Thanks to the University of Houston Bauer College for posting this outstanding video on our visit. We had a great time and were thrilled to be able to give back to the students.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOodkxQVxaQ
Friday, November 30, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
On your holiday list: a Home Inventory (what it is and why you need one)
(helpful tips from Iscential Managing Agent, Drew Stewart)
The holidays are here and unfortunately this time of year is prime for theft and other crimes. Take some simple steps to help protect your home and belongings in case the unthinkable happens. Let’s start with a Home Inventory.
What is it?
A Home Inventory is simply a list of the items in your home: what you own, how much it's worth, and your ability to prove possession/ownership (receipts, photos, etc.).
What do I include?
EVERYTHING! The first items that come to mind are usually the most obvious: furniture, appliances, electronics, artwork, jewelry and treasured keepsakes. But don’t forget the occasionally overlooked draperies, carpets, toys, clothing, etc. Every item in your home needs to be documented. Video tapes, photographs and receipts are invaluable records in a home inventory as well.
Whew… everything?! This seems like way too much effort… when will I ever use this?
Sure, documenting the contents of your home may be a little time consuming, but having this information is critical when filing an insurance or police report. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did it if you ever need it.
If a natural disaster or burglary occurs, your insurance company will require documented proof of possessions that are stolen, damaged or destroyed. They will want an itemized list that is not easily created from memory, especially during or after a crisis. And they will ask for proof of your possessions. A Home Inventory will also help you determine the amount of insurance coverage you need.
How to Start
Take a blank sheet of paper and make a list of the contents in your favorite room from memory. When done go to the room and grade yourself. If you got more than 50% correct, then consider yourself better than most. Here’s a few ways to help you create a Home Inventory:
Pictures/Video:
The first thing a claims adjuster will ask you is what is missing. The second question might be can you prove it. Someone much wiser than I once said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I believe the easiest and best way to inventory your house is to take detailed pictures or a video. Not only can you tell what is missing but you also have proof that you had it.
Websites:
There are websites that allow you to enter your information and store it securely. The Insurance Information Institute has a good one, www.knowyourstuff.org.
Pad and Paper:
Nothing says your inventory has to be fancy. You can always do it the old-fashioned way on notebook paper.
Tips
1. Keep receipts/appraisals for expensive items
2. Keep your inventory in a safe location. E-mail a copy to yourself and your insurance agent, store it in a safe deposit box, at your office or another secure location.
3. Update your inventory every year and when you make a major purchase
4. Do it now, don’t wait till disaster strikes!
Drew Stewart manages Iscential’s Memorial location. He has more than 10 years with the firm, is a Certified Financial Planner and MCE instructor. To contact him, call 713.468.5331.
Information from Iscential Agent, Drew Stewart, The HBH Group (Keller Williams) http://homesbyhomer.yourkwagent.com and the Insurance Information Institute www.knowyourstuff.org.
The holidays are here and unfortunately this time of year is prime for theft and other crimes. Take some simple steps to help protect your home and belongings in case the unthinkable happens. Let’s start with a Home Inventory.
What is it?
A Home Inventory is simply a list of the items in your home: what you own, how much it's worth, and your ability to prove possession/ownership (receipts, photos, etc.).
What do I include?
EVERYTHING! The first items that come to mind are usually the most obvious: furniture, appliances, electronics, artwork, jewelry and treasured keepsakes. But don’t forget the occasionally overlooked draperies, carpets, toys, clothing, etc. Every item in your home needs to be documented. Video tapes, photographs and receipts are invaluable records in a home inventory as well.
Whew… everything?! This seems like way too much effort… when will I ever use this?
Sure, documenting the contents of your home may be a little time consuming, but having this information is critical when filing an insurance or police report. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did it if you ever need it.
If a natural disaster or burglary occurs, your insurance company will require documented proof of possessions that are stolen, damaged or destroyed. They will want an itemized list that is not easily created from memory, especially during or after a crisis. And they will ask for proof of your possessions. A Home Inventory will also help you determine the amount of insurance coverage you need.
How to Start
Take a blank sheet of paper and make a list of the contents in your favorite room from memory. When done go to the room and grade yourself. If you got more than 50% correct, then consider yourself better than most. Here’s a few ways to help you create a Home Inventory:
Pictures/Video:
The first thing a claims adjuster will ask you is what is missing. The second question might be can you prove it. Someone much wiser than I once said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I believe the easiest and best way to inventory your house is to take detailed pictures or a video. Not only can you tell what is missing but you also have proof that you had it.
Websites:
There are websites that allow you to enter your information and store it securely. The Insurance Information Institute has a good one, www.knowyourstuff.org.
Pad and Paper:
Nothing says your inventory has to be fancy. You can always do it the old-fashioned way on notebook paper.
Tips
1. Keep receipts/appraisals for expensive items
2. Keep your inventory in a safe location. E-mail a copy to yourself and your insurance agent, store it in a safe deposit box, at your office or another secure location.
3. Update your inventory every year and when you make a major purchase
4. Do it now, don’t wait till disaster strikes!
Drew Stewart manages Iscential’s Memorial location. He has more than 10 years with the firm, is a Certified Financial Planner and MCE instructor. To contact him, call 713.468.5331.
Information from Iscential Agent, Drew Stewart, The HBH Group (Keller Williams) http://homesbyhomer.yourkwagent.com and the Insurance Information Institute www.knowyourstuff.org.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Iscential Pulls in Awards for Being one of Houston's "Best (+ Brightest!) Places to Work"
We're clearing off some space to add two new awards for being top in places to work
 |
| HR Assistant, Elizabeth Olatunbosun |
Iscential was recently honored by the Houston Business Journal as one of the 2012 Best Places to Work in Houston, and by the National Association for Business Resources as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For”.
"We've received hundreds of awards over the almost 20 years we've been in business," says Iscential CEO Warren Barhorst. "But these awards, the ones that come from employee input, are the ones that mean the most to us. To know that our employees think so highly of us, and really think of Iscential as a 'Best Place to Work', that is just priceless."
And in an economy where jobs are often few and far between, Barhorst says that Iscential is looking to hire.
"We're always looking for engaged employees to help us create a culture of excellence," continues Barhorst. "These employees make the most of every day, every opportunity, and truly make coming to work a pleasure for everyone.”
Based on survey results from current employees, the Houston Business Journal honored 78 companies this year. For the full list, visit: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2012/10/15/hbj-reveals-2012-best-places-to-work.html
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. This program helps to create meaningful change in companies that improve costs, operations and efficiencies. For more information, visit: www.101bestandbrightest.com
"We've received hundreds of awards over the almost 20 years we've been in business," says Iscential CEO Warren Barhorst. "But these awards, the ones that come from employee input, are the ones that mean the most to us. To know that our employees think so highly of us, and really think of Iscential as a 'Best Place to Work', that is just priceless."
And in an economy where jobs are often few and far between, Barhorst says that Iscential is looking to hire.
"We're always looking for engaged employees to help us create a culture of excellence," continues Barhorst. "These employees make the most of every day, every opportunity, and truly make coming to work a pleasure for everyone.”
Based on survey results from current employees, the Houston Business Journal honored 78 companies this year. For the full list, visit: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2012/10/15/hbj-reveals-2012-best-places-to-work.html
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. This program helps to create meaningful change in companies that improve costs, operations and efficiencies. For more information, visit: www.101bestandbrightest.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)