Chris Lowry, general manager for Burns Insurance Group, answers Michelle’s questions in this second of two interviews. Topics addressed include: the impact of a low credit score on rates, the impact of gender on car insurance rates for young drivers, the significance of the age of the roof on home owners insurance, and the relevance of the age of the home.

Chris Lowry, general manager for Burns Insurance Group, answers Michelle’s questions in this first of two interviews. Topics addressed include: the importance of a home’s proximity to fire hydrants and fire departments, and the impact of recent claims on rates.

Author Christy Neal outlines three important perspectives that can help you set aside self-defeating ways of thinking. First, she urges us to focus on the buyer or audience instead of ourselves.  Second, Christy reminds us that imperfection is utterly human and people relate to the imperfections we try so hard to hide. Third, we are all entrusted with gifts that have value and that can and will help others.

Real estate agent Kathy Carter explains the RCS-D (Real Estate Collaborative Specialist — Divorce) designation. This designation addresses issues surrounding divorce that impact the home (or homes) that was/ were purchased by the couple. In this second part of her discussion, Kathy offers two additional tips that especially pertain if one of the spouses intends to keep the house. First, the home should be refinanced immediately so that the leaving spouse is completely clear of the house and the remaining spouse knows without doubt if they can refinance on their own or not. Second, make sure that there is a home inspection on the house.