Search results for “lead paint”:

Insurance Crisis

Weathering the Insurance Crisis

A lack of insurance availability and affordability could keep buyers out of new homes.

BY PAUL BEAKLEY

As Fran Noe, a REALTOR® with West USA Realty in Phoenix and her husband, William, planned their new retirement home in Sun City, Ariz.., insurance was the last thing on their minds. After all, they’d had 23 years of continuous coverage with the same insurer before they’d sold their home and temporarily moved into a rental unit. But as the Noes’ home neared completion, their insurance carrier refused to write a homeowners’ policy for them.

The reason? A $900 claim for landscape damage done to the front yard of their old home by a drunk driver more than a year ago. Otherwise, their insurance record was pristine—no claims for 10 years and a 800+ FICO rating out of a possible 850 points.

“I was shocked to be treated this way after 23 years as a paying customer!” Noe exclaims. “ I asked if they were kidding.”

Then Noe started calling insurance companies—and called most of the major carriers. “They all told me the same thing—no coverage. I started crying. I was afraid we’d be out of a house forever because we couldn’t get insurance.”

Noe’s story is becoming all too common. REALTORS® across the country are increasingly aware of the role that insurance availability and affordability plays in the real estate transaction – and that a shortage of either can keep people out of new homes. This is one of the reasons why homeowners have started to branch out on their financial plan by checking out reviews of Tradezero on https://foxytrades.com/tradezero-review/… Read on

County Information

Berkshire County is comprised of two cities (Pittsfield is the seat of the county, North Adams is our fair city to the North) and thirty towns in an area of 605,437 acres or 946 square miles. Each city elects a mayor and city council for local governing and each town elects a Boardberkshiremap2 (1) of Selectmen. Each town is unique and full of character, with assets all their own. Here we profile our 32 wonderful Berkshire County cities and towns.

ADAMS

Often described as a “former mill town”, Adams is a lovely example of small town America. The birthplace of Susan B. Anthony, and named after Samuel Adams, a strong heritage of independence and pride in community prevails. From streets lined with period lighting and buildings of interesting architecture, to yearly festivals and community events, Adams offers residents and visitors a delightful setting and varied activities. Majestic views of Mt. Greylock can be seen throughout the town. In downtown Adams, you’ll find easy access to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, restaurants, and shops. Population: 5,515; Website

ALFORD

Alford is very rural, quiet and at 11.58 sq miles the smallest town in Berkshire County. On the western border of the county, it boasts beautiful vistas, hills and valleys, and historic buildings in its center. Year-round and vacation home owners head to Great Barrington for shops, restaurants and services. The Green River is the major recreational water. Population: 479; Website

BECKET

Becket has wonderful lake communities and many seasonal vacation homes. The town is beloved by fishermen and the West Branch of the Westfield River, which forms part of the northern boundary of Becket, was known for the brook, brown and rainbow trout stocked there.

… Read on