KY leads in ATV Fatalities

A state legislator is proposing a bill that would change laws for all terrain vehicles as reports show Kentucky tops the list for fatalities in ATV accidents. Now Thomas Burch, of Louisville, is proposing that everyone operating an all-terrain vehicle wear protective headgear.
The bill would require that no person under the age of 16 years shall operate an all-terrain vehicle. The bill would also provide community services for a first offense and a $100 fine for each subsequent offense. .... More from WBKO

KY leads in ATV Fatalities

A state legislator is proposing a bill that would change laws for all terrain vehicles as reports show Kentucky tops the list for fatalities in ATV accidents. Now Thomas Burch, of Louisville, is proposing that everyone operating an all-terrain vehicle wear protective headgear.
The bill would require that no person under the age of 16 years shall operate an all-terrain vehicle. The bill would also provide community services for a first offense and a $100 fine for each subsequent offense. .... More from WBKO

Real Estate Deal Wreckers

Top Real Estate Deal Wreckers from MSN, planning on buying or selling a home in 2006, these are pitfalls to avoid

mistakes to avoid in 2006:

Not understanding the length of the buying/selling process. You know what happens when you make decisions based on optimism, time-on-the-market averages and generous promises from agents -- ye old Murphy's law kicks in. The home-selling process is often more extensive than you think, from the early planning stages to protracted negotiations to oft-delayed closings. Sellers can take months before they formally accept a buyer's offer. Financing can get held up, buyers have tough time selling their old house, rough edges discovered in the final walk-through must be smoothed, etc. Give yourself a couple extra months to complete the deal.

Exposing your hand. Never let love for a house cloud your vision. Try to contain your enthusiasm. Otherwise, the sellers and (or) their agent will know they've hooked a live one and assume you may forgive certain flaws because you know the place is right for you. You can scream "yes!" when you get back out in your car.

Skipping the loan preapproval step. For buyers, getting preapproved for a mortgage gives you a clear idea of how much you can safely borrow, plus it addresses credit-rating issues and kick-starts other financial paperwork. What's more, it identifies you as a serious buyer. Sellers with a hot property should demand nothing less than proof of preapproval from the potential buyer's financial institution. No sense in wasting time on time-wasters.

Assuming the appraisal equals actual value. In theory, appraisals are objective estimates of value. But several different appraisals can yield several different numbers. For example, an appraisal that's been done for a possible refinance may have been slightly inflated to encourage that refinance. So sellers, before you put your home on the market, have an agent do a comparative market analysis to better indicate the home's worth. And buyers, get similar "comps" from your agent. But realize the true value of a house is what someone is willing to pay for it.

Timing the bubble ‘burst.’ Thousands of apprehensive sellers and buyers have been playing this game since the late 1990s, trying to time their sale to either beat the "pop" and gain optimal profits, or to swoop in and pluck up cheap property after a burst. In almost all sections of the country, the bubble remains "intact." For the most part, real estate bubbles don't pop, they just slowly deflate and the market levels off then surges again in the near future. Always take the approach that real estate is a long-term investment.

Hiring the wrong agent. Buyers and sellers should interview several agents, small and large. Get references and success stories. You may not benefit by opting for an agency's top-volume seller. That top-producing agent may have listed 40 homes last year and sold 30, but another agent may have listed 15 and sold 14. Opting for a friend or family member who is an agent doesn't assure you of results either. It could cause a rift. And choosing the agent who suggests the highest listing price is not a recipe for success either -- nor is opting for the agent who charges the lowest commission. Remember the SEED qualities in an agent: smart, empathic, experienced and dedicated will usually get the job done right.

Missing the big picture. Opting for a dream house that will otherwise create negative quality-of-life challenges such as longer commutes, distant schools, limited access to services, higher taxes, more stringent deed restrictions, stricter homeowner associations and other chronic headache-makers can cause buyers to question their decisions after a few months. Make sure your that dream house is grounded in reality.

Not knowing what you're signing. The sales contract is a legally binding document. Review it as if your legal well-being is at stake. It should address all your concerns and the concerns of the other party, such as who will pay what for closing costs and repairs expenses. A poorly written or incomplete contract can cost you lots of time, money and emotional energy and tie up your deal for weeks or months. If there have been any verbal commitments, they should be put in writing. If you're not using an attorney, make sure your agent is proactive in the construction and interpretation of the contract before you sign it or make concessions.

Poor timing. How many stories have you heard about people drowning under the weight of two mortgages because they committed to a new house before selling their old one? The most important transaction in the "buying-one-and-selling-one scenario" is the sale. Sometimes, you have little choice in the matter, but when you do, secure the sale of the old house before signing on the dotted line for the new one. Sure, you hate to miss out on that rare find and you might have to find an interim rental, but that's better than spending time in financial limbo and biting your fingernails to the quick. More from MSN

for low rate homeowners insurance

Real Estate Deal Wreckers

Top Real Estate Deal Wreckers from MSN, planning on buying or selling a home in 2006, these are pitfalls to avoid

mistakes to avoid in 2006:

Not understanding the length of the buying/selling process. You know what happens when you make decisions based on optimism, time-on-the-market averages and generous promises from agents -- ye old Murphy's law kicks in. The home-selling process is often more extensive than you think, from the early planning stages to protracted negotiations to oft-delayed closings. Sellers can take months before they formally accept a buyer's offer. Financing can get held up, buyers have tough time selling their old house, rough edges discovered in the final walk-through must be smoothed, etc. Give yourself a couple extra months to complete the deal.

