Why Nosey Neighbors Are a Good Thing

Nosey neighbors - we all have at least one don’t we? It seems that every time we go outside, they go outside. They are always there pretending to be doing something in their yard or just coming back from a walk. Don't they have anything better to do?

But here's another way of looking at it...

Nosey neighbors help keep your house from getting broken into. Imagine how many thieves your nosey neighbor has talked to over the years that may have been casing out your home to break into. Oh yes, the thieves are going to think twice because your nosey neighbor is going to be right there asking, "Is there something I can help you with? Are you looking for someone? What are you doing?"

Nosey neighbors can also help keep your kids safe. If you're not outside or look away for a brief moment--no worries they are right there to tell your kids to not cross the street or to answer any questions for the lost stranger walking down the street. And if something does happen (God forbid) your nosey neighbor is going to be right there to give a full and accurate description to the police.

Not only do nosey neighbors help protect your home and family but they know everybody's business. While that might seem like a bad thing at first, look at it as a resource. If you ever need anything don't ask Jeeves, ask your nosey neighbor, more than likely they know.

So the next time you see your nosey neighbor, don't look at them like they're the enemy. Nope, their not your enemy, that's your friend.

Carlisle Mitchell - Houston - Homeowners Insurance

Carlisle Mitchell - Houston -
Homeowners Insurance. Homeowners Insurance is a form of property insurance designed to protect an individual's home against damages to the house itself, or to possessions in the home. Homeowners insurance also provides liability coverage against accidents in the home or on the property.

In the U.S. there are seven forms of homeowners insurance that have become standardized in the industry; they range in name from HO-1 through HO-8 and offer various levels of protection depending on the needs of the homeowner.

While homeowners insurance covers most scenarios where loss could occur, some events are typically excluded from policies, namely: earthquakes, floods or other "acts of God" and acts of war.

For people who live in certain parts of the country, adding an extra policy for earthquake insurance or flood insurance can be a good idea to offer further home protection and peace of mind. Some homeowners insurance is designed for renters, typically HO-4 or "renters insurance", and only covers possessions within the home and isolated events not covered in the property insurance held by the owner.

Renter's Insurance

Renter's insurance is a form of property insurance that provides coverage for a policy holder's belongings and liability within a rental property. Renter's insurance applies to persons renting or subletting a single family home, apartment, duplex, condo, studio, loft or townhome. The policy protects against losses to the tenant's personal property within the rented property. In addition, a renter's insurance policy protects against losses resulting from liability claims, such as injuries occurring on the premises that are not due to a structural problem with the property (in this case, the owner's - not renter's - policy would apply).

Increasingly, proof of renter's insurance is required by many landlords. Personal belongings within a rented property are typically not covered under the owner's or landlord's property insurance. For example, if a flood or fire destroys all the personal property within a rented apartment, the structure would be covered under the landlord's policy, but the personal property would only be covered through a renter's insurance policy. Without this coverage, the tenant would be responsible for the loss out-of-pocket.

Income Property for Investors

Income property is property bought or developed to earn income through renting, leasing or price appreciation. 

Income property can be residential or commercial. Residential income property is commonly referred to as "non-owner occupied". A mortgage for a "non-owner occupied" property may carry a higher interest rate than an "owner occupied" mortgage as it is viewed by lenders as a higher risk.

A common practice during periods of home price appreciation is for investors and speculators to purchase residential income properties with the intent that rents will cover their monthly expenses for a period of time until the property can be sold for a large capital gain. As with all markets during times of fast price appreciation, and as with all market bubbles, those that enter the market first and get out first usually do well. Those that enter the market later, and get out last usually don't do as well.

Carlisle Mitchell - Realty Investor - Income Property