USAA - Summer 2014 - (Page 19)

30-33 Maintain the exterior. 30 APPEARANCES MATTER Curb appeal helps maintain property values. Take pride in your new investment. 31 WATCH THE HEAT It can cause foundation problems. Consider placing a soaker hose 12 to 18 inches from the home's outer edge. 32 WATER RULES In many southern cities, homeowners can be fined for watering their lawn on the wrong days of the week. 33 MEET THE LANDSCAPER The lawn care vendor knows the yard. Ask sellers for contact information and fees. 34 Take a video of each ro om. You can pre sent it o photog r raphs t o the insuran ce com pany as evidenc e of the conten ts of th e room in case of a fire or other d amage. 35 Expect expenses to be more expensive than you thought. "You never truly understand how much money you will spend on your home until you own one," Halliwell says. Factor in necessary purchases like window coverings, landscaping equipment and a well-stocked toolbox, plus periodic maintenance items like air filters. 36 Prepare for the worst. 38 "You always need to know what potential hazards can occur in your market," says Candy Welch, vice president of relocation for ERA Wilder Realty, a Columbia, S.C.-based firm that participates in the USAA MoversAdvantage program. "Are you on an earthquake fault, are you in an area susceptible to brush fires, or do tornadoes happen often?" According to the National Flood Insurance Program, the average flood insurance premium costs $650 annually, a small price compared to the cost of rebuilding an entire home. Know your renewals. 37 Think security. 39 Enjoy your home! Protecting your family is critical. ADT Home Security offers USAA members a discount on installation. Plus, it can save you money on your USAA homeowners insurance premium. Financial advice provided by USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California, License # 0E36312), and USAA Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered broker dealer. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified finanCial Planner™ in the United States, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. usaa.com See legal information on page 30. If the home has a termite or stucco bond in place or an alarm system contract, "don't depend on the company to notify you prior to the renewal date," Welch says. Blake Miller writes for Redbook and US Airways Magazine. SUMMER 2014 USAA Magazine 19 http://www.usaa.com

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USAA - Summer 2014