​De acordo com uma pesquisa recente da Harris Poll , 8 em cada 10 americanos dizem que comprar uma casa é uma prioridade, e 28 milhões de americanos realmente planejam comprar nos próximos 12 meses. A casa própria oferece muitos benefícios financeiros e não financeiros , de modo que os juros são compreensíveis.
No entanto, é improvável que todos os 28 milhões de americanos atinjam essa meta no próximo ano. Especialistas projetam que um total de cerca de cinco milhões de casas serão vendidas em 2023. Por que há uma diferença tão grande? É em parte porque pode haver desafios para comprar uma casa.
Na mesma pesquisa, quando perguntado: “ Qual das seguintes opções está impedindo você de buscar a casa própria neste momento?” :

• 34% responderam: “ Não tenho economia suficiente para um adiantamento ”
• 30% responderam: “ Minha pontuação de crédito ”

Se você pretende comprar uma casa, aqui está o que você precisa saber para atingir esse objetivo.
Economize para o seu adiantamento
Seu adiantamento é uma grande parte do que você paga adiantado pela sua casa. Para a maioria das compras de imóveis, os compradores colocam uma certa quantia de dinheiro adiantado (uma entrada) e, em seguida, contraem um empréstimo (uma hipoteca) para pagar o restante.
É um mito de longa data que você precisa pagar 20% do preço de compra para o seu adiantamento. Na realidade, 20% de desconto nem sempre é necessário. Na verdade, de acordo com a Associação Nacional de Corretores de Imóveis (NAR), a entrada média atual é de 14% para o comprador médio e apenas 6% para um comprador iniciante.
Independentemente de quanto dinheiro você pode economizar para o pagamento inicial , saiba que há ajuda disponível. Um credor local pode mostrar opções para ajudá-lo a se aproximar de sua meta de adiantamento. Além disso, existem até tipos de empréstimos, como empréstimos FHA , com pagamentos iniciais de até 3,5% para alguns compradores, bem como opções como empréstimos VA e empréstimos USDA sem requisitos de pagamento inicial para candidatos qualificados.
Além dos programas de assistência e diferentes tipos de empréstimo, aqui estão algumas outras dicas para ajudá-lo a economizar para o pagamento inicial:

• Lembre-se de levar em consideração os custos de fechamento. Além do adiantamento, os custos de fechamento geralmente são de 2 a 5% do preço de compra da casa.
• Mantenha suas economias. Seu adiantamento não deve esgotar todas as suas economias. É importante ainda ter algum dinheiro reservado para despesas com a casa própria depois de se mudar.
• Explore suas opções e conte com seu consultor de confiança para obter orientação especializada. Faça sua pesquisa, faça perguntas e analise os recursos disponíveis para compradores como você.

Melhore sua pontuação de crédito
Sua pontuação de crédito é um número que indica quão confiável financeiramente você é para os credores. Uma pontuação de crédito mais alta geralmente significa que você poderá pedir mais dinheiro emprestado a uma taxa de juros melhor. Se sua pontuação de crédito está impedindo você de obter uma hipoteca acessível, existem etapas que você pode seguir para melhorá-la. Aqui estão dois:

• Pague suas contas em dia. Quando você paga suas contas em dia, sua pontuação de crédito melhora. Quando você está atrasado, leva um golpe. Uma maneira de facilitar o pagamento de suas contas em dia? Configure pagamentos automáticos quando e onde puder.
• Misture. De empréstimos para automóveis a cartões de crédito e hipotecas - existem vários tipos diferentes de crédito. E ter uma mistura deles melhora sua pontuação de crédito.

