WE'VE MOVED!

We've moved our blog!

To be redirected, please click here.

Oh! And by the way...

Thinking about starting a business, or know someone who is?

Check out the Hartman Inventory Systems turnkey business package at

HartmanInventorySystems.com

Manifesting a Feng Shui Living Room - Doh!

You know the saying, "Be careful what you ask for; you just might get it!"? Well, I got it ... unfortunately!

I've been reading and learning about Feng Shui recently (Ken Lauher explains it in easy-to-understand terms) and found that manifesting things you want is part of the overall philosophy, process, knowledge - whatever you call it. (I'm still learning.) One thing I've been thinking about is a water fountain for our living room. This water element is to maintain a positive energy for health and family.

Well, I guess I should have been more specific what type of fountain I wanted. Yesterday one arrived, courtesy of a phenomenon called Ice Damming. The melting ice backed up from the not-yet-thawed ice on our roof. The water had nowhere to go except backwards, going under the shingles. Then under the lining, then into the attic, then onto our ceiling and finally, unfortunately, into the living room.

So, a word to the wise ... be careful what you ask for and be specific! (I wonder what Feng Shui element will help me get a new ceiling.)

When You Should Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy - Part 2

Our last post discussed your homeowners insurance policy and the exterior and structure changes that would initiate the need for a policy review.

There are also times when you should talk to your insurance agent to make sure your contents are properly covered. 

Special purchases of high dollar items will most likely require a rider for proper coverage. Items such as jewelry, musical instruments, collectibles, antiques, firearms, etc., face limits on your policy. Scheduling these items is very inexpensive for the value you’re insuring.

Having a personal property inventory will be extremely helpful if you need to file a claim. Even though you have proper insurance, you will still need to provide a list of each item you want reimbursed, when you purchased it and what you paid for it. This is a daunting task, especially when under the emotional stress of having just endured a loss. Consider it insurance for maximizing your claim.

I’d like to reiterate that it’s best to call your agent at the time the changes are made or items are purchased. However, at the very least, every year, when it’s time to pay your homeowners premium, consider what changes or additions you’ve made.

When reviewing your policy, you'll realize how much you own and will most likely be surprised. Think about if you had a loss (which is why you have insurance in the first place), and while meeting with your agent, ask if you should have an inventory of your belongings. They'll encourage you to do so, and when you're filing your claim, you'll be happy you have this document to refer to.

When You Should Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy - Part 1

Homeowners insurance policies are documents that need to be reviewed annually and updated periodically. There are a variety of reasons for this review, and the only way to ensure you have proper coverage is to speak with your insurance agent.

If your agent doesn't call you, take it upon yourself to ensure that you have proper coverage. (If your agent does not contact you at least once every two years, you might want to consider getting quotes from one who does.) Unless your agent is a friend, it is highly unlikely he/she will know that you have a need for increased coverage.

There are a few reasons to have reviews of your insurance policy. First, you’re risking not having complete coverage if you have made any major changes that affect the value of the house. If you have a disaster, and find you’re under-insured, that is not the time to disagree about who was responsible for proper coverage. The responsibility always falls on the policyholder.

So, what are the exterior and structure changes you should report to your insurance agent?

The square footage of your home is what determines the coverage needed, so if you have added on to your house, it is imperative to let your agent know. Additionally, if you converted an attic to living space or finished a basement, these are other times to inform your agent of the need for additional coverage. For example, let’s look at a ranch-style home of 1800 square feet, with a full basement. Once the basement is completely finished into living area, you have just doubled the size of your house to 3600 square feet! Obviously, additional coverage will be necessary.

Check with your agent to determine if you need any changes to your policy to cover any new out buildings added to your property. These could include a pole barn, mini barn, pool house or garage.

Other exterior changes that should be discussed with your insurance agent are fences, in-ground or above-ground swimming pools.

Remodeling does not usually require additional coverage, such as new appliances, new carpet, etc. However, if you do extensive redesign, it’s best to verify you’re covered sufficiently.

Besides the possible need to increase your coverage, there are also updates that might help you qualify for credits, thus reducing your premium amount. These items, among others, are a new roof, furnace, electrical and plumbing.

A sprinkler system, smoke alarms or security alarms also might qualify you for a discount.

If in doubt about the need for additional coverage or possibly qualifying for credits or discounts, give your agent a call. 

On a mission to educate

People won't buy something they don't know they need. That's one of the key points of successful sales. When we started our business, we found very quickly that few knew they should have a personal property inventory. Thus began our mission to educate anyone who would listen.

Speaking engagements are one method to provide this information. We jokingly state that we’ll speak for food! This is because most organizations – Kiwanis, Sertoma, Rotary, Lions and Exchange Clubs meet either during breakfast or lunch, and we’re invited eat before we speak.

