Thinking of buying a home?
A handful of things are worth checking before you close — they can affect what a home costs to insure, or even whether it's easy to cover at all. Here's what we look at with our clients.
Before you close, take a look at…
You don't need to be an expert — that's our job. But knowing what carriers pay attention to can save you surprises (and money) once you're under contract. Bring us an address and we'll help you sort through any of these.
The roof
Roofs top an insurer's list. If it's 15–20 years or older, find out when it was last replaced — an aging roof can raise your premium or limit how it's covered.
Heating & oil tanks
Wood and pellet stoves and oil tanks should be professionally installed and documented. Older or buried oil tanks are worth flagging early — some carriers won't take them on.
The electrical system
Knob-and-tube wiring, fuse boxes, and certain older electrical panels can make a home harder to insure. It's worth knowing what's behind the walls before you close.
Trampolines
Planning on a trampoline? Some carriers will cover one if it has a safety net; others won't insure a home with one at all. Worth checking before it goes in the yard.
Plumbing & water
Older galvanized or polybutylene plumbing — and whether there's a sump pump or a risk of water backup — can affect both your coverage and your cost.
Fire protection
How close the home is to a fire hydrant and fire station factors into your rate. More rural properties sometimes cost a bit more to insure.
The home's claim history
Every property has a claim record (a CLUE report). Past water or fire claims can follow a house — we can help you look into it before you commit.
Flood zone
Standard home insurance doesn't include flood. If the property is in — or near — a flood zone, you may need a separate flood policy. Better to know before closing than after.
None of these should scare you off a home you love — they're just worth knowing so there are no surprises at the closing table. Found a place? Send us the address and we'll walk through it with you.