Exposing your hand. Never let love for a house cloud your vision. Try to contain your enthusiasm. Otherwise, the sellers and (or) their agent will know they've hooked a live one and assume you may forgive certain flaws because you know the place is right for you. You can scream "yes!" when you get back out in your car.

Skipping the loan preapproval step. For buyers, getting preapproved for a mortgage gives you a clear idea of how much you can safely borrow, plus it addresses credit-rating issues and kick-starts other financial paperwork. What's more, it identifies you as a serious buyer. Sellers with a hot property should demand nothing less than proof of preapproval from the potential buyer's financial institution. No sense in wasting time on time-wasters.

Assuming the appraisal equals actual value. In theory, appraisals are objective estimates of value. But several different appraisals can yield several different numbers. For example, an appraisal that's been done for a possible refinance may have been slightly inflated to encourage that refinance. So sellers, before you put your home on the market, have an agent do a comparative market analysis to better indicate the home's worth. And buyers, get similar "comps" from your agent. But realize the true value of a house is what someone is willing to pay for it.

Timing the bubble ‘burst.’ Thousands of apprehensive sellers and buyers have been playing this game since the late 1990s, trying to time their sale to either beat the "pop" and gain optimal profits, or to swoop in and pluck up cheap property after a burst. In almost all sections of the country, the bubble remains "intact." For the most part, real estate bubbles don't pop, they just slowly deflate and the market levels off then surges again in the near future. Always take the approach that real estate is a long-term investment.

Hiring the wrong agent. Buyers and sellers should interview several agents, small and large. Get references and success stories. You may not benefit by opting for an agency's top-volume seller. That top-producing agent may have listed 40 homes last year and sold 30, but another agent may have listed 15 and sold 14. Opting for a friend or family member who is an agent doesn't assure you of results either. It could cause a rift. And choosing the agent who suggests the highest listing price is not a recipe for success either -- nor is opting for the agent who charges the lowest commission. Remember the SEED qualities in an agent: smart, empathic, experienced and dedicated will usually get the job done right.

Missing the big picture. Opting for a dream house that will otherwise create negative quality-of-life challenges such as longer commutes, distant schools, limited access to services, higher taxes, more stringent deed restrictions, stricter homeowner associations and other chronic headache-makers can cause buyers to question their decisions after a few months. Make sure your that dream house is grounded in reality.

Not knowing what you're signing. The sales contract is a legally binding document. Review it as if your legal well-being is at stake. It should address all your concerns and the concerns of the other party, such as who will pay what for closing costs and repairs expenses. A poorly written or incomplete contract can cost you lots of time, money and emotional energy and tie up your deal for weeks or months. If there have been any verbal commitments, they should be put in writing. If you're not using an attorney, make sure your agent is proactive in the construction and interpretation of the contract before you sign it or make concessions.

Poor timing. How many stories have you heard about people drowning under the weight of two mortgages because they committed to a new house before selling their old one? The most important transaction in the "buying-one-and-selling-one scenario" is the sale. Sometimes, you have little choice in the matter, but when you do, secure the sale of the old house before signing on the dotted line for the new one. Sure, you hate to miss out on that rare find and you might have to find an interim rental, but that's better than spending time in financial limbo and biting your fingernails to the quick. More from MSN

for low rate homeowners insurance

National Association of Home Builders Homeowners Insurance

Real Estate, Home Sales, Realtor, Home Builders, Homeowners Insurance.......
Nation's Strong Housing Market Seen 'Simmering Down' In 2006

December 21, 2005 - Following strong growth over the past three years, home sales and housing production will ease back next year to around 2004’s historically healthy levels, according to economists participating in a teleconference hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) yesterday.

Striking an overall positive tone, NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders and JP Morgan Chase Senior Economist James Glassman were largely in agreement in their forecasts for the coming year in terms of the outlook for housing and the overall economy.

“We ’re looking for a good economy through 2006, with GDP growth remaining strong and with job creation running at roughly the same pace as in 2005 – key positive factors in the housing outlook,” said NAHB’s Seiders.

“For housing, it will be a systematic simmering down process toward more sustainable levels of sales, production and price appreciation as opposed to a full-blown cyclical contraction. In terms of single-family sales and starts, we’ll basically be retracing the increases we saw in 2005, heading back to 2004’s very healthy levels.”

Seiders’ forecast envisions overall housing starts reaching 1.94 million units in 2006, which is down from an estimated 2.06 million units this year and very close to 2004’s 1.95 million units. Single-family starts will decline to 1.59 million next year from this year’s 1.71 million units, while sales of new single-family homes will ease to about 1.19 million units from this year’s record-breaking 1.27 million. Likewise, multifamily starts will slip to 350,000 in 2006 from about 354,000 in 2005. Read More.....Home Forecast
from National Home Builders
Real Estate
Insurance

National Association of Home Builders Homeowners Insurance

Real Estate, Home Sales, Realtor, Home Builders, Homeowners Insurance.......
Nation's Strong Housing Market Seen 'Simmering Down' In 2006

December 21, 2005 - Following strong growth over the past three years, home sales and housing production will ease back next year to around 2004’s historically healthy levels, according to economists participating in a teleconference hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) yesterday.

Striking an overall positive tone, NAHB Chief Economist David Seiders and JP Morgan Chase Senior Economist James Glassman were largely in agreement in their forecasts for the coming year in terms of the outlook for housing and the overall economy.

“We ’re looking for a good economy through 2006, with GDP growth remaining strong and with job creation running at roughly the same pace as in 2005 – key positive factors in the housing outlook,” said NAHB’s Seiders.

“For housing, it will be a systematic simmering down process toward more sustainable levels of sales, production and price appreciation as opposed to a full-blown cyclical contraction. In terms of single-family sales and starts, we’ll basically be retracing the increases we saw in 2005, heading back to 2004’s very healthy levels.”

Seiders’ forecast envisions overall housing starts reaching 1.94 million units in 2006, which is down from an estimated 2.06 million units this year and very close to 2004’s 1.95 million units. Single-family starts will decline to 1.59 million next year from this year’s 1.71 million units, while sales of new single-family homes will ease to about 1.19 million units from this year’s record-breaking 1.27 million. Likewise, multifamily starts will slip to 350,000 in 2006 from about 354,000 in 2005. Read More.....Home Forecast
from National Home Builders
Real Estate
Insurance

The Walk-Through - New York Times Real Estate Blog

real estate, agent, broker, homeowners insurance,....blogs....

Just found this great new Real Estate Blog from the New York Times..features Low Cost or No Cost Real Estate Data, Recent article about home sales nationwide..... recent articles and topics include....

David Berson, the chief economist at Fannie Mae, isn't getting gloomy about the housing market. In an interview during the Nightly Business Report on PBS last night, the economist said real estate sales will slow and prices may not climb, but thats only because investors what many would call speculators are dropping out of the market. But crash? No way, he says......Real Estate,Realtors, Agents Brokers.

for more info about Real Estate

The Walk-Through - New York Times Real Estate Blog

real estate, agent, broker, homeowners insurance,....blogs....

Just found this great new Real Estate Blog from the New York Times..features Low Cost or No Cost Real Estate Data, Recent article about home sales nationwide..... recent articles and topics include....

David Berson, the chief economist at Fannie Mae, isn't getting gloomy about the housing market. In an interview during the Nightly Business Report on PBS last night, the economist said real estate sales will slow and prices may not climb, but thats only because investors what many would call speculators are dropping out of the market. But crash? No way, he says......Real Estate,Realtors, Agents Brokers.

for more info about Real Estate

homeowners preventing holiday thefts

homeowners insurance, home insurance, insurance.....

• in a recent survey 52% of those polled said they never use their home security system
• 27.6% said they rarely or never keep the outside of their house well lit at night.
• Homeowners can help reduce holiday home burglaries by using their home security systems and attaching motion detectors to their outdoor lights.
• If you plan on being out of town during the holidays, do not advertise it.
• 40% of holiday travelers fail to stop their newspaper and mail service

Tips on how to reduce thefts and burglaries from your home:

1. Do not place gifts or valuables where they can be seen from a window
2. Burglars sometimes pose as delivery men to gain access to your home, ask for identification.
3. Be wary of strangers who ring your doorbell and say they have lost their pet and they think the pet is in your backyard. While you go to look they may burglarize your home.
4. Keep your home well lit and shrubs trimmed below window level.
5. Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the internet to prevent identity theft.
6. Keep garages and tool sheds locked. Burglars are not shy about using your tools to break into your home.
7. After the holidays avoid leaving boxes on the curb from big ticket items.

More Tips on How to Reduce or Prevent Holiday Theft from your home


insurance

homeowners preventing holiday thefts

homeowners insurance, home insurance, insurance.....

• in a recent survey 52% of those polled said they never use their home security system
• 27.6% said they rarely or never keep the outside of their house well lit at night.
• Homeowners can help reduce holiday home burglaries by using their home security systems and attaching motion detectors to their outdoor lights.
• If you plan on being out of town during the holidays, do not advertise it.
• 40% of holiday travelers fail to stop their newspaper and mail service

Tips on how to reduce thefts and burglaries from your home:

1. Do not place gifts or valuables where they can be seen from a window
2. Burglars sometimes pose as delivery men to gain access to your home, ask for identification.
3. Be wary of strangers who ring your doorbell and say they have lost their pet and they think the pet is in your backyard. While you go to look they may burglarize your home.
4. Keep your home well lit and shrubs trimmed below window level.
5. Turn off your computer and disconnect it from the internet to prevent identity theft.
6. Keep garages and tool sheds locked. Burglars are not shy about using your tools to break into your home.
7. After the holidays avoid leaving boxes on the curb from big ticket items.

More Tips on How to Reduce or Prevent Holiday Theft from your home


insurance

homeowners insurance for holiday hosts travelers

Homeowners Insurance, Home Insurance
Homeowners Insurance Advice for Holiday Hosts and Holiday Travelers
from Insurance Journal
If you're hosting friends and family this holiday season, it might pay to check your insurance first, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance. Better to know in advance what is covered and what isn't when hosting that Christmas dinner or New Year's party.

"None of us like to think about what might go wrong, but making sure you have the right insurance for your family, home and cars is an easy way to protect yourself during the holiday season and all year long," said Dean Martinez, acting secretary, IDFPR. "With so much going on this month, taking a minute to review insurance coverage can provide peace of mind."

The number of insurance claims rise during the winter months � auto accidents, home damage caused by bad weather, faulty wiring, increased crime � including identity theft, and accidents resulting from overindulgence, Martinez said.

The following tips provide guidance for Illinois residents hosting holiday celebrations or traveling this year:

* Homeowners Insurance -- Homeowners insurance policies include coverage for your dwelling and personal property contents against perils such as fire, as well as liability insurance to protect you if you become legally liable for someone's bodily injury or death, or damage to their property. Some homeowners' policies also provide coverage for other expenses, such as identity theft.

* Social host legal liability � According to Illinois law, social hosts who provides alcohol to guests and then do nothing to prevent an impaired person from driving or causing injuries to themselves or others, or damage to property might be liable for damages. Before hosting a party where you will serve alcohol, ask your insurance agent or company if your homeowners insurance policy covers you for social host legal liability. Most homeowners policies currently provide coverage for social host liability claims. If not, it may be possible to purchase insurance coverage for special events such as a large holiday party, wedding reception, etc.

* Winter weather � Besides protecting guests and family members from accidents, by taking care to keep your sidewalk and driveway free of ice/snow and making sure your home is in good repair; you can prevent claims against you and your insurance company. For the rest of this article : Holiday & Travel

from: Insurance Journal

insurance
homeowners insurance
holiday

homeowners insurance for holiday hosts travelers

Homeowners Insurance, Home Insurance
Homeowners Insurance Advice for Holiday Hosts and Holiday Travelers
from Insurance Journal
If you're hosting friends and family this holiday season, it might pay to check your insurance first, according to the Illinois Department of Insurance. Better to know in advance what is covered and what isn't when hosting that Christmas dinner or New Year's party.

"None of us like to think about what might go wrong, but making sure you have the right insurance for your family, home and cars is an easy way to protect yourself during the holiday season and all year long," said Dean Martinez, acting secretary, IDFPR. "With so much going on this month, taking a minute to review insurance coverage can provide peace of mind."

The number of insurance claims rise during the winter months � auto accidents, home damage caused by bad weather, faulty wiring, increased crime � including identity theft, and accidents resulting from overindulgence, Martinez said.

The following tips provide guidance for Illinois residents hosting holiday celebrations or traveling this year:

* Homeowners Insurance -- Homeowners insurance policies include coverage for your dwelling and personal property contents against perils such as fire, as well as liability insurance to protect you if you become legally liable for someone's bodily injury or death, or damage to their property. Some homeowners' policies also provide coverage for other expenses, such as identity theft.

* Social host legal liability � According to Illinois law, social hosts who provides alcohol to guests and then do nothing to prevent an impaired person from driving or causing injuries to themselves or others, or damage to property might be liable for damages. Before hosting a party where you will serve alcohol, ask your insurance agent or company if your homeowners insurance policy covers you for social host legal liability. Most homeowners policies currently provide coverage for social host liability claims. If not, it may be possible to purchase insurance coverage for special events such as a large holiday party, wedding reception, etc.

* Winter weather � Besides protecting guests and family members from accidents, by taking care to keep your sidewalk and driveway free of ice/snow and making sure your home is in good repair; you can prevent claims against you and your insurance company. For the rest of this article : Holiday & Travel

from: Insurance Journal

insurance
homeowners insurance
holiday

Good News Homes Opens Bedford Apartments

homeowners insurance, home insurance, ....

"

"After spending almost two months in a hospital this year, Jennifer Adams was not sure what she and her family were going to do. Adams’ husband was having to make multiple trips to the hospital as well as care for their two children. The expense of the trips to the hospital, combined with Adams not working, was becoming increasingly costly for the Bedford family.

“I don’t know what we’d been able to do,” Adams said. “We’d probably end up homeless.”

While Adams was in the hospital, transitional apartments were being built near downtown Bedford. The four apartments were the first project in Trimble County for Good News Homes, a nonprofit organization created by Southern Baptists in Oldham and Trimble counties.

Adams learned of the housing opportunity from the Bedford Baptist Church and applied for the housing opportunity in hopes of not having to live in a homeless shelter in Louisville. She and her family were chosen out of the abundance of applications Good News Homes received.

“It was a bigger need than anybody realized,” said Sheri Caldwell, program manager.

Now, the Adams family along with three other families wait for the sewer system to be connected to the apartment complex so the families will be able to move into their new homes. For now, Adams and her family are staying with a relative in Floyds Knobs, Ind., and Adams takes her two children to Trimble County schools each day for class, a 120-mile round trip, while the Adamses wait for the last piece of the construction to be finished. The family should be able to move in about a month.

Even though the Adams family has not moved in yet, the family had its first party Sunday with the building’s dedication. Good News Homes board members, workers, Oldham-Trimble Baptist Association members and community members stopped by to see how the four, three-bedroom apartments turned out. Read the rest of the Story Here: Madison News

Good News Homes Opens Bedford Apartments

homeowners insurance, home insurance, ....

"

"After spending almost two months in a hospital this year, Jennifer Adams was not sure what she and her family were going to do. Adams’ husband was having to make multiple trips to the hospital as well as care for their two children. The expense of the trips to the hospital, combined with Adams not working, was becoming increasingly costly for the Bedford family.

“I don’t know what we’d been able to do,” Adams said. “We’d probably end up homeless.”

While Adams was in the hospital, transitional apartments were being built near downtown Bedford. The four apartments were the first project in Trimble County for Good News Homes, a nonprofit organization created by Southern Baptists in Oldham and Trimble counties.

Adams learned of the housing opportunity from the Bedford Baptist Church and applied for the housing opportunity in hopes of not having to live in a homeless shelter in Louisville. She and her family were chosen out of the abundance of applications Good News Homes received.

“It was a bigger need than anybody realized,” said Sheri Caldwell, program manager.

Now, the Adams family along with three other families wait for the sewer system to be connected to the apartment complex so the families will be able to move into their new homes. For now, Adams and her family are staying with a relative in Floyds Knobs, Ind., and Adams takes her two children to Trimble County schools each day for class, a 120-mile round trip, while the Adamses wait for the last piece of the construction to be finished. The family should be able to move in about a month.

Even though the Adams family has not moved in yet, the family had its first party Sunday with the building’s dedication. Good News Homes board members, workers, Oldham-Trimble Baptist Association members and community members stopped by to see how the four, three-bedroom apartments turned out. Read the rest of the Story Here: Madison News

homeowners insurance property insurance

homeowners insurance, property insurance, home insurance. information about your homeowners insurance policy.
1) When you ar buying a home, consider the cost of homeowners insurance. In many cases, a newer home may cost less to insure than an older home .You may pay less for homeowners insurance if you buy ah ouse close to a fire hydrant or in a community that has a professional fire department. If your electrical, heating, and plumbing systems are less than 10 years old, you may be able to reduce your homeowners insurance premium. In some situations the cost of insurance for a brick home may be less than the cost of insuring a frame/wooden home.
category: homeowners insurance
2) Remember that flood insurance and earthquake insurance are not covered or a part of most homeowners insurance policies. If you purchase a home in a flood prone area you will need to purchase a separate flood policy. YOu may also want to consider adding earthquake coverage onto the policy by endorsement.
category: home insurance
3) Review the limist of your homeowners insurance policy and the value of your possessions at least once per year. Your want your property insurance policy to cover any major purchases or additions.
category: homeowners insurance
4) Maintain a Good Credit Score,
Maintain a Good Credit Score. Establishing a solid credit history can reduce your total insurance costs. Many insurers now use the credit information to determine the price of homeowners insurance.
category: homeowners insurance.
5) Improve your home security.
Improve your home security. You may be able to obtain a lowered rate for the following items
smoke detectors, burglar alarms, monitored home alarms.
category: homeowners insurance
6) The land under your house is not at risk of theft, windstorm or fire. So do not include the the value of land in deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy.
category: homeowners insurance
7) Raise your homeowners insurance deductible.
Raise your homeowners inurance deductible. The higher your deductible the more money you may save on homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies now recommend a deductible of at least $500......
category homeowners insurance
visit us online at Ky Homeowners Insurance
Dick Watts Insurance
12200 Shelbyville Rd #112, Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 245-3625
Homeowners Insurance
Home Insurance
property+insurance

homeowners insurance property insurance

homeowners insurance, property insurance, home insurance. information about your homeowners insurance policy.
1) When you ar buying a home, consider the cost of homeowners insurance. In many cases, a newer home may cost less to insure than an older home .You may pay less for homeowners insurance if you buy ah ouse close to a fire hydrant or in a community that has a professional fire department. If your electrical, heating, and plumbing systems are less than 10 years old, you may be able to reduce your homeowners insurance premium. In some situations the cost of insurance for a brick home may be less than the cost of insuring a frame/wooden home.
category: homeowners insurance
2) Remember that flood insurance and earthquake insurance are not covered or a part of most homeowners insurance policies. If you purchase a home in a flood prone area you will need to purchase a separate flood policy. YOu may also want to consider adding earthquake coverage onto the policy by endorsement.
category: home insurance
3) Review the limist of your homeowners insurance policy and the value of your possessions at least once per year. Your want your property insurance policy to cover any major purchases or additions.
category: homeowners insurance
4) Maintain a Good Credit Score,
Maintain a Good Credit Score. Establishing a solid credit history can reduce your total insurance costs. Many insurers now use the credit information to determine the price of homeowners insurance.
category: homeowners insurance.
5) Improve your home security.
Improve your home security. You may be able to obtain a lowered rate for the following items
smoke detectors, burglar alarms, monitored home alarms.
category: homeowners insurance
6) The land under your house is not at risk of theft, windstorm or fire. So do not include the the value of land in deciding how much homeowners insurance to buy.
category: homeowners insurance
7) Raise your homeowners insurance deductible.
Raise your homeowners inurance deductible. The higher your deductible the more money you may save on homeowners insurance. Many insurance companies now recommend a deductible of at least $500......
category homeowners insurance
visit us online at Ky Homeowners Insurance
Dick Watts Insurance
12200 Shelbyville Rd #112, Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 245-3625
Homeowners Insurance
Home Insurance
property+insurance

tired of getting stuck in a voice mail loop?

When you call us at 502-245-3625 you will get to speak to a real person, you will not get automatically thrown into voice mail. We make an extra effort to personally answer each call. If you happen to call during normal business hours and we cannot get the phone, you will have the option of leaving a brief message vs being stuck in a Voice Mail Phone System. We wanted to share this new information with our customers. There is now a free list available online of many major companies and how to bypass their voice mail systems and get to a real person. The name of the web site is Paul English. We recently heard about this on the national news. We have not tried any of the phone numbers or work arounds yet. If you get a chance to try a number and it works, please leave a comment here on our blog. Once again the site is PaulEnglish.com

tired of getting stuck in a voice mail loop?

