This past year has seen a large number of changes in our global and local economies, but few have been more surprising than the explosion of the housing market. The number of available homes currently on the real estate market has plummeted to record lows as people are snatching up new construction homes, preexisting homes, and fixer-uppers in record numbers across Texas. However, a purchase as important as a new home requires significant research and time to evaluate risk factors.

Residents in Texas are used to dealing with common weather events in their region. For those close to the Gulf Coast, hurricanes and flooding are big concerns, while in north Texas, snow and tornadoes are a greater concern. However, in recent years Texans have begun to experience a wider variety and intensity of severe weather storms and disasters, making the entire state more vulnerable to damages and losses.

Winter Storm Uri has brought unprecedented cold temperatures, icy precipitation, and dangerous conditions to the entire state of Texas, resulting in widespread utility outages and property damage. While struggling to keep warm and meet basic needs, property owners also face challenges on how to minimize or handle property damage that resulted from the storm.

Buying a home is a milestone purchase for millions of Americans each year, and with it comes the need for Homeowners Insurance. However, the policy you buy as a new homeowner might not offer the same level of protection over the years as renovations, additions, or changes occur. Our Aegis blog post today looks at three reasons why it may be time to update your existing Homeowners Insurance coverage.

Of the many things that can jeopardize the safety and security of a home, few can cause the amount of damage and loss like a house fire. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the average homeowners claim for fire damage is over $79,000, with house fires causing over $8 billion a year in damages across the country. Because of their destructive nature, homeowners should take every precaution possible to prevent house fires and eliminate the risk of damages and injuries.

Homeowners near the Gulf Coast tend to be more cautious and prepared for strong weather during hurricane season, but the reality is that severe weather can strike at any time of the year. Winter can be just as damaging to homes due to high winds and strong gusts as colder weather arrives. Homeowners can take proactive steps now to help protect their property from windstorm damage and minimize potential damages and losses. Our Aegis blog post today looks at some of the ways homeowners can prep their homes now and keep their property safe.

When most people think of insurance protection, they often think of how it can protect against their own personal injuries or damage to their own property. What some people fail to recognize is that insurance is just as important in protecting against injuries or damages we cause to others, or that takes place on our property. Without proper coverage, these damages or injuries can lead to substantial liability claims and hefty judgments that could put us in dire financial situations.

When you buy your first home, it's thrilling to make plans for furnishing it and hosting your first guests. What's not as thrilling is finding out you don't know what all to do to properly maintain your new home. Since homes don't exactly come with an instruction guide, many new homeowners don't know how to maintain their home until something has broken or malfunctioned, which could lead to costly repairs.

These uncertain times have led to breaks in work, breaks in activities, and breaks in calendars and schedules. However, crime is something that never takes a break, so it's important to have safety strategies in place to protect our families, our homes, our vehicles, and our personal assets. In today's Aegis blog post, we look at some ways to create safety strategies for your personal assets and reduce your risk.

The upcoming arrival of a new baby can bring a flood of emotions to expecting parents, but also a long list of important decisions to make and tasks to complete before the baby arrives. A key task for any new parent is to make sure both their home and finances are in order before the child arrives, whether through childbirth, adoption, or fostering. When a family home is safe and ready to welcome a new baby, and financial decisions have already been made, it helps parents be able to fully focus on bonding and caring for their child.