Review and update your insurance policy
Brought
to you by
- Allison Kloster, Associate Broker, Home Real Estate
Happy New Year!! Wow – it’s hard to believe that 2025 is here. We get asked a lot of questions over the holidays and this year, the big discussion we had was centered around home insurance and content insurance.
We highly encourage everyone to review and update your insurance policy now, especially since housing values and the cost of contents have increased tremendously over the last 5 years.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you’re properly covered and avoid any gaps in protection due to rising home values and costs.
1. Reevaluate your home’s value (Dwelling Coverage)
• Home value vs. Market value: Home insurance generally covers the replacement cost of your home (the cost to rebuild it) rather than its market value (how much you could sell it for). You will likely find that your current dwelling coverage is insufficient to rebuild your home after a loss.
• Rebuild costs: Consider changes in construction costs, labor rates, and material prices. If your home was built several years ago, it might cost more today to rebuild it than when you initially purchased the policy.
• Cost of renovations: If you’ve made improvements, additions, or renovations to your home (e.g., adding a room or upgrading the kitchen), you’ll need to update your coverage to reflect the increased value.
2. Update your Contents Coverage
• Inflation and rising prices: With inflation driving up the cost of everyday items like electronics, furniture, appliances, and clothing, the total value of your possessions may be higher than it was when you first purchased your policy.
• Inventory and documentation: Take the time to make a detailed inventory of your belongings. Document the value of high-ticket items with receipts or photos. Some home insurance policies will only cover the replacement cost, while others may offer actual cash value (which factors in depreciation). Make sure you understand which one you have and consider upgrading to a policy that offers replacement cost if you’re not already covered. Using video is also very helpful and offers more detail in items. Note serial numbers where applicable.
• Specialized items: If you own high-value items such as jewelry, artwork, musical instruments, or collectibles, these might require scheduled personal property coverage (also known as a floater). A floater policy provides more protection than the typical contents coverage, including worldwide coverage for loss, theft, or damage.
3. Inflation guard/Extended replacement cost
• Inflation guard: This is a feature that many insurance providers offer, where they automatically adjust your policy’s limits each year to keep up with inflation. It’s particularly important if the cost to rebuild homes in your area is climbing faster than average inflation rates.
• Extended replacement cost: If your home’s replacement value is higher than the initial estimate (due to rising material costs), extended replacement cost coverage may provide extra coverage—often up to 20%
to 25% beyond the policy limit. This can be invaluable if you don’t want to find yourself paying out-of-pocket for the difference between the policy payout and actual rebuild costs.
4. Consider additional coverage for special items –some of these are more applicable to areas outside Atlanta
• Scheduled property: For items like fine jewelry, collectibles, high-end electronics, or rare antiques, consider a scheduled personal property endorsement. This provides specific coverage for individual high-value items, and often offers fewer exclusions or limits than your standard contents coverage.
• Flood insurance: Standard homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage. If you’re in a flood-prone area, especially as sea levels rise or with increasing storm severity, you should consider purchasing separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
• Earthquake insurance: Similarly, earthquake coverage is often excluded from standard homeowners’ policies. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider adding this coverage.
• Umbrella insurance: If your personal assets have increased, an umbrella insurance policy can provide additional liability protection above and beyond the limits of your homeowners’ or auto insurance.
5. Review Liability Protection
• Personal liability coverage: This covers legal and medical expenses if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. With rising property values, it’s important to assess whether your liability coverage is enough to cover potential lawsuits or claims.
• Dog liability: If you have a dog, some policies may include exclusions for certain breeds. If your dog is considered a higher-risk breed, make sure your policy includes adequate liability coverage.
• Guests and social media: Liability insurance may also extend to incidents involving guests or activities you share online. If someone is injured at a gathering or as a result of your actions posted on social media, the liability insurance could protect you.
6. Compare quotes and shop around
• Changes in premiums: Even if your home value increases, your premiums might not automatically increase in line with those changes unless you update your policy. It’s always a good idea to shop around to see if you can find better coverage or more competitive rates. If premiums have risen due to inflation or changes in the housing market, you might find insurers that offer better deals by reviewing their current offers.
• Multi-policy discounts: Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies together (such as home, auto, and life insurance). If you’re not already bundling, ask your insurer for a quote to see if that could save you money.
