Category: Home Insurance

If you are a new homeowner you know when you have a mortgage you are required to have home insurance. Home insurance is not one size fits all even if you are comparing two similar homes. Home insurance is made up of different components and each of those components needs to be considered individually to make sure you have the right amount of protection. At L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY, we are locally owned and operated. We are an independent agency that is consumer-driven, and we believe we work for our clients, not the insurance companies. 

You have options

The first thing to understand is that as a homeowner, you have lots of options when it comes to choosing home insurance. When you’re dealing with an independent agency, you have choices. Different carriers offer different combinations of coverage, and you need to discuss the things that really matter to you with your agent.

Know your risks

Liability coverage protects you from legal actions against you. As a homeowner, you stand a good chance of being sued at least once in your lifetime. If you have a dog, you need to make sure they are a covered breed. A swimming pool or a trampoline opens you up to greater liability. If you love to entertain and have people in your home and yard, this is a greater risk. 

Cover your content

Your personal property is an important part of your home coverage. Certain categories have limits. You need to know if you have expensive jewelry or electronics you probably need a policy rider to extend your coverage. You can choose actual cash value or replacement cost as to how your items will be replaced. Replacement cost is the value of your item at today’s cost and actual cash value takes depreciation into account. 

Contact L & S Agency Inc. in Buffalo, NY for all your home insurance needs.

Buying a home in Buffalo NY is an exciting and overwhelming task at the same time. Apart from choosing designs, location, and other aesthetics, you need to think about home insurance and other money-saving opportunities when moving into your new home.  If it’s your first time buying a home in Buffalo, here are a few tips to get you started.

Do your homework

A little research goes a long way towards helping you understand what you want and create a plan on how you will achieve it. On your to-do list, including your budget, the location, house size, and the features you need in your new home. Next, research how homes cost in the area you have selected to know whether to adjust your budget or not.

Start saving early

Buying a home is not a small project. It involves using large amounts of money for various activities like move-in expenses, closing costs, and even insurance. Therefore, you need to have a reasonable amount of money to buy a house, move in and pay insurance without feeling broke.

Set your budget

A budget helps you stay financially safe when buying a home. It prevents you from buying a home based on price and also protects you from overpriced properties. When you stick to your budget, you are able to have reasonable expectations and handle other insurance needs without worry.

Explore mortgage options

There exist various mortgage options based on your needs. Take your time to explore each and determine which works for you regarding down payment, eligibility, and repayment rules.  Insurance experts at L & S Agency Inc. can help you choose.

Consider a home inspection

Conduct a thorough home inspection before signing any agreement. This allows you to negotiate the price better or have repairs done before you move in. Sellers will generally lower the cost or agree to do the repairs rather than blow the deal.

Don’t forget to buy adequate home insurance. Our insurance professionals at L & S Agency Inc. can help you find a policy that matches your needs and budget. Call us today.