When you call us at 502-245-3625 you will get to speak to a real person, you will not get automatically thrown into voice mail. We make an extra effort to personally answer each call. If you happen to call during normal business hours and we cannot get the phone, you will have the option of leaving a brief message vs being stuck in a Voice Mail Phone System. We wanted to share this new information with our customers. There is now a free list available online of many major companies and how to bypass their voice mail systems and get to a real person. The name of the web site is Paul English. We recently heard about this on the national news. We have not tried any of the phone numbers or work arounds yet. If you get a chance to try a number and it works, please leave a comment here on our blog. Once again the site is PaulEnglish.com

auto insurance

auto insurance

traveling fun tip, best Hot Dog Spot in LA

For those of you luck enough to escape the harsh cold winter of Louisville, and if you are traveling to Los Angeles you may want to check out this blog, Hot Dog Spot They claim more Hot Dogs are consumed in LA then anywhere else. This blog is on their quest for the best Hot Dog Spot in LA

traveling fun tip, best Hot Dog Spot in LA

For those of you luck enough to escape the harsh cold winter of Louisville, and if you are traveling to Los Angeles you may want to check out this blog, Hot Dog Spot They claim more Hot Dogs are consumed in LA then anywhere else. This blog is on their quest for the best Hot Dog Spot in LA

car insurance kentucky

car insurance kentucky, we specialize in low rate car insurance for kentucky, call us today at 1-866-540-9504 for a free auto insurance quote
car insurance kentucky

car insurance kentucky

car insurance kentucky, we specialize in low rate car insurance for kentucky, call us today at 1-866-540-9504 for a free auto insurance quote
car insurance kentucky

No Proof of Insurance-New Law

Starting January 1, however, the free ride gets more difficult when county clerks offices across Kentucky begin interfacing online with insurance companies.

Here's the way the new process to enforce the law will work: 300 insurers across the Commonwealth have agreed to share information and notify the state as soon as an insurance policy expires or is canceled.

On the street, police will have instant access to the information from their patrol cars, so they can now write citations on the spot for driving without insurance, even if they're presented with what appears to be a valid insurance card.

Behind the scenes, state officials will work to check the information and send out warnings. Violators will be given 30 days to correct the problem or risk winding up in court.

State Representative Ron Crimm (R-Louisville) says this change represents progress towards getting uninsured drivers off the road. "This certainly is not going to keep the accident from happening, but if helps one more person get their insurance and keep it in force, then the program has done a good job."

Equipment bought for enforcement also added a techno-perk: you'll soon be able to avoid the wait at the department of motor vehicles and register your car online in Kentucky.

And those lines may grow by an estimated 12 percent if everyone driving without insurance is forced to obey the law.
Read the rest of the story at Wave 3
Auto Insurance New Law
Kentucky Insurance

No Proof of Insurance-New Law

Starting January 1, however, the free ride gets more difficult when county clerks offices across Kentucky begin interfacing online with insurance companies.

Here's the way the new process to enforce the law will work: 300 insurers across the Commonwealth have agreed to share information and notify the state as soon as an insurance policy expires or is canceled.

On the street, police will have instant access to the information from their patrol cars, so they can now write citations on the spot for driving without insurance, even if they're presented with what appears to be a valid insurance card.

Behind the scenes, state officials will work to check the information and send out warnings. Violators will be given 30 days to correct the problem or risk winding up in court.

State Representative Ron Crimm (R-Louisville) says this change represents progress towards getting uninsured drivers off the road. "This certainly is not going to keep the accident from happening, but if helps one more person get their insurance and keep it in force, then the program has done a good job."

Equipment bought for enforcement also added a techno-perk: you'll soon be able to avoid the wait at the department of motor vehicles and register your car online in Kentucky.

And those lines may grow by an estimated 12 percent if everyone driving without insurance is forced to obey the law.
Read the rest of the story at Wave 3
Auto Insurance New Law
Kentucky Insurance

Turkey Shotgun Season Ending

Kentucky hunters have until Thursday evening to get a Christmas turkey with a firearm during the second half of fall turkey shotgun season.

Hunters have harvested nearly 2,200 birds this fall, during the October shotgun season and the ongoing fall archery season.

"So far, this year's numbers look to be right on average following last year's record fall harvest," said Steven Dobey, wildlife program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). "I would expect the December harvest to be good this year, especially with the warmer than average temperatures."

Summer brood surveys conducted by the KDFWR showed lower than average reproduction. The eastern section of Kentucky showed the highest reproductive success, whereas reproduction in the central and western sections of the state was far below average.

Turkey hunters are required to have a Kentucky hunting license, as well as a fall turkey shotgun permit. The fall shotgun season bag limit allows a hunter two turkeys of either sex, with a daily limit of one turkey.

If a hunter has already taken a turkey during the October shotgun season, he or she may take one additional turkey during the December season. Hunters who have not harvested a turkey during October may take both turkeys during the December segment, and those who took two birds in the October segment have reached their fall shotgun season limit already.

Fall turkey archery season continues now through Jan. 16.

DEER TOTALS - Deer hunters are having another good year in the Bluegrass state. As of Dec. 4, they had harvested 100,619 deer.

