July 6th, 2015 at 10:00 am
You keep saying you’re going to buy earthquake insurance for your home. But you haven’t done it yet. What are you waiting for? The Big One?
There’s really no reason to wait any longer. According to the California Earthquake Authority (CEA)–the quasi-government agency that underwrites the majority of our state’s residential quake policies–premiums have never been lower. The CEA has reduced its rates three times in recent years, by a total of 45 percent.
“It’s not a matter of if there will be a big earthquake, but when,” said Michelle Marquez, Vice President of Sales for PCG Agencies Inc., the managing partner of HomeServices Insurance Agency. “It can be financially devastating if an earthquake decimates your home. How are you going to recoup that loss? That’s where earthquake insurance comes in.”
While earthquake policies can be purchased any time, an alert real estate agent can help direct homebuyers to obtain coverage early in the process.
“Agents and managers contact us regularly for guidance and recommendations with earthquake and homeowners insurance policy questions,” Marquez said.
Got questions?
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June 30th, 2015 at 10:00 am
According to the FBI’s 2013 crime report, 5,200 burglaries occur in the U.S. each day. Of all burglaries, 74 percent are on residential property. Technology advances have come a long way to make home security more affordable and easier to use. Today you can protect yourself, your family, and your possessions with minimal effort. Your home is your sanctuary and a place where you should feel safe. The apps and systems outlined here can help.
Nest Protect is an advanced carbon monoxide- and fire-detection system. If you haven’t upgraded these alarms in your home for a few years, Nest Protect is worth considering. While Nest Protect sounds like a traditional alarm, it also communicates with you in a human-like voice. Before sounding the alarm, Nest Protect alerts you as to where the danger is. For example, if a candle is burning in the living room and you’re in a different room, Nest Protect will alert you by stating “there’s smoke in the living room.” You can silence the alarm via voice command if the smoke is not a threat, or the alarm will sound. Through programming Nest Protect will remember its location. With your app connected to your phone, you’ll also be able to monitor your house when you’re not at home. Nest Protect sends you a message if there’s a problem in the home. Additionally, if you have a Nest Thermostat and your Nest Protect carbon-monoxide alarm goes off, the thermostat will automatically shut off your gas furnace. This can help if the carbon-monoxide leak is coming from your gas lines.
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June 23rd, 2015 at 10:00 am
So, you’ve been diligently adding to your compost pile, making sure to add all the right materials, turning it daily or weekly to let it breathe, and successfully diverting unnecessary waste from landfills throughout the entire process. Now that you’ve started the process and are waiting for your pile to mature into fresh, usable compost, you may be thinking: How do I use my compost once it’s ready?
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of where to use your compost, how you should be using it, and what your compost should look like when it’s ready for use. (If you’re not at this point yet but are considering starting your own compost pile, we strongly suggest that you check out our earlier post on why you should compost, and then follow our Pinterest board on composting like a pro.)
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June 16th, 2015 at 10:00 am
Father’s Day is quickly approaching. Have you thought of a gift for Dad?
Whether your budget is limited or you’re looking to give a gift with a little more sentimental value, we’ve got you covered. These ideas are not only easy to do yourself, but most are also budget-friendly. In fact, many of these ideas would make a fantastic addition to a man cave. Complete one of these crafty projects for your dad and you’ll surely make this a Father’s Day to remember.
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June 9th, 2015 at 10:00 am
Living in Southern California has many wonderful perks. We enjoy beautiful weather pretty much year-round, many of us can get to the beach in 30 minutes or less, and we get to live in some of the most coveted cities in the nation. However, Southern Californians have been suffering recently from a huge problem: drought.
Saving water is no accident and for many people it can be a challenge. On June 1, statewide mandated restrictions on water usage directed by Gov. Jerry Brown began to take effect. He is calling for improved policies and increased actions toward saving water, increased enforcement to prevent wasteful water usage, and investment in new technologies that will make California more drought-resilient. The executive order aims to reduce urban water waste by 25 percent.
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