Getting your house ready to sell can seem like a daunting task. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to be! Knowing what to do, and giving yourself enough time to do it, are the key to keeping it a manageable, and (hopefully) stress-free, experience.
Follow these tried-and-true guidelines to get your home ready to sell.
Tip #1: Clean your home.
It may seem obvious but a dirty home discourages buyers and also can actually influence home appraisers and inspectors. Cleaning your home not only gives the impression that you take care of it, but when you clean, you will also start to notice things that you may want to address before putting your home on the market. For example, you might see a wet spot that indicates a leak or mold. Chances are you’d have to fix that before the sale goes through, so add it to your checklist. Remember, when you clean, make sure that all areas are easily accessible.
Tip #2: Install safety equipment.
Your state may require smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. These are important safety devices that save lives. Understand your local safety requirements and make sure that your home meets them before putting it on the market.
Tip #3: Clean your yard.
As the saying goes, you never have a second chance to make a first impression. The first time that potential buyers will see your home will be from the outside. Therefore, curb appeal is key. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, weed the garden, and trim overgrown shrubs. Take care of obvious problems such as leaves clogging gutters, rotting trim boards, and dead trees. Power wash your house, driveways, and deck. Remove clutter such as toys and bicycles. And if you have the time, plant flowers or greenery.
Tip #4: Make easy home improvements.
Appraisers tend to measure your home’s value in increments of $500. Therefore, if you have obvious damage or you’re missing key items, it could add up against you. Walk around and look with a critical eye. Address the improvements that are easy and affordable: broken doors, nonfunctional locks, faulty light switches, leaky faucets, and other minor issues. If you can, take on the slightly more advanced items such as roof leaks, damaged siding, broken tiles, peeling paint, or anything that looks like neglect. Remember that the kitchen is a key room for buyers. The fastest and easiest way to update this room is with paint and new cabinet hardware.
Tip #5: Get the appraisal done early.
If you’re selling your home, you have to get it appraised. An appraisal* is a professional estimate of your home’s market value. A low appraisal means a lower selling price, so it’s important to present your home for its best value. Schedule it early; this way, if the inspector finds a defect, you can fix it before putting your home on the market.
*Note: An appraisal and a home inspection are not the same thing. A home inspection is a detailed inspection of a home’s plumbing, electric, HVAC systems, roof, and more. It’s almost always the buyer’s responsibility to cover that cost, and it’s done before the sale is closed.
Tip #6: Make a list of upgrades and share documents.
An appraiser won’t automatically know the home improvements you have made, especially since some aren’t easily visible. That’s why it’s helpful to put together a list of improvements. Include dates and warranties if you have them. There are other documents that will be helpful to have ready for your appraiser, including comparable sale numbers in your neighborhood and the home survey that was done when you purchased your home. Your lender or title company may have the property survey on file. If not, try the local tax assessor’s office.
Tip #7: Ask your real estate agent to attend the appraisal.
You’ll want to make it as easy as possible for the appraiser to give your home the value it deserves. Ask your real estate agent to join you at the appraisal and bring comparable sales data to support the sales price. Have him/her talk up the neighborhood and any other selling features: a good school system, a central location. Even having a Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, or Whole Foods nearby can influence home valuation.
Tip #8: Stage your home.
Now the fun begins! Here’s when you or your realtor team can update your home’s décor for a more modern and neutral look. Here are some ideas.
Repaint walls, hang new curtains, change out lampshades.
Install shiny new hardware such as doorknobs or faucets.
Let the light in: clean windows, trim bushes blocking windows, and take down heavy drapes. Increase the wattage in your light bulbs.
Empty half of the clothes in your closet. Rearrange the remaining clothes so they’re beautifully organized, and box up the rest.
Take a third of your stuff and put it in storage. Include items like family memorabilia, pictures, etc. You want to depersonalize your home as much as possible.
Conceal evidence of your pets. If you’re expecting visitors, move their food and water dishes, litter box, and other items away from the main areas. Make sure your home doesn’t smell like pet, too.
Create a welcoming mood with an entryway that has a small bench, a vase of fresh-cut flowers, or some cookies.
Keep your home at a comfortable temperature and make sure it’s ready to be shown at a moment’s notice.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
No matter the situation, it’s stressful to be in a car crash. It’s even more nerve-wracking if the other driver refuses to stop. In a hit-and-run, you’re left all alone with all of the damage—and if you can’t find the other driver—the cost.
A hit-and-run is defined as a collision where at least one driver leaves the scene without sharing information or offering help. In most states, this is against the law, but it happens more often than you think- every 43 seconds someone is the victim of a hit-and-run. If there’s damage to your car, a hit-and-run could be a misdemeanor but if there’s also injury, it could be a felony.
So what do you do if a hit-and-run happens to you?
Step #1: Safety comes first. Check for injuries and that you’re in a safe location.
If you’re hurt and need immediate medical attention, call 9-1-1. If your car is in a dangerous location, and could be hit again, move it out of harm’s way.
Step #2: Look for a witness.
Look for a witness. If witnesses are nearby, ask if they’d make a statement. Take their contact information to share with police. (This is good advice for any type of accident.)
Step #3: Write down as much information as you can. Take photos.
Take a moment and write down what you remember about the accident, including the most important thing—the license plate number if you saw it. That will help the police to locate the vehicle. Also include information about the other car, such as the vehicle’s make and model, color, and direction of travel. If you saw who was driving, include a description of that person. Then, take photos of the damage to your car and the place where the accident occurred.
Step #4: Stay where you are and call the police.
In some states, it’s legally required to call the police. You’ll want to do so even if it’s not and even if the damage wasn’t serious. The police need to get out there immediately to make a report from the scene of the accident so that they can help to track down the other driver. In addition, your insurance provider will likely ask for a copy of the police report. Police reports document any physical evidence such as tire marks as well as any witness statements.
Let your insurer know about the accident and file a claim. Calling your insurance company will allow you to find out coverages available, limits, and deductibles. If you don’t have a body shop, they can often refer you to one in your area.At California Casualty, we call these “GRN’s” – Guaranteed Repair Network. These approved independent facilities meet the company’s strict customer service and quality standards. Your insurer will let you know about the repair process and will share information on whether your policy covers a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
If your car is damaged to the point where it cannot be driven, have it towed to your body shop.
Know your towing limits. Some coverage will take your car to the nearest place of repair. You may have to pay out-of-pocket if you to tow your car further. Finally, before any work can be done to repair your car, you will want to verify the process with your insurance company.
Who pays for repairs from a hit-and-run?
If you’re able to locate the other driver and he/she is insured, you will be able to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. If that’s not the case, you have a couple of options. These vary by state and are also determined by how your insurance company handles hit-and-run accidents.
Collision Coverage
Your collision insurance kicks in if you don’t have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. If your car is totaled, collision coverage offers either “actual cash value” for your vehicle or the amount necessary to repair or replace the vehicle with another of similar kind and quality—subject to the deductible. There are certain cases where the deductible could be waived; check with your insurer. Collision applies both to accidents with other drivers and collisions with objects such as a fence or mailbox. It also covers vehicle rollovers. Unlike liability insurance, collision coverage is not usually required—unless you’re leasing a car or paying off a loan on a vehicle. However, it may be good to have, especially in the event of a hit-and-run.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage
One reason that a driver might run from the scene of an accident is if he or she does not have car insurance. If that’s the case, even if the police identify the driver, you cannot file a claim with his/her insurance company. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage, you can use that to pay for repairs. These are optional coverages in the majority of states. In some states, you are not allowed to carry collision and UMPD at the same time. Also, sometimes UMPD has a policy maximum, or cap on the amount it will pay. If you have UMPD/UIMPD, and it isn’t enough to cover the total cost of your car, your own collision coverage will help.
Having the right coverage is important for protecting your vehicle and keeping you from having to pay thousands in the event of an accident that is not your fault. Schedule an annual review with your insurer to make sure you are fully protected. Then, stay on top of your coverage by managing your account online.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
This article is written by former New Jersey first grade teacher, Felicia Niven.
If you’ve ever played music in your classroom, you know it can transform the mood in a minute. Music is the language everyone speaks- even kids. We instinctively react energetically to lively tunes, and relax when soothing classical is played. In fact, music is a powerful tool in classroom management as well as learning.
How can you implement using relaxing music to improve student behavior and engagement in your classroom?Read on.
Studies show that music has real physical effects.
It’s no coincidence that music affects our mood. Studies have shown that music stimulates endorphins and improves our sense of wellbeing. It lowers our heart rate and reduces stress and anxiety. In one study, students who regularly listened to a half-hour of quiet morning music got less upset than their peers. Another study found that background music helped students stay on task, self-monitor their behavior, and improve their motivation.
Music helps in learning.
