PERMANENT GENERATOR PERMITTED?
If you installed a “permanent generator” for you home or condo in Naples, Bonita Springs or Estero – was it properly permitted and installed to code?
If a home listing includes a “permanent generator,” it may not be installed to code. Building officials estimate tens of thousands of open permit cases exist in just Broward and Palm Beach counties. Some contractors, in the post-hurricane rush to install generators, did not follow through and get the necessary permits and inspections.
FORECLOSURES
Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain both promise help for homeowners facing foreclosure. But even the optimism that surrounds a new president taking office cannot resurrect home values overnight, and presidents have no direct ability to reduce mortgage rates.
But they do have the ability to work with Congress and the lenders to be more pro-active to alleviate the issues facing homeowners.
HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
Consumers coping with rising prices for food, gas and electricity should explore ways to save on homeowners insurance – some areas for exploration could be reviewing their policies to determine if the coverage is appropriate for today’s real estate replacement value, insuring structures that do not exist, adding hurricane protection, having a fire extinguisher, adding smoke alarms, strengthening their home security with new deadbolt locks and alarm system installation or monitoring.