• Loyalty discounts vs. competitive shopping: While some people stick with the same insurer due to loyalty, rates can vary significantly between companies. Make sure you’re not paying more than necessary for your coverage.
7. Consider optional endorsements
• Home-based business coverage: If you operate a business from home, your homeowners’ insurance policy might not cover business-related equipment or liability. Consider adding an endorsement for business property, equipment, and liability.
• Home inventory service: Some insurance companies offer home inventory apps or services that make it easier to track and value your belongings. These can be invaluable when filing a claim, especially if you’ve accumulated more items than you realize over the years.
8. Natural disasters and catastrophic events – if you own property in areas where these occurrences are common
• Hurricane/storm coverage: In areas that are prone to hurricanes or major storms, ensure that your policy covers damage from wind, hail, and rain. Even if you live in a non-coastal area, the increased frequency of extreme weather events can still affect your property.
• Wildfire protection: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, ensure that your policy covers damage from fire and smoke. Also, check if you have coverage for any necessary evacuation expenses or loss of use if you can’t live in your home after a disaster.
9. Periodic policy review
• Annual review: It’s essential to review your insurance coverage regularly—at least annually or when major life events occur, such as renovations, purchases of valuable items, or changes in your financial situation. This ensures your coverage remains adequate as your needs evolve.
By regularly updating your homeowners’ insurance and ensuring it reflects the current value of your home and personal belongings, you can avoid being underinsured in case of a disaster. It’s always better to be proactive rather than finding out after the fact that your coverage isn’t enough to fully protect you.
HOME Real Estate – Offering the luxury experience at every price point.
For more information, reach out to Allison Kloster. Allison@HOMEgeorgia.com 404-784-5287
PEXELS
Five polished winter landscaping looks
Brought to you by – Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
Winter landscaping can pose a challenge. You’re working with colder temperatures, a starker backdrop and increased maintenance due to snow and ice buildup. However, the things that at first glance seem like obstacles are exactly where your opportunity lies to create a refined and inviting landscape. Whether you’re enhancing curb appeal for a home on the market or simply want to enjoy a well-maintained property, polished winter landscaping can make all the difference.
From evergreen elegance to artfully illuminated pathways, these five winter landscaping looks will ensure your outdoor spaces stay sophisticated and on point all season.
1. Evergreen elegance.
Evergreens are a timeless choice for winter landscaping. They retain their foliage, provide consistent structure, are hardy and durable, create visual interest and beautifully capture the spirit of the season. From boxwood and pine to holly and juniper, they are the backbone of cold-weather curb appeal.
2. Seasonal planter displays. Use planters to add a pop of color to your front porch with bright red berries. Layer colors and textures, beginning with a base of deep green and sprinkling your chosen color or colors
throughout. You can also create striking winter displays using hardy plants such as winter pansies, ornamental kale and red twig dogwood. Accent with pinecones, twigs or fairy lights.
3. Pathway lighting perfection.
Decorative lighting adds warmth and increases visibility during shorter days. Use sleek, low-voltage lighting or lanterns to illuminate walkways and driveways. Subtle uplighting highlights landscape features like trees or stonework for added drama.
4. Groundcover refresh.
Fresh mulch and ground cover are essential to a sophisticated winter landscape. Not only do they add texture and visual depth, but they also serve practical purposes by protecting the soil and plant roots from harsh winter conditions.
5. Hardscaping focal points.
Playing up hardscaping elements is key to achieving a sophisticated landscape design that feels both polished and purposeful. Highlight elements such as stone walls, fountains or benches by clearing snow and framing them with evergreen accents. Winter is the perfect time to emphasize these permanent features for added visual appeal.
Sophisticated winter landscaping is about embracing the season’s unique beauty, and these simple, effective strategies ensure your home remains inviting and stylish all winter long. Reach out to Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300 for all your real estate needs. We would be happy to assist you!
Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor
Bill Rawlings and Sherri Conrad
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, the process can quickly become overwhelming. From creating ideas and solutions, and selecting materials to finding contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and installation, managing multiple vendors and services can be stressful.
Remodeling projects start with a vision but bringing that vision to life requires expertise. An in-house design team needs to work closely with you to create a customized plan that reflects your personal style, and preferences, and stays within your budget—offering services like 3D renderings, so you can visualize your space before any work begins. With expert guidance every step of the way, you can be confident your project is set up for success.