Conclusão
Se pretende adquirir casa este ano, contacte um consultor imobiliário de confiança para que possa constituir a sua equipa de profissionais e começar a preparar-se.

source/credit: ​https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/02/23/how-to-make-your-dream-of-homeownership-a-reality/

​O seguro de Workers' Compensation é um tipo de seguro que cobre lesões e doenças ocupacionais que os trabalhadores possam sofrer no desempenho de suas funções. Aplicável em muitos países, incluindo os Estados Unidos, este seguro fornece compensação financeira aos trabalhadores afetados, bem como benefícios de assistência médica.
A aplicação deste seguro é importante, pois ajuda a proteger tanto os trabalhadores quanto as empresas contra os custos elevados associados a lesões ocupacionais. Além disso, oferece aos trabalhadores afetados um meio de suporte financeiro enquanto eles estão se recuperando e capacitando-os a retornar ao trabalho o mais rapidamente possível.
Em geral, as empresas são responsáveis por adquirir o seguro de Workers' Compensation para seus funcionários e o mantêm vigente durante todo o período em que o trabalhador estiver empregado na empresa. No entanto, a exigência de ter esse tipo de seguro pode variar de acordo com a legislação de cada país.

We thought this was a great question to share.
Can I buy car insurance with my learner's permit? Because I want to buy a car and I haven't got my driver license yet.


  ANSWER: You can own and insure a car in Mass but you must have a person to
List besides yourself as a licensed Mass Driver. Not all companies will allow but we have one that will allow this.
Let me know if you want a quote.
I will need the person’s license number  who you will list as the licensed driver.
 You will notice once you inform the Insurance Agency or Company that you have obtained
 a Driver's License the insurance premium will go up. This is because you are not a listed driver on the policy until you
 get your license. The experienced person you listed as the licensed driver was rated but now you as the new driver will be rated.

It is important to follow the rules:
The holder of a Learner's Permit may operate a motor vehicle upon any way when accompanied by an operator duly licensed by his state of residence,
is 21 years of age or over, who has had at least one year of driving experience and who is occupying a seat beside the driver.

• A Permit holder who is under the age of 18 may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 5:00 a.m. unless
  
•  accompanied by his parent or legal guardian, who must be a licensed operator with at least one year of driving experience and whose license or right to operate is not revoked or suspended.
  
• The holder of a Learner's Permit may not operate in another state if it is in violation of that state's law.
  
• The holder of a motorcycle Learner's Permit (Class M) may not carry passengers and may not operate after sunset or before sunrise.
  
• The holder of a Learner's Permit must be in physical possession of the Permit when operating a motor vehicle
  
  (Source:https://www.universalinsagency.com/blog/can-i-buy-a-car-or-insurance-with-my-learners-permit.aspx)​
  
  

Beware of coverage loopholes like whose property is NOT covered under your Homeowners Policy.
Are Domestic Partners and their "stuff" Covered under a Homeowners Policy?
   Let's look at who is considered an insured on your homeowners Insurance Policy?  
   If a couple has been living together at least a year then one of our companies allows
   the  Domestic Partner Endorsement on for free but your agent has to be aware of this to
   even let you know about it. You should let your agent know if you have a domestic partner.
   It is your responsibility to read your policy and know
   who is considered an insured.

  If you are living with a significant other then ask if there is an endorsement called Domestic Partner
  Endorsement. You would not want your significant other's cloths, furniture,  jewelry (careful about how much jewelry is covered without scheduling it!), computer, TV etc
  not to be covered if there was theft, fire and other perils...would you? 


It is very clear in homeowners policy language whose stuff is covered.
From A Mass Homeowners Policy:
DEFINITIONSA. In this policy, "you" and "your" refer to the "named
insured" shown in the Declarations and the spouse
if a resident of the same household. "We", "us"
and "our" refer to the Company providing this insurance.

5. "Insured" means:
a. You and residents of your household who are:
(1) Your relatives; or
(2) Other persons under the age of 21 and
in the care of any person named above;
b. A student enrolled in school full time, as
defined by the school, who was a resident
of your household before moving out to attend
school, provided the student is under
the age of:
(1) 24 and your relative; or
(2) 21 and in your care or the care of a
person described in a.(1) above; or
C. Coverage C – Personal Property
1. Covered Property
We cover personal property owned or used by
an "insured" while it is anywhere in the world.
After a loss and at your request, we will cover
personal property owned by:
a. Others while the property is on the part of
the "residence premises" occupied by an
"insured"; or
b. A guest or a "residence employee", while
the property is in any residence occupied by
an "insured".

Every company may be different so read your policy.
The easiest way to look up what you want to know is get your policy in PDF
format on your computer and search the document by control F.
Then type in the word you are wanting to know more about or the coverage
you want to know about.

Call us at Universal Insurance Agency and let us help with your coverage on Home, Auto and Business

Did you know about these Typical WATER
Exclusions in most Homeowner Insurance Policies?

 (1) Flood, surface water, waves, tidal water,
overflow of a body of water, or spray from
any of these, whether or not driven by wind;

  (2) Water which backs up through sewers or
drains or which overflows from a sump;
 (ask about an endorsement that can be added)

  (3) Water below the surface of the ground,
  including water which exerts pressure on or
  seeps or leaks through a building, sidewalk,
  driveway, foundation, swimming pool or
  other structure.

  If you study your homeowners policy you will find the following comforting words.
  Direct loss by fire, explosion or theft resulting
  from water damage is covered.**  Yeah!!!

 Do not blame your agent for the way the Homeowners policy is written.
​
The Us Government is in full cooperation on the issue of excluding Flood Coverage
on Homeowners Policies. A great site to learn more is https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/

The point is people may not realize what is and is not covered when it comes to water and 
I believe it is better to research if your policy has an endorsement for some of the water issues
or if you do not have the coverage.
You,the insured, are ultimately responsible to read your policy (but how many take the time until it is too late?)

Exclusions are usually found on around page 115 or so. If you download your policy as a PDF
you will easily find any search term by Control F within the PDF of your Homeowners Policy.
Knowledge is power so keep your policies on your computer.

Ask your agent about a Flood Policy from  FEMA if you worry that some of the above exclusions could
cause serious financial hardship.

For more insight into Homeowner Policy Exclusions follow our other blog titles to come.
Author- Diane Goselin- Massachusetts Licensed Insurance Agent



Tags: water exclusion on homeowners policy, exclusion, exclusions, homeowners policy, home policy, insurance, massachusetts, mass, home insurance quote

Total Loss Car Accident?

If you totaled your car then here are some helpful tips to negotiate the Actual Cash Value of your vehicle.
Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost 
The actual cash value is usually not going to be  what it costs to replace a car. So maybe you had a major accident and the car is totaled,
 the price tag to buy a new car will always be more than what your totaled car was worth at the time of the accident.
 Instead of choosing the actual cash value option on a policy if the policy has that endorsement, choose coverage that provides for replacement value.
This is why it is important for you to read your paperwork and do your homework when purchasing a policy. When the policy comes in there are explanations of extras you can buy
like Replacement Cost but there is a price and many people are not willing to pay it.

For future reference replacement cost in many cases, not only is payment provided to purchase a new car, but additional expenses like sales tax,
title and transfer fees may also be included, although you may have to ask for these expenses to be included or covered.
Replacement value car insurance is certainly much more expensive than accepting actual cash value coverage.
However, for many people, the added premium is well worth it when they consider the expense of replacing their vehicle.
the Actual Cash Value Determined?One of the ways the value of an asset is determined is to calculate or decide what the replacement cost of a car would be, then deduct an appropriate amount for the age and wear of the car.
By definition in court cases, the replacement cost is described as "the entire cost of complete repair or replacement of an asset--taking no deductions for depreciation."
 This indicates clearly that the replacement cost is higher than Actual Cash Value. So the replacement cost is calculated, then deductions are made to arrive at the actual cash value of an asset such as a car.
Sometimes this definition favors the insured, and sometimes the insurer. For example, imagine a car with an estimated value of $14,000 is destroyed in a tornado.
The insurer has defined the actual cash value as the cost of replacing the car minus deductions for age.
Replacing the car often costs more than the car it is worth at the time, particularly if it had high mileage or a great deal of wear.
The cost of new cars goes up over the years, and cars always depreciate over time.
If the replacement cost is higher than the car is worth on the market--say it costs $23,000 to replace with a brand new car, then the insurer
ends up with a higher settlement using the replacement cost method to determine actual cash value.
.
Tips To Negotiate the Actual Cash Value of Your CarThese are some tips for helping Policy Owners to figure out how to use knowledge of the system for a reasonable offer from an insurer.
The below was offered at carsdirect.com

1.    
2. Figure out how your insurer defines actual cash value. Part of the problem in negotiating a good actual cash value for a vehicle is that each insurer uses their own proprietary methods to get what they give you as ACV. In order to provide your own counter-estimate, you'll want to know as much as possible about how they came to their figures.
3. Use online car valuation sites to get a good actual cash value estimate.Online car value sites provide solid, well defined, and commonly recognized value estimates for nearly any vehicle on the American roadway. Take a look at sites like the Kelley Blue Book company site to get what many would consider a fair resale price for your vehicle.
4. Look for local examples in classifieds or elsewhere. Another way to provide solid valuation evidence is to look for ongoing deals from local dealerships for used cars similar to yours. You can use the sale prices offered by the dealerships as an indication of actual cash value for your vehicle.
5. Include information on features and other value conditions. Low mileage, excellent interior and exterior condition, and handy features should be pointed out to your insurer as "value points." Make sure they know about features that you have added to your vehicle after purchase, such as enhanced sound systems, that may add value.
6. Stay involved. Negotiating actual cash value, just like a lot of other insurance documentation, is mostly just the process of communicating and staying in touch with the insurer to eventually wrangle out a deal. Those who give up easy will find themselves settling for the lowest possible value and partial payouts from insurers who are slow to comply with their responsibilities in the event of a claim.
7. Find out about actual cash value. The term itself just refers to how much a vehicle is worth in sale, but it's the way actual cash value is used that leads to some problems with negotiating a fair deal when you need to collect from an Auto Insurance Company after a total loss.

http://www.carsdirect.com/car-insurance/tips-for-negotiating-the-actual-cash-value-ff-your-car

Source & credits: www.exame.abril.com.br

São Paulo – Um plano de seguro para o mesmo carro, a mesma pessoa e o mesmo endereço pode ser até três vezes mais caro entre diferentes seguradoras. É o que mostrou um levantamento feito pela plataforma de comparação de seguros Compara, levando em consideração as opções oferecidas para os dez carros mais roubados de São Paulo.
A maior diferença aconteceu com o Fiat Toro, o 10º da lista dos mais roubados: o seguro mais barato foi cotado em 4.050 reais, enquanto a oferta mais cara estava em 12.554, preço 210% maior. As simulações foram feitas considerando o mesmo perfil – masculino, solteiro, 30 anos – e também um mesmo endereço dentro da cidade. As cotações foram feitas em cinco seguradoras diferentes para os 10 carros da lista.

 ranking dos carros foi baseado na lista de veículos mais roubados em 2018, feita pela Superintendência de Seguros Privados (Susep), órgão responsável pela regulação do setor. No ano passado, o carro mais roubado na cidade de São Paulo foi o Chevrolet Onix, seguido pelo Hyundai HB20 e o Voyage, da Volkswagen.
O Fiat Siena, com diferença de preços de até 161% entre a seguradora mais barata e a mais cara, e o Gol, com diferença de 151%, também ficaram entre os modelos com maior variação de preços nas opções de seguro.

LEIA MAIS: https://exame.abril.com.br/seu-dinheiro/valor-de-seguro-de-carros-pode-variar-200-de-uma-seguradora-para-a-outra/

