Don’t Forget Your Outdoor Patio When It Comes To Homeowners Insurance

While the majority of people do realize the importance of having contents insurance to safeguard their possessions from theft and other disasters, very often the contents of the outdoor patio are sometimes forgotten and, if you have expensive patio furniture or such like, then this could be a huge mistake.

In a recent study it was found that  we spend millions on garden furniture, plants and equipment to enjoy what little summer we have. With theft of garden and patio furniture on the increase it is essential that you make sure if you are covered for these in your home insurance policy.

Another fact that came to light was the fact that while people protected their homes with security features very few people gave much thought about enhancing the security in the garden or patio. This has left them wide open to the rising figures of garden and patio thefts which are thought to be around the 1.4 million mark.

However there are many simple ways that you can help to protect your home and garden. One way is to make sure that you get into the habit of insuring  that you put all expensive garden equipment in a locked shed. One of the best precautions that you can take when it comes to securing your garden is to make sure there is plenty of good protection to stop thieves from even getting close; a simple sturdy fence is all that is needed to keep prying eyes out.

However, even with the best of intentions and added security, thieves can still strike and invariably do, so it is essential that you make sure that your current policy covers the extras such as furniture, garden equipment and even such things as bicycles if they are stored outside.

Very often such things will need to have a separate policy in order to cover them; while some policies will have this clearly outlined, more often than not it is in the small print.

When shopping for insurance for your home, the quickest and easiest way to do so is to use a specialist broker, not only can you find excellent advice but you can also get the cheapest premiums. If the cover of the policy doesn’t extend to cover your garden equipment then some companies will give you huge savings if you take extra cover at the same time as your home contents insurance.

The Benefits of Volunteering in Your Homeowners Association May Include Health And Well-Being

“One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.”  Gordon Hinckle

There are many benefits to volunteering in a Homeowners Association.  The benefits of volunteering in an HOA can be helpful to you, your family, and your community. The right match can help you to reduce stress, find friends, reach out to the community and learn new skills. Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. Learn more about the many benefits of helping others and find tips on getting started.

It’s no secret that volunteering in your homeowners association can be a time and energy consuming endeavor. The role of the HOA board member is often a thankless one, but that’s not to say it can’t also be rewarding. It is also a necessary role.

There are great health benefits to volunteering in general. Volunteering and helping others can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help others those in need and improve your health and happiness.

Another benefit of serving in an HOA is the ability to protect your investment. One of the top priorities of every homeowner is to protect the value of his or her home.  Being involved with an HOA will put you in a better position to make and implement rules in your community. Some of these regulations will directly affect property value, especially if they require decisions about the association’s budget or routine maintenance.

Everyone needs to have a sense of belonging, and volunteering can meet that need.  An HOA meeting is the best place to meet your neighbors and to know more about them. It gives you a chance to socialize and make friends with others living in your neighborhood. If you’re new to the neighborhood, getting more involved can be an effective way of meeting new people. Not only are you getting acquainted with how the HOA is run, you’re able to put together names and faces when you see people around. Depending on what committee you volunteer for, you have the opportunity to interact with a wide range of HOA members and community organizations.

Perhaps the biggest benefit people get from volunteering is the satisfaction of incorporating service into people's lives and making a difference in their community.

5 Ways Residents Can Help Their Community And Their HOA

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You have a tremendous opportunity to have an impact on your HOA and a positive influence on other residents by getting involved.  When residents are engaged and involved the community association tends to run more smoothly. Ask yourself not what your homeowners association can do for you, but what you can do for your HOA. If you are not the type of person to volunteer for a board position or be out in the limelight you can help behind the scenes. 

Here are 5 Ways Residents Can Help Their Community And Their HOA

1. Adhering To Municipal Recycling Requirements – Some communities have guidelines and regulations on recycling their glass, plastic and other recyclable debris.  You can help by making sure newspapers, plastic bottles, glass and other items are put in the designated containers, location or wrapped in bundles to avoid any possible notices or fees for non-compliance. Eliminating fees lowers operating costs of the HOA and helps the homeowner have a more positive outlook about their HOA.

2. Follow the Community Standards Polices In Your Covenant And Restrictions. – Every community has community standards covenants and restrictions.  Following the rules is always easier than resisting. Your property values depend on everyone doing their best to follow the rules set forth by the HOA. Insurance rates and property values are assessed by what is observed in a neighborhood. Following the rules helps to maintain better values and lower costs for all residents.

3. Protect Your Property And Common Area Property – Be appreciative for the amenities your community offers and be mindful of the community’s property at all times. Be sure to pick up trash if you see it laying around, safely extinguish cigarettes, avoid damage to exterior or interior buildings, soiling carpets and use charcoal or gas grills safely.

4. Landscaping Expenses – Residents want your community to look well maintained. If residents are being active in protecting the landscaping, your association will not have a lot of expense. Help maintain common grass, plants and landscaping.

5.  Respect The Community Association Management - Setting a good example for your neighbors can go a long way. You have the opportunity to be a leader and an influencer. If you maintain your community’s high standard of living, rules, regulations and other policies, it will benefit everyone.  Read your community’s rules & regulations, which you can obtain by visiting your community’s website or requesting a copy from your property management company. By adhering to the rules, you demonstrate your respect for your neighbors, HOA board, and yourself.

Share these tips with your neighbors and get everyone on board for the future betterment of the entire community.

Tips For Bringing Your Neighbors Together On NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY September 28th

At AMG we like to foster neighborhood togetherness. National Good Neighbor Day is observed annually on September 28. This day was created to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of a good neighbor. It is great to have a good neighbor but it is even a greater thing to BE a good neighbor.

What can you do to bring your neighbors together on NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY? 

AMG would like to provide you with some ideas for your neighborhood to have fun, easy, and inspiring activities for your National Neighborhood Day gathering.

Here are a few activities that you can plan.

• Block pot luck dinner or cookout
• Dessert party/ice cream social
• Spaghetti supper
• Pancake breakfast
• Picnic
• Welcome Tea for new neighbors
• Book exchange
• Art show
• Youth performance or Battle of the Bands
• Karaoke party
• Outdoor movie in a community park
• Arts and crafts festival
• Neighborhood site seeing or nature tour/walk
• Bake sale for charity
• Plant a community garden
• Neighborhood beautification clean up

Every community is different. Call a committee meeting and discuss what works best for your neighbors. 

The most important thing is that whatever activity you choose, those activities should focus on building relationships and connections among neighbors throughout the year. Your neighborhood leader may want to reach out and get the involvement and support of  community service agencies. Invite neighborhood firefighters and/or police officers to your gathering. Kids love it when the fire truck and police car show up on the scene.

From the staff at AMG we wish you a safe and happy NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY!