Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Preparing Your Household for the Unexpected: Passwords & Access
Nearly 60% of adults have no plan for their spouse or family to access key accounts if something happens to them suddenly.
Photo or Video? Best Way to Document Your Belongings
A 2024 insurance industry survey found 59% of homeowners have no inventory of their belongings, which slows claims and shrinks payouts after a loss.
Pet Deposit vs Pet Rent vs Pet Fee: The Real Difference (2026)
A pet deposit is refundable, pet rent is a recurring monthly charge, and a pet fee is a one-time non-refundable payment that covers different risks.
Paper Clutter Cleanup: A Homeowner's Guide to Going Digital
Most homeowners keep 7-10 years of receipts and manuals they'll never open again — here's exactly what to scan, what to shred, and where to store it.
Ordinance or Law Coverage: Why Older Homes Need It
Ordinance or law coverage pays the gap between what a standard policy covers and what current building codes actually require after a covered loss.
New Homeowner Starter Kit: Tools, Supplies & Documents (2024)
A new homeowner starter kit costs roughly $200-$400 and should cover 12 core tools, 8 household supplies, and 6 documents you'll need within the first year.
New-Build Walk-Throughs: How to Spot Problems Before You Close
A thorough new-build walk-through can catch 20-40 punch-list items before closing, saving you thousands in post-move-in repairs.
Married Filing Separately and the $25,000 Rental Loss Allowance
Married filing separately usually cuts the $25,000 rental loss allowance to $12,500, or wipes it out entirely if spouses lived together during the year.
Loss of Use Coverage on a Home Policy Explained (2025)
Loss of use coverage typically pays 20-30% of your dwelling limit toward hotel bills, rent, and extra food costs while your home is being repaired.
Loss of Rent Coverage for Landlords Explained (2024)
Loss of rent coverage typically pays 12 months of fair rental value after a covered loss forces tenants out, but most policies cap it at 10-20% of dwelling coverage.
Listing Photos That Sell: A Room-by-Room Shot List (2024)
Homes with professional-quality listing photos sell up to 32% faster, and the difference usually comes down to 12 specific shots, not a fancy camera.
Life Estates and the Step-Up in Basis, Explained (2024)
A life estate can pass your home to heirs at death with a full step-up in basis, wiping out capital gains tax that a lifetime gift would trigger.
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