How Well Are You Covered?

What you should know about Homeowners Insurance...

Properly Insure Your Home

Most insurance companies recommend that your policy covers 100% of the replacement cost. If your home is financed, many mortgage banks will have minimum coverage requirements.

Consider the following:

1. Estimate the cost to rebuild:

Ask your real estate agent or mortgage representative for average local building costs and

multiply it by the square footage or your dwelling.

2. Account for the value of your personal possessions:

Determine the amount of coverage needed to replace the contents of your home with new items at current prices if everything were destroyed.

3. Learn about the geology of the area you live in:

Review your policy's exclusions statements. You many need supplemental coverage for natural disasters or other hazards unique to the location of your home.

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10 Deadly Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing a Home

1 Not choosing a real estate agent who is committed to forming a strong business relationship with you:

Making a connection with the right real estate agent is crucial. Choose a professional who is dedicated to meeting your needs before, during and after the sale.

2 Not getting pre-qualified before making an offer on a home:

Prequalifiation will make your life easier. Take the time to speak with bank or mortgage representatives. Their evaluation of your income, financial obligations and other factors will help determine a price range that will fit your budget. This is one of the most important steps on the path to home ownership.

3 Not knowing the total costs involved:

Early in the buying process, ask your real estate agent or mortgage representative for an estimate of closing costs. All expenses including title insurance, homeowners association dues and prepay responsibilities should be considered. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to closing.

4 Not searching beyond open houses, ads or the Internet:

Many homes listed in magazines or on the Internet have already been sold. Your best course of action is to contact a real estate agent. They have up-to-date information that is unavailable to the general public, and are the best resource to help you find

the home you want.

5 Not considering alternatives for what you think is the perfect home:

Buying a home is a process of elimination, not selection. New properties arrive on the market daily, so be open to all possibilities.

6 Not contemplating long-term needs:

It is important to think ahead. Will the home and the terms of the mortgage suit your needs 3-5 years from now? How about 5-10 years?

7 Not following through on due diligence:

Make a list of any concerns you have relating to the home and the community, such as crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors and

environmental conditions. Ask the important questions before you make an offer on a home. Be thorough so that you can have confidence in your purchase.

8 Not having a home inspection:

Trying to save money today can end up costing you tomorrow. A qualified home inspector will reveal potential issues that

may affect your purchase decisions.

9 Not examining insurance issues:

Certain problems with the structure, condition or location of a property could affect its insurability or the cost of coverage. Consult an agent early in the buying process to avoid surprises and to choose a policy that best fits your needs.

10 Not purchasing a home warranty:

This is essentially a protection plan that usually lasts one year from the date of sale. It typically covers the repair of a home's major systems and appliances, and can be purchased for a nominal fee with the option to renew annually. Your real estate agent can

help you identify the right home warranty.

Avoid 10 Biggest Mistakes of Home Sellers

Wanting to put your home on the market? Watch this video to avoid the 10 biggest mistakes that home sellers make.

Floor the Competition!

Buyers entering your home usually look down before up. That first step is vital for making a great first impression. It’s one reason why more people are installing hardwood floors in their home. Hardwood flooring enhances the look of any room and can create a classic ambiance that will beautify the interior design of your home.

Residential real estate agents agree that homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster and fetch higher prices. Last year, 99% of real estate agents responding to a national survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association agreed that homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell. Also, 82% believe they sell faster and 90% sell for more money.

The American Hardwood Information Center adds that restoring hardwood flooring in the home is one of the best long-term investments one can make. “Hardwood floors are environmentally friendly, forever fashionable, and will last for generations,” said Pembroke Jacobs, president of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association. “Plus, with an expected life span of up to 100 years for certain premium hardwood flooring, you can be assured that the hardwood really is a one-time investment with a very long-term payoff.” Real estate agents agree that carpeting does not impress potential buyers, but hardwood floors are always a draw.

Engineered wood floors impart warmth, depth and richness that can’t be matched by carpeting, tile or vinyl flooring. Despite the existence of modern architectural trends in flooring, hardwood still competes with tile and other materials. It comes in a variety of colors and grains; light, medium, or dark shades; and a variety of sizes, styles, finishes and species. Maple, mahogany and oak are the most popular woods, but some homeowners are investing in exotics such as Brazilian cherry and purpleheart.

The EPA claims that indoor air quality is one of the top health threats.Wood floors can help contribute to a healthy living environment. In fact, a recent EPA study found that pesticides used in gardens and homes accumulate on floors and other surfaces in the home. But wood floors greatly reduce the accumulation of such toxins. Hardwood floors also do not trap or harbor dust mites or molds like carpet. Though wood floors will probably need to be refinished at some point, they properly taken care of they are much easier to maintain than other floor surfaces.

The NWFA recommends regula

r sweeping of hardwood floors with a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to remove surface dirt and debris. If your floor contains beveled edges, it recommends using a vacuum with a soft bristle brush attachment to remove dirt and debris from between the floor boards. Hardwood floors could make the difference between a sale or watching a potential buyer walk out the door.

Welcome to Woodley & Associates!

Thousands of Utah Real Estate buyers use us to search for the perfect home. We have ALL Real Estate Listings in your area. You'll get access to maps, virtual tours, new listing notices, price changes, neighborhood reports and more.

Our search results return all homes on the market regardless of who is the listing agent, you'll get to see them all!

A few of our current properties on the market:

Belmont Condos

$174,900

This Provo, UT home was built in 1998 with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

The home has 1,300 square feet on a 0.03 acre lot.

Vintage Home

$2,999,900

This Provo, UT home was built in 2001 with 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms.

The home has 16,374 square feet on a 0.61 acre lot.

Orem Home

$899,000

This Orem, UT home was built in 2002 with 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms.

The home has 7,889 square feet on a 0.43 acre lot.