Music promotes brain plasticity, the ability of our brains to change and adapt to new things.
It stimulates both the left and right sides of the brain. The left side is more verbal and analytical. It responds to the sequence of sounds organized in a pattern. The right side is more emotional. It taps into feelings, visualization, and imagination. Using music as part of your lessons, or transitions between, adds another layer to learning for your students.
Ways to Use Music in Your Classroom
Incorporating music will take a bit of a learning curve if you haven’t done it already. Remember to listen to any tracks before you use them so there are no surprises. Determine how you’re playing the music (e.g. Smartboard, CD player, computer, iPad). You’ll want to practice with your students in the same way that you teach them beginning-of-the-year routines so they know what is expected. Trust us, the benefits will be worth the effort.
Here are some tried and tested ways that teachers are using music in the classroom.
1. Set the tone at the start of the day.
Imagine entering a room filled with relaxing background music. It automatically sets the tone for quiet voices and the behavior expected. Play music as you’re setting up for the day and keep it on as students come in. Turn it off when it’s time for the pledge of allegiance and the official start to the day.
2. Schedule a meditation moment.
Give your students a different kind of brain break—a guided meditation to music. It’s one way to keep mindfulness in the classroom, and it helps students calm themselves and focus.
3. Use music for transitions.
Transitions can be tough, especially for students who don’t have a clear concept of time. Choose a short piece of music to signal transitions. Teach students to put away their things or clean up by the time the song ends. While not necessarily relaxing music, TV theme shows are often a good length for transition pieces.
4. Make it memorable.
Memorizing a long list of facts, from state capitals to multiplication tables can be grueling. Put it to a familiar tune and you’d be surprised at how much fun students can have. This works for grammar and vocabulary, and dates in history, too. Add some period music and explore the context of historical songs for an immersive classroom experience.
5. Foster cultural connections.
Music is a wonderful way to connect to different cultures. Find and play the heritage songs from your students’ unique backgrounds. Add a cultural connection to your lessons or transitions with music and open up your students’ world.
6. Calm students after lunch/recess.
Calming music helps students wind down quickly after high-excitement activities. It immediately captures their attention, reminding them that the classroom is a quieter place. Plus, music is a nice alternative to raising your voice.
7. Have students “free write” to classical music.
Help students to explore their creative side by tapping into the thoughts that classical music inspires. Not only are they listening, but they are processing and reflecting on what they are hearing.
8. Incorporate brain breaks with music with movement.
Have students create lyrical movements inspired by music. Invite students to dance for a brain break. Have students take turns creating simple movements to the beat, such as clapping, snapping, and tapping. Wind down with relaxing music that segues into the learning activity.
Where to Find Relaxing Classroom Music
The good news is that you don’t need a big budget to incorporate music in your classroom. With a little time, you can find plenty of free options as well as subscriptions.
Amazon Music Unlimited offers plenty of instrumental tracks. This subscription service lets you try it for free for 30 days.
Apple Music is a music streaming service. This is another subscription service but Apple usually offers a teacher discount. You can test it out with a free 3-month trial.
Pandora offers a free version of its music streaming service with advertisements. You can listen offline and search and play songs on demand.
Spotify is a great resource for classroom playlists. Check out California Casualty’s Spotify playlist of soft, mellow music you can play in the background of your classroom to increase focus and promote calmness.
YouTubehas the advantage of being free. Choose ones without distracting images if you’re playing them on a SmartBoard and make sure to skip the ads. Try out some of these popular music videos:
Finally, teachers know the best resources. Check with colleagues to find their “go-to” source for classroom music
Do you have another way to use music in the classroom or a good source for relaxing music? Share your ideas with fellow educators in the comments!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com
Your home is one of your greatest investments; you need to make sure that it’s fully protected. That’s where home insurance comes in, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. There are plenty of decisions to make when buying your own policy- from coverage limits and extra protection for your belongings to important add-ons like water back up and sump pump discharge or overflow coverage and flood insurance.
It’s easy to make a quick choice when looking for insurance without realizing there could be major consequences (that could cost you thousands of dollars out-of-pocket). That’s why we’ve compiled the most common home insurance purchasing mistakes, so that you won’t make them.
Don’t just look at the price.
Of course, you want a good price. However, sometimes a cheap policy is a red flag. The company may be shady. Talk to friends and neighbors about companies they use. See which ones are endorsed by your union, bank, etc. If you’re worried that the price is “too good to be true,” check the coverage to make sure it’s not missing important items. Also, consider that there are many ways to lower your home insurance costs if price is a concern.