Coordinating multiple contractors— plumbers, electricians, tile installers, and more—can be time-consuming and frustrating. With a turnkey remodeler, you get full-service project management, to handle every aspect of the renovation. Having a team to ensure that the design, material selection, scheduling, and installation are all aligned to create a smooth, stress-free experience is key. You don’t have to worry about chasing contractors or keeping up with timelines—it will be done all for you.
One of the biggest advantages of working with a one-stop shop is the convenience of having everything you need in one place. A great showroom should be filled with an extensive selection of cabinetry in a variety of styles and finishes, plumbing fixtures from top brands, countertops including granite, quartz, marble, and more, tile for floors and backsplashes, and hardware to complete your design.
Rather than running around town searching for materials, you can explore all your options under one roof, with our team guiding you through each choice.
Choosing a turnkey, one-stop-shop remodeler like Bath & Kitchen Galleria means more than just convenience—it means a smoother, more enjoyable remodeling experience with expert guidance, seamless coordination, and a wide selection of top-quality products to choose from while staying in your budget.
Whether you're transforming your bathroom or remodeling your kitchen, Bath & Kitchen Galleria is here to handle every detail, so you can sit back and enjoy the results! For more information visit Bath & Kitchen Galleria’s showroom at 10591 Old Alabama Rd Connector in Alpharetta (no appointment needed) M-F, 9-5 and Saturday, 10-4, or call them at 678-459-2292 or visit BathandKitchenGalleria.com to schedule an appointment online.
Making
Open to Public 9-5 Mon-Fri • 10-4 Sat Showroom – Design Center 10591 Old Alabama Road Connector Alpharetta, GA 30022 (near Northpoint Mall)
Brought to you by - Bath and Kitchen Galleria
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm
Owner John Hogan & Designer Bobbie Kohm, re-imagining how bath & kitchen remodels
Remodeling Design and Installation Services. We even remove walls!
Guiding you through the whole design process. Ask about our 3D Renderings.
bath & kitchen remodeling fun, easy and affordable.
Estate workshops can be essential
Brought to you by - Estates Law Center USA
As an estate planning attorney, I often stress the importance of being proactive with your estate plan. One of the best ways to get informed and start on the right track is by attending an estate planning workshop. Here’s why these workshops are so valuable: Simplified Learning: Estate planning can be complex, but workshops break down the legal jargon into understandable terms, making concepts like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney much clearer. Personalized Advice: Many workshops offer interactive Q&A sessions where you can get answers tailored to your specific situation, ensuring your estate plan fits your unique needs. Identify Gaps: Even if you have a plan, workshops help identify any gaps or outdated provisions, keeping your plan current and effective. Explore Strategies: Learn about various tools
and strategies to optimize your estate plan, from minimizing taxes to avoiding probate. Peace of Mind: Attending a workshop provides reassurance that you’ve taken important steps to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. If you haven’t yet attended an estate planning workshop, consider it an essential step in securing your future. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance—I’m here to help! Our live workshop will be held at 1100 Cambridge Square Ste B, Alpharetta, GA 30009
New year, new name, endless possibilities
Introducing The Dolan Group
Brought to you byLara Dolan, The Dolan Group | Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International
As we step into 2025, it’s time to embrace fresh starts and new opportunities.
2025 marks an exciting milestone with the announcement of our new brand: The Dolan Group at Ansley Real Estate | Christie’s International. Each New Year offers a sense of possibility and growth; 2025 is no different, and we’re excited about the wealth of opportunities that change brings.
business, finances or real estate, a trusted coach can help you take your goals to the next level.
Perhaps you’ve been thinking about homeownership, moving, or investing in real estate. Is changing where you live on your list of 2025 aspirations? Setting a goal to buy or sell a home doesn’t mean you have to figure it out overnight, or all by yourself. The process takes careful planning, and having a knowledgeable partner at your side makes all the difference.
• Does my Will protect my “stuff”? (It does not.)
• Should I upgrade my Will to a Trust?
• What do I need to know about Revocable Living Trusts?
• How do Irrevocable Trusts work?
• Medicaid. What’s true and what’s not?
• How do I protect my assets for my family and legacy?
