You Just have to go with Your Gut!

So I've busy trying to nail down insurance for this would be home purchase.  I've contacted 6 insurance companies. 3 by referral, the other 3 I found on my own.  So far I have 3 quotes, all of them are about the same, give or take a hundred dollars.  I've spoken directly with 3 sales agents out of the 4 I've had contact with. 

Have you ever spoken with someone and gotten that "used car salesman" vibe off of them?  Well, no offence to any used car salesmen reading this, but that's the feeling I got today when speaking with one particular agent today.  First he tells me the quote he sent me isn't for the type of rentals we are planning to do (short term) and did we consider doing long-term rentals.  Gee Whiz, if I wanted that I wouldn't have told him we were looking for home insurance on a property we plan to use for short-term rentals.  In addition to this he asked who the other companies I got quotes from, I have no problem telling him as I am looking for the best rate!  But then he tells me one won't actually cover us and blah, blah, blah he just wants to make sure we're protected.

Funny how even without seeing someone you can get that "feeling". I learned when we sold our last house (on our own) that you just need to go with your gut.  We had a real estate agent come (who actually did bring in a good offer) but from the get go he just made me uncomfortable.  In the end he upset his clients (who blamed us) and totally ignored a stipulation of the sale that we made clear from the moment we met him.  It didn't matter in the end as we sold our house the same day and ended up with wonderful neighbours, but I did learn to listen to my gut.

So I will continue to try nail down an insurance provider that satisfies my gut and provides a reasonable policy.  Those hurricanes do cost you a lot in insurance, good thing the sun and fun of Florida makes up for it. Can't wait for this to be finalized (hopefully) and get to enjoy all that sun and share it with others! Until next time.

The Cart before the Horse

So it's been a couple of weeks since the papers have been signed. We've decided on a property management company for when (and if) the sale goes through! http://www.houseproudflorida.com/ They seem like really nice people and all the other homeowners that I talked to who use them had nothing but great things to say. 

I've got my quotes in from 4 different inspection companies, so that is off my list. The only decision we need to make is whether or not to get a wind mitigation inspection. That's what I was working on today, quotes for insurance and if the wind mitigation inspection will help to decrease our premiums. Decisions, decisions:)  Hurricanes can be a pain in your pocket book!

I can't help but think that I'm getting ahead of myself (hence the title). I'm just hoping that by being prepared, we'll be able to jump into action once we have a closing date!

So as I sit here writing down my thoughts, I can't help but daydream about warmer weather and exciting changes. Our 2 kids have been making a list of all the things they want to do when they go to Florida again. This weekend is the beginning of Mardi Gras celebrations at Universal Studios (http://www.universalorlando.com/Events/Mardi-Gras/Overview.aspx). , it sounds like a lot of fun and we'll definitly have to add it to our "to do" list.