Don’t buy the wrong type of policy.
There’s a different policy for insuring your home when you’re living in it, versus insuring your home when you’re renting it out. Make sure your policy addresses your living situation. If you have the wrong type of policy, there is a chance your claim may not be covered.
Don’t underinsure your home.
It may be tempting to insure your home for the amount that you owe on it, and nothing more. Don’t do it. If your home is worth $350,000 and you owe $50,000 on the mortgage, you should insure your home for the full amount. If you insure it just for $50,000, that’s what you’ll get if your home is declared a total loss. All of that money will go to the bank and you’ll be left with nothing to rebuild. That’s why at California Casualty, we don’t write a policy unless it covers 100% of the replacement cost. Ask us about our 360Value tool which makes sure you’re insured for full value.
Don’t reduce your coverage to lower your premium.
If you’re using a company other than California Casualty, and you decide to reduce your coverage below your home’s value to lower your premium, you’re putting yourself at risk. You won’t have enough money to rebuild. The better way to go is to raise your deductible. This is the amount that you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. You can do this to save money with your California Casualty policy, too. According to NerdWallet, you could save 20 percent by raising a $500 deductible to $1,000. If you do increase your deductible, make sure that you can cover that deductible should something happen.
Don’t think flood or earthquake insurance is automatically included.
Many people don’t realize that homeowner’s insurance does not include floods or earthquakes. For that, you will need a separate policy. If you’re in a flood zone, you will want that extra insurance. There’s a 30-day waiting period to buy flood insurance so don’t wait until the last minute. Live in an earthquake-prone zone? The same principles apply and you will not be covered by just a regular home insurance policy.
Don’t skip the additional coverage.
As with floods and earthquakes, not everything is covered in your basic policy. Know what is covered and what is not covered so that you aren’t surprised in the event of a loss. Take an inventory of your possessions. Make sure your policy covers the valuables in your home. There’s a theft limit to jewelry coverage, and so you might need an insurance rider, an optional add-on to your policy.
You might want additional coverage for water backup and sump pump discharge or overflow.
If you’re a member of a homeowner’s association, you might consider increasing your loss assessments coverage which goes toward special assessments for expenses associated with your community. However, you may be surprised at what your policy does cover, such as your garden shed or detached garage and its contents. It also covers your kid’s stuff when he/she is away at school, your parent’s stuff if you’re storing it for them while they’re in a nursing home. Those are covered at just 10% of coverage limits, so you might consider additional coverage.
Don’t forget to ask about discounts.
You may qualify for insurance discounts for being part of a professional association, such as groups for teachers, nurses, or first responders. There are also discounts for being 55+ and retired, and for paying in full upfront. You may qualify for a new home discount, or a discount if you have updated your utilities (electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling) in an older home. There are discounts for a new roof and an automatic sprinkler system, for fire and burglar alarms, and for monitored security systems. You can even be rewarded for being a loyal customer. When you bundle your home and auto insurance, you can often qualify for reduced rates, saving hundreds of dollars.
Don’t go it alone.
Insurance is complicated. Your house is one of your most expensive assets. Take the extra step and talk in-depth to a professional insurance agent. At California Casualty we tailor our coverage to you and your home. Your agent can help determine the unique risks for your home and what you need to fully protect it—and that you don’t pay more than you have to.
Don’t buy it and forget it.
Remember to update your policy if you renovate your house. Some companies’ contracts require you to notify them if a renovation exceeds a certain amount. In addition, you’ll want to update your policy immediately if you buy or receive additional valuables, such as jewelry.
Make sure to sit down each year to review your policy.Ask what additional endorsements are available. Review your renewals; policies change and these changes will often be explained in the renewal packet. Consider increasing personal liability to cover, at a minimum, the market value of your home.
Finally, don’t forget to…
Shop around. Getting competitive quotes will help you determine the right price.
Ask friends and family members for referrals to their insurance company.
Research the company. Make sure the company is licensed to work in your state. Check its reviews on the Better Business Bureau and online.
Look for a company that will be responsive to your needs. Good customer service and claims service are key.
It’s your home. Make sure it’s protected.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com
Keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road safe in these four common high-pressure situations when you need to pull over on the side of the road.
Pulling over on a highway
Tip #1: If you need to pull over, do not panic or make sudden moves.This could cause you to make rash decisions. Check your surroundings and know the positions of the other vehicles on the road. This will help ensure that you don’t cut them off.
