding small splashes of color to your home's exterior can entice buyers to walk through your door.
• Don't have the time or budget to repaint the entire exterior? Focus on 1 or 2 areas, such as the front door, window trim or rood.
• If budget allows decorative glass inserts add more visual interest, and often complement a range of housing styles
• Don't feel like painting? Changing out the hardware and lighting in your front entrance - from door knockers and house numbers to the porch lights and mailbox - adds character to your homes appearance, while plants such as coleus and big-root geraniums are lower-cost and colorful options for your landscaping.
• Clean the Gutters!
• Border your entryway with matching potted plants to create symmetry
• Check out your mailbox; if it is rusty, dented or just old consider replacing it with a long-lasting aluminum or steel model.
• Wash the windows!
• Add a window box, it's the quickest way to add color to your facade. Make sure to change the planting along with the seasons!