Monthly Archives: September 2011

The Hidden Costs of Speeding

car insurance

Even though we know it can be dangerous, most of us are guilty of speeding on certain occasions – being late for work, rushing home to watch a sporting event, etc. Aside from the obvious risks and dangers associated with going over the speed limit, there are plenty of other hidden hazards as well.

According to Equifax blogger Linda Rey, getting caught speeding will cost more than just the amount on the ticket. In “

Traffic Violations and Your Auto Insurance Policy,” she explains why you should think twice before putting your foot to the floorboard.

You may think that your speeding ticket is just an exchange between you, the police officer and the county courthouse. However, your

car insurance company is keeping tabs on you too. After all, they want to assess how much of a risk you pose and adjust your rate accordingly. Rey suggests slowing down and being more alert on the road. Not only will this keep you safe, but it will also keep your driving record pristine. And a clean driving record leads to a lower insurance rate.

Rey states, “I cannot express enough the benefits of slowing down, putting the phone down, and paying attention while you drive. Doing so won’t just provide you with a lower auto insurance premium—it may save your life.” To read her full article on the Equifax Finance Blog, visit the site at

http://blog.equifax.com and sign up to follow it on Facebook, Twitter or by RSS feed.

Free Trip to the Lake to Enjoy Outdoor Activities

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala

Does the crisp, fall air make you want to get outdoors? The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala, an exclusive lake and mountain view community, is offering a free day at the lake until September 30. So, grab your fishing poles and hiking boots and travel to Topton, North Carolina! Potential buyers will be treated to lunch at the famous Lakes End Diner, a $25 gas card, a pontoon boat tour of the lake, a tour of available lots and a chance to win a weekend at the lake in a cabin.

Plus, guests can also experience other outdoor activities that are perfect for fall. Put those fishing poles and hiking boots to good use! Lake Nantahala has inviting waters for boating and fishing. Additional activities near the lake include hiking, camping, rock and waterfall climbing, horseback riding and golfing.

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala features home sites priced from $94,900 to $129,900. There is no build-out requirement, so buyers can take their time planning their dream vacation homes. When completed, cabins will have incredible views of Lake Nantahala.

A standard cabin features 3,023 square feet of space with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths plus a loft. The kitchen includes granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a double sink with disposal and a sliding cutting board over the trash bin. The great room includes a wood or gas burning fireplace, timber mantle and custom, stacked-stone surrounded with built-in bookcases. The master bedroom features a sliding door to a private, screened-in sleeping porch for open-air sleeping. In addition, the master bath includes a double vanity, tub, shower seat and walk-in closet.

Residents will enjoy the community’s gated entrance, protective covenants, underground utilities, shared water wells and a park, which provides a shared pavilion, fire pit, camp site and golf cart parking.

For more information or to schedule a day at the lake tour, call 866-218-8439 or visit www.lakenantahalareflection.com/thevillage.

Last Chance to Spend a Free Day at the Lake

The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala

Travel to the mountains in Topton, North Carolina and escape to the lake. The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala is offering a Day at the Lake promotion. Hurry, you only have until the end of this month to enjoy:

-Lunch at the Lakes End Diner

-A $25 gas card

-A pontoon boat tour of the pristine Lake Nantahala

-A tour of available lake view lots

-And a chance to win a weekend at the lake this fall in a cabin that sleeps up to 14.

Besides receiving all of this, you can find your dream home! The Village at Reflection Lake Nantahala is a new exclusive lake and mountain view community. Home sites start from just $94,900. Standard cabins feature 3,023 square feet of space with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a loft, gourmet kitchen, great room with wood or gas burning fireplace and a huge master bedroom.

Community amenities include a gated entrance, protective covenants, underground utilities, a shared pavilion, walking trails and lush green space. Plus, enjoy all of the recreational activities that the lake brings.

Reflection is a tranquil retreat that is easily accessible from Charlotte and Greenville. For more details or to schedule a day at the lake before the promotion ends, call 866-218-8439 or visit www.lakenantahalareflection.com/thevillage.

Do You Need Earthquake Insurance?

earthquake insurance

earthquake insurance

While it may not be something you think about on a regular basis, earthquake insurance is something to consider. With the recent quake on the east coast and other natural disasters, this oft-overlooked insurance policy may be a nice luxury to have (better safe than sorry, after all.) A recent post on the

Equifax Personal Finance Blog explains some of the peculiarities of earthquake and flood insurance and encourages homeowners to review their policies.

In “

Let’s Stop Denying It: We Need to Buy Earthquake and Flood Insurance—Now!” guest blogger Loretta Worters of the Insurance Information Institute looks at earthquake and flood insurance in comparison to normal homeowners insurance. Even though her article was written after last year’s tsunami in Japan, it is still timely and informative.

Although you’ll want to read the full article for complete details and relevant links, keep in mind that earthquake and flood insurance policies are structured differently than regular homeowners insurance policies. For example, deductibles on earthquake policies are usually a percentage of the structure’s replacement value rather than a set amount. The deductibles can range anywhere from two to 20 percent.

Flood insurance is handled by the federal government through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Even though the government is involved, this type of insurance should be available through your normal provider. NFIP coverage sets a limit of $250,000 for property and $100,000 for contents. If you don’t believe this is enough, especially if you live in a flood-prone area, you can also purchase additional private insurance for extra protection.

Have the recent natural disasters in the United States caused you to consider flood or earthquake insurance? Did you already have policies in place? Read Worters’ full article on the

Equifax Personal Finance Blog, then report back here to let us know.

New Strategies for Carolina Real Estate Investors

real estate investing

Before the housing market crashed, it seemed like real estate investors could just buy a home, fix it up a little, then flip it for a nice profit. The demand for homes was high, and the amount of loans being given out was even higher. This cycle was enhanced by the large amount of people transitioning from renting to owning.

Today, things look vastly different.

On the

Equifax Personal Finance Blog, real estate investor and RealtyJoin.com co-founder Andy Heller describes the new world of investing. His article, “

Prepare Your Real Estate Strategy Before You Buy,” explains how Carolina real estate investors must adapt to the new market in order to be profitable.

According to Heller, the market has basically gone in reverse from where it was before the collapse. Now, more and more people are moving away from homeownership and focusing on renting. In fact, Heller reports seeing projections of up to 5 million new renters within five years.

But what does this shift mean for investors? It means that becoming a landlord just became much more appealing. Of course, not everyone wants to think about midnight calls for a leaky roof or arguing with tenants who refuse to pay rent on time. Heller discusses a compromise in the form of a lease option, where in specified amount of time, the renter will have a chance to buy the home.

The advantages of a lease option stem from the responsibilities of upkeep and repairs that are placed on the renter. Plus, since renters know that the house may be theirs one day, they will generally take those responsibilities seriously.

Visit the

Equifax Personal Finance Blog to learn more about what you can do to take advantage of low prices and invest in Carolina real estate.