We also offer this information to Chambers of Commerce, switching up the general information to an agenda that is more business-focused. Lunch-n-Learn meetings for professionals and a CPE course for CPAs are additional outlets to provide this important information.

Ezine articles have allowed me to provide a great deal of information for those searching for answers. I use this blog as a resource as well as guest blogging on others' blogs. All in an effort to help provide the education so you won't, someday, have to say, "I wish I had known..."

Few people know that even if you have insurance, you still need to provide a list to your insurance company when you file a claim after a loss. The same is true for a police report after a burglary. 

Every insurance agent we ask confirms that they tell every one of their policyholders that they need to compile of list of the contents of their home or business. Some even hand out a booklet or worksheet so their clients can provide that information when that horrible time comes – fire, natural disaster or burglary. Unfortunately, few people remember their agent encouraging them to create an inventory, let alone actually do one.

There are additional reasons to create a personal property inventory, but disaster preparedness is the most prevalent. The time or money spent having this information readily available is minor to the repercussions that could come from not being prepared.

Speaking, writing, and offering CPE courses. What else can I do? 

What do you do to help educate your potential customers so they know they need you?

Hartman Inventory Systems Offers Turnkey Business Package Through New Website

Franchise alternative provides all the tools and resources you need to start your own business and achieve financial freedom

Hartman Inventory Systems LLC launches a new website, www.HartmanInventorySystems.com, to provide entrepreneurs with an easy way to learn all about the company's unique turnkey business package.

The growth of the personal property (home) inventory industry and the popularity of their turnkey business package encouraged Hartman Inventory Systems owners Mike and Cindy Hartman to create this new site to reach people looking to start their own business.

Set Your Own Hours With a Turnkey Business

Many people are venturing into entrepreneurship due to early retirement, being downsized - or the fear they might – or the desire to be their own boss. A Home Inventory Service Turnkey Package gives the flexibility to launch as a full-time business, or start as a part-time endeavor and grow as needed. This makes it ideal for work-at-home moms, professionals with flexible schedules, and anyone seeking to earn extra income or achieve financial freedom through their own business.

Potential members of the Hartman Inventory Group and turnkey business package owners include, but not limited to:

- Insurance Professionals
- Public Adjusters
- Firefighters
- EMTs
- First Responders
- Law Enforcement
- Real Estate Appraisers
- Real Estate Agents
- Other Service Providers

“These professionals see the need for home inventory services on a daily basis, and find it easy to fit their new business into their current work schedules,” says Hartman Inventory Systems Co-Founder, Cindy Hartman. “But anyone with a passion for helping others and a desire to start their own business can find success with one of our turnkey packages.”


Hartman Inventory Systems Has All You Need

The new turnkey business package website will make it easier for aspiring business owners to find all they need to get started. The site includes:

- Important information about the personal property inventory industry
- Testimonials from current Hartman Inventory Group Members
- A directory of the Members of the Hartman Inventory Group and the areas they serve

Debbie Mahler, CEO of Internet Tech Specialists, is the technical and creative resource for this attractive, easy-to-navigate website. “I’ve been on the technical side of the IT business for over 27 years and in the creative arena for 15,” Mahler says. “Each project is different; this time I learned a great deal about the inventory business as well as what a great product Hartman Inventory Systems offers.” 

Hartman Inventory Systems Founder and CEO Mike Hartman said he's thrilled with the results and excited to share it with the world. “I didn’t know it was possible to pack so much information into one website and keep it so easy to navigate,” he observes. “Debbie did a great job with the design. We know it’s important to maintain a consistent business image, and she did that for us while creating a fresh, exciting new look. It complements our current home inventory service website, www.HartmanInventory.com, quite nicely.”

You'll be trying to remember what you own until the cows come home

I read an article recently in the Auto-Owners Insurance newsletter, titled Review Your Farm Personal Property Inventory. They stated that whether you "farm a small acreage just to keep 4-H animals or you run 2,000 acres of cash crops, you know how quickly the items used on your farm can be bought, sold or traded. Many farms are everchanging and often the farm personal property can change very rapidly from year to year."

The items that immediately come to my mind are the large pieces of equipment. Those would be easy to remember, and you'll certainly have paperwork to prove value and ownership. But what about the smaller items that can amount to a large loss if you forget about them? Like power tools - saws and drills. A farm GPS for crop layout. Hand tools. Spare parts for your tractors.

Think of the animals. New saddles and other tack for the horses. Shears for the sheep.

How could you remember everything in the barns? As my mom used to say when something was going to take a very long time - or not happen at all ... you'll be trying to remember "until the cows come home." As Auto-Insurance recommends, a personal property inventory is the answer.