We sit down with Kerry Ward, an experienced Insurance Agent at Darr Schackow Insurance, to delve into the complexities of the current insurance market. On this episode, we cover a range of essential topics, including the present state of the insurance market and understanding flood insurance coverage and requirements. Kerry shares insights on how Gainesville's insurance landscape compares to other regions in Florida and the potential impacts of a catastrophic hurricane hitting our area.

We discuss key factors influencing homeowners insurance premiums and provide a detailed walkthrough of the insurance process after going under contract for a home. Our conversation also addresses the importance of the 4-point inspection, covering the electrical system, HVAC system, plumbing system, and roof. Kerry highlights the benefits of completing a pre-inspection when selling your home and shares essential considerations for both home sellers and buyers. We also touch on renovation home insurance policies and analyze the recent spike in insurance rates, offering tips on securing the best coverage.

Tune in for this comprehensive discussion to gain valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the world of homeowners insurance, whether you're buying, selling, or renovating a home.

We sat down with Matt Peck, owner of HouseMaster in Gainesville, Florida, a home inspection company that provides many types of inspections, from general to wood destroying organisms, and almost everything in between. What’s everything, you might ask? Well, Matt dives into the different types of inspections, why buyers AND sellers should have them, and what types of home nightmares might be discovered during one! If you’re curious to know what types of home inspections there are and which you should get when buying or selling, then you’ll want to listen to this episode.

Contact Matt:

(352) 472 - 5552

https://housemaster.com/gainesville-home-inspection

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Podcast regular, Mortgage Banker with Ameris Bank, Dan Coffey, discusses questions that first-time buyers have about how to prepare to buy a home in the future and how Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, can actually help save a buyer money when purchasing a home, and often how it can make a home more affordable. As Dan always says, “the only time better to buy a home than today was yesterday!” If you’re a first-time home buyer or a repeat buyer who wants to know more about the advantages of PMI, then you’ll want to listen to Dan’s insights.

Episode Resources:

• Dan Coffey: https://bankers.amerisbank.com/fl/gainesville/dan-coffey-208400

Mortgage Loan Officer, Dan Coffey is back on the podcast to provide in depth knowledge about the dynamic and ever-evolving world of mortgage lending. In this episode, we explore valuable insights and opportunities for prospective homebuyers. Dan discusses predictions for interest rates and highlights the resurgence of FHA loans - covering qualification criteria, credit scores, and the flexibility of FHA loans. We also delve into seller concessions, mortgage points, and the benefits of locking in rates early. Additionally, Dan sheds light on the advantages of VA loans. Despite market shifts, Dan emphasizes the enduring value of homeownership as a core element of long-term financial well-being. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this episode will equip you with valuable insights to navigate the mortgage market with confidence.

Episode Resources:

• Dan Coffey: https://bankers.amerisbank.com/fl/gainesville/dan-coffey-208400

John Darr, CEO and owner of Darr Schackow Insurance joins us again on the podcast to discuss the ever-changing insurance industry in Florida. Since our last episode with John, the insurance industry in Florida has undergone significant changes, including stricter underwriting rules and requirements for roofs, water heaters, and claims history. Today, we delve into some of these changes, such as the requirement for wind mitigation and four-point inspections, and explore how insurance premiums are affected by various factors. Join us to learn more about how these changes can impact your insurance premiums and your ability to obtain insurance coverage on your home.

John Darr is the CEO and owner of Darr Schackow Insurance, a Florida-based full-service insurance agency with over 30 years of experience. He is dedicated to providing personalized insurance solutions to meet the unique needs of his clients and has grown the agency into one of the largest independent insurance agencies in Florida. In addition to his work, Darr is involved in the community and serves on several local organization boards.

CONNECT with our guest:

• https://darrschackowinsurance.com
• https://www.instagram.com/darrschackowinsurance
• https://www.facebook.com/dsi5200

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Interest is the only thing that seems to interest buyers and sellers these days. Will the interest rates affect sales? How about my purchasing power? How high will interest rates climb? Will this cause a housing bust? Regular and super knowledgeable guest Dan Coffey joins us again today to share his insights and provide info about today’s rates, where he sees them going tomorrow, and why they’re not - and won’t be - where they were yesterday. Whether you’re a buyer wondering if you should “wait it out” until the next housing bust or a seller wondering if now is a good time to list, this episode is definitely one to listen to.

Property management: not the sexiest topic in real estate, but definitely a big component of it. Today, Susan McQuillan, V.P./North Central Region at Watson Realty Corp’s Property Management Division, joins us to discuss property management and what it involves. From securing tenants to managing leases to calling a plumber when there’s a toilet issue, property managers do it all. With a shortage of inventory, rising rental prices, tenant and landlord laws changing, and with large apartment complexes absorbing so much of the rental market, she also addresses the impact that those factors have had on investors and also how they’re affecting sales of investment properties.