Take The Time Now to Review Your Homeowners Insurance

Trying to get just the right amount of homeowners insurance for your house and possessions seem like a difficult task. If you underinsure your home and suffer a devastating loss — flood, fire, theft — then you risk not being able to return to the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to achieve. Yet if you over-insure, you’re throwing money away every year on unnecessarily high premiums.


All homeowners insurance isn’t created equal. That’s why it pays to review your coverage periodically to ensure your policy meets your evolving needs. Begin by understanding the types of coverage available.

Actual cash value coverage reimburses you for the value of your home based on its current condition. If your home was built 10 years ago, you’d receive only the depreciated value of decade-old windows, cabinets, appliances, and so on. Most insurers recommend the more comprehensive replacement cost coverage. With it you’ll be reimbursed for the amount it will cost to rebuild your home like new with the same kind and quality of materials. Depreciation doesn’t factor into the settlement equation.

To get the full benefit of replacement coverage, you need to purchase enough insurance to cover the total cost to rebuild your home, excluding the value of the land. Many people make the mistake of insuring at the market value. But the amount you could sell your home for today isn’t necessarily the same as how much it would cost to rebuild.

Be sure you’re also insured at the right value for your home’s contents and for personal liability. Most insurance polices provide only actual cash value on contents. To get replacement cost coverage, you’ll need to purchase an endorsement. If you have valuables not covered by your policy—silverware, jewelry, furs—purchase endorsements for those, too.

Many people pay no attention to the liability coverage limits in their policies. If you have a dinner party and a guest falls down your front steps, you don’t want to be underinsured.

If you’re concerned about increasing your premiums by adding endorsement after endorsement, ask whether you can save money by splitting your deductible, paying a higher amount for certain claims and a lower amount for others. Bundled endorsements can save you a few bucks, but only if you require them all.

Make sure you have the right coverage for you, your family and your home!

Client Testimonial from Michael M.

We're excited anytime we can help someone buy or sell a home here in Savannah or refer them to a great agent in our network across the country. We recently sold Michael and Amanda a home on beautiful Tybee Island. Our Buyer Specialist, Mark Gugliuzza, took the lead at showing them homes and successfully guiding them through to closing. Read what Michael and Amanda had to say about The Don Callahan Real Estate Group below.

"Everyone I worked with at your office was friendly, courteous and more than willing to help in any way they could. I was also impressed by Don's nearly "instant availability" to meet with me for more complex questions and scenarios. I was very impressed that Don showed up for my closing even though we weren't working with him directly. I thought that it displayed good character and a dedication to his clients. I can't recommend you guys highly enough. I also put a shout out on Twitter about you guys right after closing! Great work and thanks again!!!

Mark did a truly outstanding job as our Buyer's Agent. He was very flexible, knowledgable friendly and professional. He provided excellent service with an emphasis on attention to detail and personal attention. He was also very patient with us as our taste in houses changed almost daily. He provided insight into the benefits and potential negatives of each house and neighborhood we looked at. He is very well informed in the real estate market and even provided a wealth of information about historic homes and financing. Mark's attitude was always positive and upbeat and we really enjoyed working with him. He truly took a lot of the stress out of the home buying process. I wish he was our listing agent back in Virginia!!"

JUST LISTED! - Great Bungalow in Avondale

JUST LISTED! - Great Bungalow in Avondale Community of Savannah


This great little bungalow in Avondale is ripe for the picking! Boasting hardwood floors and nice details throughout, the home has both separate dining room and living room areas. The kitchen is fully renovated, well-equipped and has granite countertops. There are two generously sized bedrooms and a third bonus/bedroom. The bathroom has stylish tile floors. Home sits on a generous lot with established plantings and a fenced back yard.

For more information on this Savannah home visit: http://www.buyorsellsavannahhomes.com/listing/mlsid/345/propertyid/93732/syndicated/1/cgltguid/4108A66D-216F-4675-BDD3-EC89BABEE89A/?ts=crg

To Search the Savannah MLS visit: http://www.buyorsellsavannahhomes.com/search/

Savannah is a charming and captivating coastal town. From the oak-shaded mossy squares of Downtown to the funky "bohemian" vibe of the Starland District to the laid back Low Country attitudes of the Islands and everything in between. The city's multi-faceted character continues to engage those of us that call it home and makes us want to know more about the place we already feel we know so well.