Finding a home away from home can be a great way to vacation. Especially if you have kids or a large group, a vacation rental may be a lot more fun—and a lot more affordable—than a hotel. Follow these seven steps to find the perfect place and get invited back.

1. Deal with reputable sources. There are plenty of rental agencies, and some are even affiliated with realtors. There are also websites that let you work directly with the owner. Whomever you deal with, check into their background as much as possible. If it’s a company, check out the Better Business Bureau for reviews.
2. Know what you need. Think about the number of bedrooms, separate beds and other amenities you’ll want, as well as location. If you have kids or pets, verify the rental’s rules and evaluate safety factors like a fenced-in yard or a cover and alarm on the backyard hot tub.
3. Get detailed photos and descriptions. You wouldn’t buy a house without seeing it first, and you shouldn’t rent one that way, either. You may not be able to visit in person, but get as many photos as you can, along with information on everything from the number of closets to whether the house has pots and pans.
4. Find out what’s included in the price. The place may have Internet access, but is there an extra charge? What about utilities? Also make sure there’s someone you can contact while you’re there if you run into a problem such as a broken air conditioner or heater. You’ll want these details spelled out up front—and in writing.
5. Sign a contract. Be sure it details everyone’s responsibilities. For example, do you have to clean the house before you leave? How soon does the owner or agency agree to fix anything that breaks? Read the fine print and never send money before the contract is signed.
6. Consider your coverage. Make sure the rental homeowner has insurance for the structure and its contents. Also, talk to your Nationwide agent to be sure your homeowners or renters policy covers your personal items while you’re in the rental home.
7. Be a great houseguest. Never forget you’re staying in someone else’s home. Treat everything with respect and clean up after yourself. If your group damages something, offer to repair or replace it—especially if you want to be invited back. If you fall in love with your home away from home, tell the owner or rental agency right away and reserve your spot for next year.

For more information about these tips or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group publishes the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

First, spread the rinds from an orange or lemon on paper towels, and let them dry out overnight. When the rinds are thoroughly dry, toss them on the fire to create a lovely citrus aroma.

If you are not into a citrus scent, you could toss in a few pinecones for a more woodsy fragrance.

For more information about this tip or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group and Bottom Line Secrets publish the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Reprinted with the permission of:
Bottom Line Publications
Boardroom Inc.
281 Tresser Blvd., 8th Floor
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www.BottomLineSecrets.com

Mold can be defined as a growth of minute fungi forming on vegetable or animal matter, commonly as a downy or furry coating, and associated with decay or dampness. Growth of mold may begin with or become exacerbated by water damage that is inadequately repaired. Increasingly, airtight building construction (for purposes of improving energy efficiency) and the recirculation of contaminated air can contribute to the growth of mold as well.

Mold claim costs have increased dramatically over the years. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the typical mold claim costs between $15,000 and $30,000, compared to only $3,000 to $4,000 for an average homeowners claim. Part of this reason is the additional living expenses component of the claim. Frequently, a home owner must temporarily move out of the home due to necessary and major remediation work.

Active mold is fuzzy, velvety, or slimy, and is orange, green, black, brown, pink, or purple in color. If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, here are some tips to consider.

• Check the inside and outside of the dwelling for leaks and any visual evidence of contaminants since plumbing leaks are a primary cause of mold in homes. This task includes investigating the attic and basement to closely check for dampness and discoloration. It is important that the source of the leak be repaired as quickly as possible.

• If there is a slight amount of mold, used a detergent solution to remove it. Wear a mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves while performing this task.

• For larger amounts of mold or resistant mold, contact a qualified specialist in the area of mold remediation.

• For moderate or major damage to property, also contact your insurance agent.

• To mold-proof your home, dehumidify your basement during the warm months. Eliminate standing water, and frequently clean and replace furnace filters.

• Regularly check the condition of your roof and exterior finish for any places where water might enter your home.

If mold is suspected of causing an illness, consider the following recommendations.

• Contacting an environmental consultant may be necessary. You should ascertain the credentials of this consultant and contact the references provided. In addition, it is wise to select a consultant who does not perform the actual remediation work or have an interest in a company that does.

• If symptoms persist, a physician who specializes in occupational and environmental medicine (rather than a family practitioner) should be consulted. The specialist is often able to more easily isolate the cause.

For more information about ways to reduce your exposure to mold losses or to request an insurance quote for your auto, home, life, or business in Kentucky, Indiana or Tennessee:

Contact Tim Hamilton or Monica Landers at (859) 276-1234 or go online at www.timhamiltoninsurance.net or www.nationwide.com/agent/lexington-kentucky-insurance-agent/timhamilton/office-listing.html.

Disclaimer: Hamilton Insurance Group publishes the opinions of expert authorities in many fields. But the use of these opinions is no substitute for legal, accounting, investment, medical and other professional services to suit your specific personal needs. Always consult a competent professional for answers to your specific questions.

Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.

Copyright 2011
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.