One of the first things a home buyer must do is line up homeowners insurance for their new home. I used to work in the Business Development Department of Rockingham Group, a local insurance company. I learned that many people don’t know much about insurance — especially homeowners insurance. So a brief rundown of the basics is in order.

1. First, the basic structure of a homeowners insurance policy is this: a section each for the home’s structure(s), its contents, and liability. If you are a renter, you should really get renter’s insurance to cover your belongings in case of a disaster, like a fire or flood.
2. Second, what is covered in the policy? Typical homeowners insurance policies cover damage to your home’s structure and your personal property caused by: fire or lightning, windstorm or hail, explosions, riot or civil commotion, aircraft, vehicles, smoke, theft or vandalism, falling objects, weight of ice, snow or sleet, or freezing of household systems. (Note: all policies are different and can be customized. Call your insurance agent to make sure you are covered under these circumstances.)
3. Third, keep in mind that some things are NOT covered. Flood and earthquake insurance needs to be purchased separately. There could also be exclusions in your policy, so check your insurance packet for that information. (Usually it is kept as a separate section toward the back of the packet.)
4. Fourth, ask yourself the basic questions: If my pipes freeze and burst this winter, am I covered? If a tree falls on my house, am I covered? If my entire house and all of my belongings burn, am I covered? If that happens, where will I go? What will I do? Call your insurance agent/company and find out the answers to these questions. It is better to know in advance of any possible damages what can occur and make sure you have enough coverage to allow you to recover from any losses.

Here are some very helpful articles regarding the basics of homeowners insurance: Homeowners Insurance 101 by This Old House, and Does Your Home Insurance Keep You Covered? by RIS Media.

If you are in need of an insurance agent, let us know. We can point you in the direction of some great local agents.

Although Harrisonburg is a great place to live, it is always a good idea to get away for a weekend here and there throughout the year. Harrisonburg is within driving distance of many fabulous get-aways, so pack your bag, hop in the car, and drive a couple of hours to one of these destinations:

• Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello: The Commonwealth of Virginia is overflowing with history. Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia, lived in a huge mansion with immaculate gardens surrounding all sides. His home was perched on a hill and boasts amazing views. A special treat for those visiting throughout December… there are holiday evening tours! Visit Monticello (a quick one hour drive from Harrisonburg), take a tour, stroll the grounds, shop in the gift shop, and then head on over to the Mitchie Tavern for a cold brew. For more information, visit the Monticello website.

Jefferson's Monticello

• Williamsburg: Williamsburg is packed with Colonial history! A 2 1/2 hour drive from Harrisonburg, Williamsburg offers museums, attractions (like Busch Gardens), shopping, a variety of great dining choices, and guided tours of historic Jamestown, historic Yorktown, and Colonial Williamsburg. You might need to visit twice to get it all in! For more information, visit the official Williamsburg website.

• Bryce Resort: If you want outdoor attractions, this is the place to go for a weekend! Bryce Resort is a 45 minute drive from Harrisonburg, located Northeast of Harrisonburg and very close to the West Virginia border in Basye, Virginia. This resort offers snow sports, golf, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and so much more. Enjoy the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley for your weekend get-away at Bryce Resort. For more information, visit Bryce Resort’s website.

• Homestead Resort: Fine dining, luxurious living, and a touch of history make The Homestead a great place to visit for a few days. This resort offers a spa experience, golf, tennis, and special holiday packages. The Homestead is located in Hot Springs, Virginia, which is just under 2 hours from Harrisonburg. For more information, visit The Homestead’s website.

• Washington, DC: Head North to Washington, DC, our nation’s capitol. We have a beautiful capitol city and it is jam-packed with things to do and see. Visit all the monuments and Smithsonian museums, Arlington National Cemetery, The White House, and listen to some local music at one of several clubs located downtown. The eateries range in price and style, so pick your favorite, and you will be sure to enjoy your entire stay in Washington, DC. For more information, visit Washington’s website.

Capitol Building in Washington, DC

• Potomac Highlands of West Virginia: This area of West Virginia is filled with activities for all ages. Enjoy winter games, views from a train car, biking, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, golf, the list goes on. Relish the outdoors in this gorgeous environment. To make it a cozy experience, stay at a bed and breakfast and go on a wine tour. For more information, visit West Virginia’s website.

Downtown Harrisonburg is a place filled with history, shopping, dining, and local businesses. It carries a wonderful ambiance. When visiting, it feels like you are in a different world, so here are some good reasons for not just visiting, but frequenting Downtown Harrisonburg.

• Shops: There are many local retail shops in Downtown Harrisonburg. You can find anything from vintage clothing, to books, to jewelry, to art, to flowers… the list goes on! For a full list of Downtown shops, click here.
• Restaurants: Eating is one of Harrisonburg’s favorite things to do. Step Downtown one evening and find folks dining in every restaurant — on the rooftop at Dave’s Taverna or sitting cozy in the Earth&Tea Cafe, or drinking a homemade brew at Cally’s Restaurant and Brewery. Find any type of cuisine on any budget. It will take more than one visit to enjoy all the tastes of Downtown Harrisonburg. For a full list of Downtown restaurants, click here.
• Rejuvenation Project: If you’ve visited Downtown Harrisonburg recently, you’ve noticed it undergoing some renovation. After a meeting in September to discuss the vision for the project, this construction began. Eddie Bumbaugh, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Executive Director, says, “Every downtown changes over time – some in a positive direction and some move backward – some with a plan for the future and some without an overall vision.” Harrisonburg is moving in a positive direction to achieve growth and stability. Visit often to truly appreciate the beauty that is Downtown Harrisonburg.
• Local Businesses: Many locals have started their businesses in (or moved their businesses to) Downtown Harrisonburg. Help the local economy by frequenting these locally owned establishments. The farmer’s market is a great place to buy local produce and hand-crafted goods. Other locally owned businesses are You Made It! Pottery Studio, OASIS Gallery, Downtown Wine & Gourmet, Glen’s Fair Price, and La De Da.
• History: It only takes a few seconds to realize that once you step Downtown, you are in a historical spot. Court Square was originally a two and a half acre piece of land owned by Thomas Harrison. In 1779, he deeded that land to the city. A year later, 50 more acres were deeded to the city and because of that transaction, Harrisonburg was considered the county seat. Downtown Harrisonburg has been around for centuries, and is still thriving! Isn’t that reason enough to visit, and visit often? For the full history of Harrisonburg, click here.

Hmmm… I’m feeling a bit like eating a plate of Biryani at the Indian & American Cafe for lunch. Anyone want to join me?