6 steps to calculating your home’s replacement costYou may be wondering where to start when trying to determine your house's replacement value. Luckily, we've simplified the process into 6 easy steps.
1. Do the mathStart by researching what home builders in your area charge per square foot. When you multiply your home's square footage by the average rate, you can get a good idea of your house's replacement value.
The national average charged by building contractors in 2011 was $80. So, for example, if your house is 1,500 square feet, its replacement cost would be $120,000. It's important to keep in mind that your land isn't included in the replacement cost — just the dwelling itself.
Below are some additional steps you can take to calculate your home's replacement cost. Compare the amount calculated in step 1 with the sum of steps 2 through 5 to help gauge the accuracy of your estimates. It's important to note that when you get a quote for homeowners insurance, you can expect the insurer to walk you through a full replacement cost estimation. At the same time, it's good to have your own numbers on hand for comparison.
2. Estimate the value of your home's floorsYou can estimate the value of your flooring by sourcing the flooring type (carpet, hardwood, tile, etc.) at local stores. Then research the average rate per square foot that nearby installers charge for your specific flooring material. So if your hardwood floors cost an average of $4 per square foot, and we use the example of the 1,500 square foot house, your floor's value would be $6,000.
3. Add up your cabinets, fixtures, and appliancesTake a look at your kitchen and bathroom. Compare cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances to new, same-quality ones at local stores. The national average cost of an appliance and cabinetry contractor isn't a reliable measure if you've lived in your home a long time, purchased an older house, or upgraded your cabinets and appliances to top-of-the-line quality.
4. Calculate the value of your home's exterior finishFrom siding to windows, determine the value of your house's exterior finish. Costs can vary depending on the type of exterior siding you have (vinyl, stonework, etc.), and the quality and type of your windows. Basic-grade vinyl windows don't cost as much as arched, box-style, garden, or windows with inlays.
5. Get an estimate on your roof's replacement costYou can get your roof's replacement value by contacting a local roofer for details. Depending on the complexity of your roof's truss system, replacement and installment costs tend to vary. You can also estimate the replacement cost by multiplying the surface area of your roof by the replacement value of the roofing material.
6. Keep good recordsNot only is it a good idea to maintain a home inventory of your personal belongings, it's also wise to keep all receipts and records regarding repairs, upgrades, and general changes you've made to your house.
Make a video documenting your home's interior and exterior components — including appliances, flooring, utilities, ceiling materials, HVAC system, electrical panel, hot water tank, exterior siding, roof materials, and attached structures like your garage, deck, and breezeway.
Be sure to back up a copy of the video (on an external hard drive, for example) and update the video after any changes to your house. If your home were ever leveled by a fire or storm, this could help you recall the exact conditions of your property.
how replacement cost works at esuranceWhile many insurers offer replacement cost coverage as an additional option you can purchase for your home policy, Esurance includes it as part of your standard dwelling protection and personal property insurance.
We'll automatically pay the replacement cost of your damages if your loss is less than $2,500. If it's more than $2,500, we'll pay the ACV — and once you make repairs to your home and replace your belongings, we'll pay the difference between the ACV and replacement cost (as long as we receive the receipts within 180 days of your ACV payment). How's that for peace of mind?
Get a quote for reliable, affordable homeowners insurance from EsuranceWe're confident you'll see all the perks of joining Esurance when you get your quick, free homeowners insurance quote online. From a wide range of coverages to a wealth of cash-saving discounts, we have your back with reliable policies designed to save you time, money, and hassle. You can also give us a ring at 1-866-439-5633, where our our agents are available to help at these times.

(Source:https://www.esurance.com/info/homeowners/how-to-determine-the-replacement-cost-of-your-house)

Do you have questions? ​https://www.universalinsagency.com/contact/danilo_gomes.aspx

Are you aware of the exclusions in your policy? See the example below: 

Damage To Property
"Property damage" to:
(1) Property you own, rent, or occupy,
including any costs or expenses incurred by
you, or any other person, organization or
entity, for repair, replacement,
enhancement, restoration or maintenance
of such property for any reason, including
prevention of injury to a person or damage
to another's property;
(2) Premises you sell, give away or abandon, if
the "property damage" arises out of any
part of those premises;
(3) Property loaned to you;

We have a team of experts that can help you!
​https://www.universalinsagency.com/contact/danilo_gomes.aspx

“I think that it was the general feeling that people, the driving public in particular and families throughout the commonwealth, have been adversely affected by the use of cellphones while driving,” House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, said before the vote. “Many people have had either personal experiences or constituents in their area who have had some real serious accidents, some ending unfortunately in death .”

​Read more here:
www.masslive.com/news/2019/05/massachusetts-house-votes-to-ban-handheld-cellphone-use-while-driving.html?fbclid=IwAR0TwU7Rb9hy_HPJalLk1J9LkgRoT6xALswokQCOMJbf4RH7uvk2tlSU6U8
​