Numbers will continue to climb as archery season continues thorough Jan. 16 and the second muzzleloader season runs Dec. 10-18. However the total probably won't reach last year's record of 124,752, but could reach the average kill of 110,201 for the past six seasons.

As of Dec. 4, 587 deer had been taken in Taylor County and 961 in Green County.

Now is a great time to make sure you have the most competitive homeowners insurance rates . We offer competitive homeowners insurance rates for Kentucky residents. If you have been cancelled or non-renewed by your prior homeowners insurance company we may be able to insure you today. If you have been cancelled for too many claims, we can shop to find you a competitive homeowners insurance quote. If you have no prior homeowners or property insurance, we can insure your home today. If you have a Vacant Home or Rental property we can help you find rental property insurance or vacant home insurance. Dick Watts Insurance 12200 Shelbyville Rd #112, Louisville, KY 40243 502-245-3625 or toll free 1-866-540-9504

Kentucky
Homeowners Insurance
Kentucky Hunting Season

Turkey Shotgun Season Ending

Kentucky hunters have until Thursday evening to get a Christmas turkey with a firearm during the second half of fall turkey shotgun season.

Hunters have harvested nearly 2,200 birds this fall, during the October shotgun season and the ongoing fall archery season.

"So far, this year's numbers look to be right on average following last year's record fall harvest," said Steven Dobey, wildlife program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR). "I would expect the December harvest to be good this year, especially with the warmer than average temperatures."

Summer brood surveys conducted by the KDFWR showed lower than average reproduction. The eastern section of Kentucky showed the highest reproductive success, whereas reproduction in the central and western sections of the state was far below average.

Turkey hunters are required to have a Kentucky hunting license, as well as a fall turkey shotgun permit. The fall shotgun season bag limit allows a hunter two turkeys of either sex, with a daily limit of one turkey.

If a hunter has already taken a turkey during the October shotgun season, he or she may take one additional turkey during the December season. Hunters who have not harvested a turkey during October may take both turkeys during the December segment, and those who took two birds in the October segment have reached their fall shotgun season limit already.

Fall turkey archery season continues now through Jan. 16.

DEER TOTALS - Deer hunters are having another good year in the Bluegrass state. As of Dec. 4, they had harvested 100,619 deer.

Numbers will continue to climb as archery season continues thorough Jan. 16 and the second muzzleloader season runs Dec. 10-18. However the total probably won't reach last year's record of 124,752, but could reach the average kill of 110,201 for the past six seasons.

As of Dec. 4, 587 deer had been taken in Taylor County and 961 in Green County.

Now is a great time to make sure you have the most competitive homeowners insurance rates . We offer competitive homeowners insurance rates for Kentucky residents. If you have been cancelled or non-renewed by your prior homeowners insurance company we may be able to insure you today. If you have been cancelled for too many claims, we can shop to find you a competitive homeowners insurance quote. If you have no prior homeowners or property insurance, we can insure your home today. If you have a Vacant Home or Rental property we can help you find rental property insurance or vacant home insurance. Dick Watts Insurance 12200 Shelbyville Rd #112, Louisville, KY 40243 502-245-3625 or toll free 1-866-540-9504

Kentucky
Homeowners Insurance
Kentucky Hunting Season

Thank A Soldier Week December 19-25

Thank A Soldier Week December 19-25th

During Thank a Soldier Week (December 19-25),
Townhall.com is encouraging Americans to stop for a moment and give thanks to the men and women risking everything for us.
We challenge you to do 3 things:

Say Thank You
Say "Thank You" to at least one member of the Armed Forces as you pass them on the street.

Send An Email
Send an email (use the form below) to a soldier serving overseas, separated from loved ones during the holiday season. click here to send an Email

Send Money
Make a donation to one of the many charitable organizations providing comfort to the troops and their families at home.

Start Right Now! Just Click on This Link: ThankASoldierWeek.com

Visit us online for a Free Auto Insurance Qutoe : DickWattsInsurance.com

Thank A Soldier Week

Country Music Awards
Dick Watts Insurance

Thank A Soldier Week December 19-25

Thank A Soldier Week December 19-25th

During Thank a Soldier Week (December 19-25),
Townhall.com is encouraging Americans to stop for a moment and give thanks to the men and women risking everything for us.
We challenge you to do 3 things:

Say Thank You
Say "Thank You" to at least one member of the Armed Forces as you pass them on the street.

Send An Email
Send an email (use the form below) to a soldier serving overseas, separated from loved ones during the holiday season. click here to send an Email

Send Money
Make a donation to one of the many charitable organizations providing comfort to the troops and their families at home.

Start Right Now! Just Click on This Link: ThankASoldierWeek.com

Visit us online for a Free Auto Insurance Qutoe : DickWattsInsurance.com

Thank A Soldier Week

Country Music Awards
Dick Watts Insurance

10 cars for safety

Insurers Praise Top Ten Cars for Safety
Ten 2006 passenger cars won praise from the insurance industry Sunday for offering top-of-the-line protection to passengers in front, side and rear crashes.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced a new designation, the Top Safety Pick award, based on the performance of vehicles in their crash tests.

Winners of the institute's gold award included the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego with optional side air bags; the Saab 9-3; the Subaru Legacy; and the Honda Civic four-door. The Five Hundred and Montego are corporate twins and were considered by the institute to be the same car, for award purposes.

