Five Insurance Mistakes to Avoid and Still Save Money

Here are 5 great points to start the year off right provided by Adrianne Peixotte of ProInsurance.

1.  Insuring a Home for its Real Estate Value Rather Than for the Cost of Rebuilding.
When real estate prices go down, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home.  But insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of the home.  You should make sure that you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace your belongings.  Raise your deductible.  An increase from $1000 to $2500 could save up to 25% on your premium payments.
2.  Selecting an Insurance Company by Price Alone.
It's important to choose an insurer with competitive prices, but also one that is financially sound and provides good service.  Check the financial health of insurance companies with independant rating agencies and ask friends and family for recommendations.  Select an insurance company that will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently.
3.  Only Purchasing the Legally Required Amount of Liability for Your Car.
In today's litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket if you are sued--and those costs may be steep.  Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $1000.  Insurance industry groups generally recommend a minimum of $250K of bodily injury protection per person and $500K per accident.
4.  Dropping Flood Insurance.
Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies.  Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), as well as from some private insurance companies.  Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding, but in fact 25% of all flood losses occur in low risk areas.  Furthermore with significant snow fall this winter, spring related flooding may be particularly severe, thus increasing the importance of purchasing flood insurance.  Before purchasing a home, check with the NFIP to determine whether the property is situated in a flood zone; if so, consider a less risky area.  If you are already living in a designated flood zone, look at mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage and consider purchasing flood insurance.  Information on flood insurance can be found at www.FloodSmart.gov.
5.  Neglecting to Buy Renters Insurance.
A renters insurance policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out due to an insured disaster, such as a fire or hurricane.  Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.  Look into multi-policy discounts.  Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto and life will generally provide savings.

Pacific Union Extraordinary Video

Enjoy this video about the extraordinary real estate company that is Pacific Union International.

Six Steps to Perfect Roast Turkey

This blog post on Foodista by Leah Rodrigues seems definitely worth sharing.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

1. Brine your Turkey: By process of osmosis, the brine will flavor the bird as well as keep it moist.
2. Flavor the Bird: Make sure to adequately salt and pepper the turkey and fill the cavity with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and lemons.
3. Keep the Turkey Dry: Don't forget to pat down the turkey before putting it in the oven. The excess moisture will prevent the skin from getting crisp. (This does not include fat).
4. Use a Thermometer: A thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. It should register 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the bird.
5. Start the Oven High and then Lower the Temperature: Start the turkey at 425 degrees F to help crisp the skin for 20 minutes and then lower to 350 degrees F until cooked through.
6. Let the Turkey Rest: I know you'll be hungry but letting the turkey rest lets the juices redistribute so that it will be moist and flavorful.

12568 Skyline Boulevard Exudes Elegance

Forget understated elegance. This 14 room, 5 en-suite bedroom, 6.5 bath almost NEW “Oakland Hills” villa on .57 acres exudes elegance and quality in every inch of its 8000 + sq. ft.!  Located on a premium home site surrounded by exclusive homes, this custom built residence encompasses two and a half levels centered by a grand staircase with impressive high ceilings and magnificent living and entertaining areas that include a gigantic party hall with wet bar, a private home office/library, a presidential master suite with gym and sweeping terrace, guest/aux-pair suite, bay/hill views and luxuries like solid stones and marbles, gorgeous moldings, hand crafted wood and iron work, sauna, four car garage, a pond, waterfalls and a pool site all surrounded by magnificent gated grounds. After all who deserves it more?  Offered at $2,163,880.  Call FRITZ for all the details and a private showing.  http://www.12568skyline.com/.

New Listing at 2215 Manzanita Drive, Oakland

Want to watch the sunset over San Francisco Bay or a sunrise at Sibley Park? This spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath hilltop contemporary offers exceptional vistas from the glass framed living and dining areas, the luxurious master suite, the big home office, sun-room and the gorgeous level out yard. Over 3300 sq. ft. of flowing living space with generously sized rooms, eat-in chef's kitchen and family room with wet bar. Only steps from regional park trails and Hills swim club.  A celestial value!  Offered at $799,000.
http://www.2215manzanita.com/

East Bay Housing Market Update

Excerpt from the Pacific Union Bay Area Real Estate Blog . . .

The percent of homes in contract in the East Bay rose by 2% from July 2011 to August 2011. For the two years, this percentage has fluctuated from a low point of 16% up to 30%.

With over 35% in contract indicating a sellers’ market, 25-35% a balanced market, and under 25% a buyers’ market, in the past 6 months, we have seen the market sway on the edge of a buyers’ market.

If you are currently looking to buy or sell a home in the East Bay/Alameda County call FRITZ for all your real estate needs. Click on the chart below for all the up-to-date information on the Bay Area real estate market.

Second Chance to Own 5652 Chappell Place, Oakland

You have a second chance to own this spacious mid century with sweeping bay views!

With gorgeous grounds, landscaping and fabulous SF Bay views, this glamorous contemporary ranch has it all. The light and airy interior includes 5 bedrooms and 6 baths (room for everybody), open entertaining areas, updated kitchen and bath, window wrapped rooms leading to an outdoor kitchen, large patios and decks. Separate 2 bedroom, 2 bath in-law suite and parking for 10+ cars. This home has it all!

Don't lose out a second time.  Call me for more details.  Offered at $1,198,000.

4134 Gilbert Street, Oakland

Forget the BURBS! You can have it all just a stones throw from Piedmont Avenue in an enclave of charming residences close to all urban conveniences. A gorgeous 2++ bedroom, 1+ bath "Brown Shingle" with extra attic space and a garden cottage plus all the intricate detailing like original moldings, pocket doors and built-ins one could dream up, packaged in generously proportioned, light-filled rooms with high ceilings and covered porches in a beautiful private, garden setting. A city dwellers dream home!

Offered at $599,000.  Open Sunday, August 21st from 2-4:30.