Tip #2: Don’t go left.The left side of a highway usually has less space. If there’s no barrier, it also might put you close to oncoming traffic. Put on your right turn signal. Start moving to the right as soon as you can do so safely.
Tip #3: Look for a wide shoulder.Avoid construction zones and places that are overgrown with trees. The ideal spot has a wide shoulder next to flat grass to allow your vehicle as much distance from the highway as possible.
Tip #4: Be aware of road conditions.Weather can make the roads slippery, such as black ice which can cause dangerous conditions. As you’re traveling right, adjust your speed accordingly. Be aware of any debris.
Tip #5: Activate your hazard lights so other vehicles are aware you are there.This is especially important in the dusk or dark. Do not exit your vehicle. You are much safer inside your car. However, if you must get out, stay on the side opposite to the highway, and never turn your back on traffic. Follow steps, if needed, in the next section on roadside assistance.
Tip #6: Give yourself ample time and space getting back onto the highway.Getting up to highway speed takes time. Turn off your hazards and put on your turn signal. Start to accelerate in the shoulder lane. When you are up to speed, safely merge back into traffic.
Roadside emergencies
Tip #1: Recognize there is a problem.You might notice that your car is in trouble due to noises, smells, or lights on the dashboard. Put on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that you are having an issue. Be aware of other cars around you as you look for a safe place to pull over.
Tip #2: Find a safe place to stop. Avoid stopping at a corner or the bottom of a hill where your car might surprise other drivers without enough room for them to slow or stop. If you can make it to a freeway exit, a rest stop, or a parking lot, do so. If not, a wide shoulder on the side of the road will work. Try to stop under a street light if possible.
Tip #3: Mark your spot.Don’t exit your car until it’s safe to do so. If you’re on a busy road, get out the passenger side and stay away from traffic. Set up emergency flares or fluorescent cones that warn other drivers you are there. Then return to your vehicle.
Tip #4: Call for roadside assistance if you need it.You may have roadside assistance through your insurer, but if you don’t, you can call a local towing service. There also are some apps that will connect you with service providers, such as HONK and Urgent.ly. Check with your local municipality as well. The state of California offers a free Freeway Service Patrol program to help clear the roads from broken down vehicles.
Tip #5: If you can, take care of simple repairs. You may be able to fix your flat tire or jumpstart your car.
Tip #6: Be careful of anyone who stops to help. Use your best judgment. Some people who offer to help may wish to cause harm. Err on the safe side and lower your window only enough to talk. Let the good Samaritan know that professional assistance is on its way.
Police stops
Tip #1: As soon as you hear the siren or see the flashing lights, put on your hazards.This lets the police officers know that you saw them and that you’re slowing down.
Tip #2: Search for a place to pull over that’s large enough for two cars.Most officers will permit you to go a short distance to a driveway, business parking lot, or gas station. If the car is unmarked, make sure you are in a safe place, such as in a well-lit area with people around or near an open business.
Tip #3: Turn off the ignition and wait. It may take several minutes for the officer to exit the car. He or she may be getting information about your car. Be patient and wait. Do not get out of your car.
Tip #4: If it’s a marked vehicle, roll down your window.If it’s an unmarked car, wait until the police officer approaches and asks for credentials before you roll down your window.
Tip #5: Be calm when you talk with the officer.The officer will most likely ask you for your license, registration, and insurance card. Let them know if you do not have one of the required documents.
Tip #6: If you get a ticket or citation, do not argue. Be respectful. Thank the officer if you get a verbal warning. After the officer has returned to his or her patrol car, pull out safely into traffic
Tip #1: Listen for a siren. A police, ambulance, or fire truck siren can be heard for a good distance. If you think you hear a siren, shut off your radio or music.Try to determine the direction where it is coming from. Look for flashing lights.
Tip #2: Put on your right turn signal and slow down. Continue listening for the siren and looking for lights. Identify a place where you can safely pull over to the right of the road.
Tip #3: Check your mirrors and make sure the way is clear.Pullover and park your car. You can leave the engine running as you shouldn’t be there for long.
Tip #4: Watch for the emergency vehicle and wait until it has passed.When you do pull out, you will want to stay at least 500 feet behind it.
Tip #5: Check your mirrors, put on your turn signal and carefully pull back into traffic.You may need to wait your turn, as other drivers will be doing the same thing.
Drive safe.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com
