16 FEBRUARY 2026 | INTHEVUE.COM Home insurance can feel confusing, but at its core, it’s designed to protect you financially when the unexpected happens. A standard homeowners policy typically covers four main areas: your home’s structure, your personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses. Dwelling coverage helps pay to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by covered events like fire, wind, hail, or lightning. Personal property coverage protects items inside your home—such as furniture, clothing, and electronics—if they’re stolen or damaged. Liability coverage steps in if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. Additional living expenses coverage helps cover temporary housing and related costs if your home becomes unlivable after a covered loss. What’s just as important is knowing what’s not covered. Floods, earthquakes, and normal wear and tear usually require separate policies or endorsements. Understanding these details helps ensure your coverage truly matches your needs—and avoids surprises later. - HIBBS INSURANCE What does home insurance actually cover? THE PROS to Know - CLINT GRAVES, ELITE REALTY Pre-qualifying for financing is one of the most important first steps a buyer can take before looking at homes because it provides clarity, confidence, and credibility. It helps buyers understand their true budget, including monthly payments, interest rates, and loan options, so they don’t fall in love with a home that’s outside their financial comfort zone. Pre-qualification also strengthens a buyer’s position when it’s time to make an offer. Sellers are far more likely to take an offer seriously when they know the buyer has already spoken with a lender and is financially prepared. In a competitive market, this step can make the difference between winning a home or missing out. Most importantly, pre-qualification streamlines the entire process, allowing buyers to focus on homes they can realistically purchase and move forward with confidence, knowing they are prepared for a successful transaction. Why is it important for a buyer to pre-qualify for financing before looking at potential homes? This is really for anyone wanting to buy a home: start by getting organized early. Before falling in love with listings, take time to understand your full financial picture—your income, debt, credit, savings, and monthly cash flow. Homeownership isn’t just about qualifying for a mortgage; it’s about sustaining the lifestyle that comes with it. Focus on cleaning up consumer debt, strengthening your credit, and building savings beyond just a down payment. Buyers should also plan for closing costs, moving expenses, and a healthy emergency fund—ideally three to six months of expenses. Too many new homeowners drain their savings to get the keys, then feel panicked when repairs or life happens. As a financial coach, I help individuals and families prepare intentionally so homeownership strengthens their finances instead of adding stress. - LB FINANCIAL COACHING What advice would you give someone preparing to become a homeowner in the next 6–12 months? REAL ESTATE & RESTORATION Rockstars