They earned top scores in frontal offset and side impact tests, and a test that reviews seat and head restraints in rear crashes.

The silver award went to the Audi A6, Audi A3 and Audi A4; the Chevrolet Malibu with optional side air bags; and the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat.

The institute recognized vehicles that won top marks in front and side crash tests, plus the second-highest mark in seat and head restraint ratings.

No awards were given to minivans. Tests for pickups and sport utility vehicles were still being conducted. Read More Here: Insurance Companies Praise 10 Cars for Safety



car insurance
kentucky
auto insurance
car safety

10 cars for safety

Insurers Praise Top Ten Cars for Safety
Ten 2006 passenger cars won praise from the insurance industry Sunday for offering top-of-the-line protection to passengers in front, side and rear crashes.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced a new designation, the Top Safety Pick award, based on the performance of vehicles in their crash tests.

Winners of the institute's gold award included the Ford Five Hundred and Mercury Montego with optional side air bags; the Saab 9-3; the Subaru Legacy; and the Honda Civic four-door. The Five Hundred and Montego are corporate twins and were considered by the institute to be the same car, for award purposes.

They earned top scores in frontal offset and side impact tests, and a test that reviews seat and head restraints in rear crashes.

The silver award went to the Audi A6, Audi A3 and Audi A4; the Chevrolet Malibu with optional side air bags; and the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat.

The institute recognized vehicles that won top marks in front and side crash tests, plus the second-highest mark in seat and head restraint ratings.

No awards were given to minivans. Tests for pickups and sport utility vehicles were still being conducted. Read More Here: Insurance Companies Praise 10 Cars for Safety



car insurance
kentucky
auto insurance
car safety

give the gift of life this holiday season

Give the Gift of Life this holiday Season,
Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk

• The Holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving .
• 1210 people in the US during December 2004 were killed in a highway crash
• In 2004, over 15,000 alcohol related crashes involving a driver with a BAC of .08 or above
• The Watts Team is encouraging everyone to give the gift of life this yearby helping make sure no one gets behind the wheel while impaired
• Always Designate a Sober Designated Driver before the party.
  
• If you are organizing a Holiday Party remind guests to designate a driver. Serve non-alcoholic beverages to the designated driver, other ways to avoid tragedy:
• If impaired, Call a Taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend.
• Report Impaired Drivers to Law Enforcement
• Always wear your seat belt, buckle up.

Spend the night where the party is held and sleep it off

For more information visit: StopImpairedDriving.org

give the gift of life this holiday season

Give the Gift of Life this holiday Season,
Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk

• The Holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving .
• 1210 people in the US during December 2004 were killed in a highway crash
• In 2004, over 15,000 alcohol related crashes involving a driver with a BAC of .08 or above
• The Watts Team is encouraging everyone to give the gift of life this yearby helping make sure no one gets behind the wheel while impaired
• Always Designate a Sober Designated Driver before the party.
  
• If you are organizing a Holiday Party remind guests to designate a driver. Serve non-alcoholic beverages to the designated driver, other ways to avoid tragedy:
• If impaired, Call a Taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend.
• Report Impaired Drivers to Law Enforcement
• Always wear your seat belt, buckle up.

Spend the night where the party is held and sleep it off

For more information visit: StopImpairedDriving.org

LaGrange KY Lights Up This Weekend

LaGrange Kentucky Lights Up this Weekend.
The holiday season offically kicks off in LaGrange KY this weekend as the city once again lights up its Streets during Light Up LaGrange Kentucky .The annual festival which has been voted one of the Kentucky Tourism Council's Top Ten Kentucky Winter Festivals kicks off on Friday Dec 2 at 6:00 PM with the Santa Parade .
Other Activities:

• Carriage Rides
• Free gift wrapping from local merchants.
• LaGrange KY Christian Church Spaghetti dinner

LaGrange Kentucky Fire Dept Chili Dinner
For more information visit: Kentucky Festivals
Discover Downtown LaGrange

Pewee Valley, KY
TBA: Pewee Valley Yule Log. Entertainment, presentation at the Little Colonel Playhouse, bonfire, caroling and food.
TBA: Little Colonel’s Christmas Festival. At the Little Colonel Playhouse. (502) 588-1557.

If you would like your Kentucky Christmas Festival added, just send us an email.
Merry Christmas from Dick Watts Insurance!

LaGrange KY Lights Up This Weekend

LaGrange Kentucky Lights Up this Weekend.
The holiday season offically kicks off in LaGrange KY this weekend as the city once again lights up its Streets during Light Up LaGrange Kentucky .The annual festival which has been voted one of the Kentucky Tourism Council's Top Ten Kentucky Winter Festivals kicks off on Friday Dec 2 at 6:00 PM with the Santa Parade .
Other Activities:

• Carriage Rides
• Free gift wrapping from local merchants.
• LaGrange KY Christian Church Spaghetti dinner

LaGrange Kentucky Fire Dept Chili Dinner
For more information visit: Kentucky Festivals
Discover Downtown LaGrange

Pewee Valley, KY
TBA: Pewee Valley Yule Log. Entertainment, presentation at the Little Colonel Playhouse, bonfire, caroling and food.
TBA: Little Colonel’s Christmas Festival. At the Little Colonel Playhouse. (502) 588-1557.

If you would like your Kentucky Christmas Festival added, just send us an email.
Merry Christmas from Dick Watts Insurance!