• How do I remain in control?
• How can my family avoid probate? January Workshops:
• How do I avoid losing everything to nursing home costs?
The Dolan Group has a new name and brand for the new year, which makes us wonder: what changes are our friends, neighbors and clients seeking in 2025?
There are the big goals like getting healthier, deepening personal relationships and saving money; and fun, easy goals like planning a trip, spending more time with friends or redecorating a room of your house.
Sometimes deciding what you want is the hardest part. Once you identify your objective, having a clear plan to get there is usually essential to achieving it. Admittedly, planning is my weakness (I’m a chaser of squirrels and shiny objects), so I have a coach who keeps me accountable to my business, and it’s been a game changer. Whether it is fitness,
Knowing what boxes you need to check in terms of preparation— from understanding your finances to understanding the communities that will be right for you - is crucial to your success. If you have a property to sell, it really is never too early to start preparing by decluttering, making repairs, and organizing. If you are looking to purchase, getting out there early with a Realtor to learn what the market has to offer in your price point and area will ensure you feel confident when you decide to make that offer. Our team has helped countless people navigate upsizing, building, downsizing, investing, you name it. Our mission is to make the process of buying or selling real estate as smooth and stress-free as possible. With expert knowledge of the local market and a passion for helping people find their perfect fit, we’re always ready to help you achieve your real estate goals. We want to hear about your aspirations for 2025 and wish you and yours a very happy, healthy, New Year.
HOLLY GEERDES
5% Super Lawyer in Georgia
DOLAN
PEXELS
A new era in 55+ living
What’s drawing buyers to
Brought to you by – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division
Soleil Belmont Park has quickly become a magnet for active adults seeking an unparalleled lifestyle, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled between Milton and Canton, this luxurious 55+ community by acclaimed Patrick Malloy Communities offers a unique combination of thoughtful design, resortstyle amenities, and a prime location—all tailored to enhance life for today’s active adults.
A lifestyle tailored for active adults. At the heart of Soleil Belmont Park is its 9,800-square-foot clubhouse, designed to be the social and recreational epicenter for residents. From a cozy coffee and cocktail bar to a state-of-theart fitness center, the clubhouse offers everything needed to stay engaged and energized. Creative pursuits flourish
in the arts and crafts studio, while a catering kitchen and club/card room create spaces for gatherings and connections.
Resort-style amenities that inspire connection. Beyond the clubhouse, the community’s amenities elevate daily life to vacation-like bliss. A resort-style pool provides a serene setting for relaxation, while tennis and pickleball courts keep homeowners active and social. A dog park welcomes four-legged companions, and a community garden offers a creative outlet for green thumbs. Scenic walking trails wind through the community, inviting residents to immerse themselves in nature’s tranquility.
Move-in ready homes on maintenance-free sites. Buyers are captivated by the thoughtfully designed homes and maintenance-free living at Soleil Belmont Park. The model home park showcases five stunning
Soleil Belmont Park?
designs, with a variety of move-inready homes and additional options under construction. Every detail has been considered to ensure comfort and elegance in a home that supports an active, carefree lifestyle. Starting in the $500s and ranging to the $800s, homes at Soleil Belmont Park deliver unmatched value in a community that fosters new friendships, memorable experiences, and a vibrant lifestyle.
An unbeatable location. Convenience is another reason buyers are flocking to Soleil Belmont Park. Situated near Alpharetta, Milton, and Canton, homeowners have quick access to premier shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For healthcare, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is just a short drive away. And whether it’s the vibrant culture of downtown Atlanta or the peaceful beauty of the North Georgia Mountains, you’ll enjoy seamless access to both via nearby interstates.
A developer with a proven track record. Award winning Patrick Malloy Communities’ reputation for excellence further sets Soleil Belmont Park apart. With over 30 years of experience, the company has developed more than 11,000 homesites and sold over 7,000 homes, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Community of the Year awards.
Explore your future at Soleil Belmont Park. Visit SoleilBelmontPark. com or call 770-635-4080 to learn more about available homes and why so many active adults are calling Soleil Belmont Park home. For more options, explore Soleil Summit Chase in Snellville, with homes priced from the $400s to $700s. Visit pmcommunities.com for more details. Patrick Malloy Communities and Soleil are proudly represented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal housing opportunity.
