(This article was originally published on the Blanchard and Calhoun Insurance blog.)

Life is uncertain and life’s mishaps are inevitable. Purchasing an insurance policy that will protect your auto, health, life, business, or home will certainly not be a “one-size-fits-all” buy.  This is why it’s important that when you shop around for insurance you find a policy that is tailored to your unique needs and will take all of your risks into account.

Here are three top reasons why you need insurance:

1. Peace of Mind: Life is unpredictable. Insurance can be a safety net when an accident occurs or a risk goes wrong.
2. It’s the law: In most states, auto, home, and business insurance are required.
3. Lenders require insurance: Need a loan to purchase

Today, many of us are working from home. Because of this, having a dedicated office space is now a “must-have” for many home buyers. If you don’t have an extra bedroom you can turn into an office, find an awkward space that you’ve been unsure of what to do with. This can be a loft, a room without a closet, or an extra corner in a large room. Below are some staging tips to help impress buyers who want to work from home. 

Remove All But The Essential Furniture

Office spaces often become a storage unit. When selling your home, be sure that you clean out the extra stuff that has accumulated over the years. In the designated office space, keep only the furniture you’d have in an office, like a desk, a rug, and a chair. These are usually enough pieces

1. What are the rental requirements?

• Income Requirements: 

-Gross 3x the rent amount (For example: Rent is $1,000/mo: Gross $3,000/mo.)

• Credit Requirements:
  - Minimum 550 Credit Score Required
  - Scores between 550-599- Double Deposit Required
  - Scores 600 or Above- Single Deposit Required
  - Co-Signers can be used for income only
  - Co-Signers will not be accepted for those with poor credit.

• AHA Approved Properties 

• Contact our Housing Authority specialist

2. What is your application process?

• We will need a completed application, proof of income, and a copy of your Driver's License or State ID

• There is an application fee of $50 per adult 18 and over.  

• The application

Mother's Day is fast approaching, now is the perfect time to shop at local businesses for that special gift! While eating out still may not be ideal for some, there are plenty of local restaurants that offer gift cards. Also, when gift shopping, consider purchasing items from local vendors.  Independent businesses often operate on thin margins and during the pandemic, these companies took a real “hit.” 

Shopping local not only pours back into our community but small gift shops offer unique products allowing you to find that perfect gift for the woman that loves you the most-Mom! There are so many great local businesses in Augusta!  Here are some great options to just name a few:

Restaurants:

• French Market Grille
• Tako Sushi
• Sconyers