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Not Just Another Pretty Face

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Home makeover shows and sites are still topping the charts. It’s no wonder. Who can resist the big reveal, that magical moment when Before finally gives way to After, when the dank, cobweb-infested basement morphs into the welcoming, contemporary family room?

Published By Pablo Holdings LLC

While we all can appreciate the value of fresh paint, well placed furniture and curb appeal, buyers and sellers will do well to remember it takes more than good looks to make up a quality home. It also takes more than a quick walk-through or two to make sure you’re getting what you had hoped for. One writer put it John Zavala , RMC this way, “In less time than typically spent picking out new 940-595-0184 clothes - buyers decide where to invest hundreds of thousands of john@lifeandhomes.com dollars which they usually have to borrow. After one brief viewing, do you know that particular house, town home, condo, or recreational property well enough to know - This Is It?” Great question. Looks may matter, but it’s things like structural integrity, plumbing, electric, roofing, windows and heating systems that matter more. Failure to consider the condition of these big ticket items could cost you dearly in the long run.

Finding the right property is complex and expensive. Take your time and do your due diligence. Don’t be fooled by surface improvements and outward appearances. Make sure you know exactly what you’re buying.

John Zavala

Publication Franchisor D avid P. Li si Corporate Editor Kim Li si Kim@LifeandHomes.com

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This information has been compiled from public records and other sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee with respect to its accuracy or completeness or the absence of restrictions on use and are not responsible for any liability, loss, or risk that subscribers may incur, directly or indirectly, from using the contents of this site.

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Payment Options for Home Improvement Estate Planning You have several payment options For Every Age & for most home improvement and Income Level maintenance and repair projects. For example, you can get your own loan or ask the contractor to arrange financing for larger projects.

The complex nature of planning your estate might put some people off, but in that situation, a professional, Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) can simplify the process. Working with a team of professionals ensures that your plans are streamlined, understandable and clear-cut, to avoid confusion down the road. The NAEPC makes it easy to find vetted professionals in your area with a search tool on its website www.naepc.org.

The most important thing to remember is that planning your estate well ahead of time – when you’re feeling your best and when you’re calling the shots – ensures that your goals will be accomplished. Visit www.estateplanninganswers.org for more information. (ARA) Join the Conversation: Go to www.facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-Austin to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

Housing Predictor regularly surveys consumers on issues closely related to the real estate industry, monitors and issues forecasts on more than 230 U.S. cities housing markets and offers the latest mortgage rates and real estate news. (RealEstateRama) Join the Conversation: Go to www.facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-Austin to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

Salt & Vinegar Solutions Pour salt generously over spilled eggs to cover then wipe the eggs up with a paper towel.

Remove rust from household tools by adding salt to 1 tablespoon lemon juice until it forms a paste. Apply the paste to rusted area with a dry cloth and rub away the rust.

Place silk flowers in a large bag with one cup of salt.

Shake vigorously and remove. Your flowers will be clean.

Help remove odors from garbage disposals by pouring 1/2 cup of salt directly into the garbage disposal. Run the disposal following manufacturer's directions.

To patch small nail holes and fine cracks in plaster or wallboard, mix 2 tablespoons salt, 2 tablespoons cornstarch and about 4 to 5 teaspoons water to make a thick, pliable paste. Fill hole and let dry. Sand if necessary, then paint.

Should Lenders Be Forced to Cut Mortgages?

Wash fresh vegetables with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar in 1 ½ quarts of water.

To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.

For the second time in less than a year, respondents to a Housing Predictor poll say that banks and other mortgage lenders should be forced to reduce mortgage principal and cut loan payments for

Polish car chrome with full-strength white distilled vinegar on a soft cloth.

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If you haven’t considered yourself as a candidate for estate planning, you might be underestimating the value of your assets. In fact, items like your home, your car and your life insurance are assets – and valuable ones at that. The unhappy result of failing to plan may be unnecessary fees, expenses and delays at a time when your loved ones are struggling to cope with loss.

The new survey indicates Americans feel lenders should pay the price for throwing the U.S. economy into chaos. Respondents were in favor of reducing mortgage principal in the exact same poll question when it was asked last November astoundingly by the exact same margin, demonstrating how strongly respondents feel about the subject, despite the inability of Congress to take action on the issue.

June

For smaller projects, you may want to pay by check or credit card. Avoid paying cash. Whatever option you choose, be sure you have a reasonable payment schedule and a fair interest rate. Here are some additional tips: • Try to limit your down payment. Some state laws limit the amount of money a contractor can request as a down payment. Contact your state or local consumer agency to find out what the law is in your area.

• Try to make payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work.

This way, if the work is not proceeding according to schedule, the payments also are delayed.

• Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you are satisfied with the work and know that the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Lien laws in your state may allow subcontractors and/or suppliers to file a mechanic’s lien against your home to satisfy their unpaid bills. Contact your local consumer agency for an explanation of lien laws where you live.

• Some state or local laws limit the amount by which the final bill can exceed the estimate, unless you have approved the increase. Check with your local consumer agency.

• If you have a problem with merchandise or services that you charged to a credit card, and you have made a good faith effort to work out the problem with the seller, you have the right to withhold from the card issuer payment for the merchandise or services. You can withhold payment up to the amount of credit outstanding for the purchase, plus any finance or related charges. (ftc.gov)

There’s a common misconception among the American public that estate planning is only the domain of the elderly or the very wealthy. That’s far from the truth.

underwater homeowners. Respondents to the online poll were in favor of principal reductions by a resounding 60% of those polled. The remaining 40% said bankers should not be forced to reduce mortgages.

A Walk Through

Checklist for

Buying a House When you're ready to buy a house, you probably have a number of features you would prefer the house to have. There are several other things to look for as you view a home.

It's a good idea to take a checklist or a notepad after looking at several homes, it may be difficult to remember the characteristics of any one.

Here is a list of the basics: Plumbing - Check the water in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. Turn on the taps to assess the pressure. Make sure the water is clean. Look at the hot water tank. Is it big enough to supply all the water your family needs? Check the tank for leaks, rust and any signs of age or wear.

Austin, TX

Foundation - Check for cracks in walls. Open and shut all doors - a sticking door may indicate subsidence. Take along a flashlight and be wary of rooms that are poorly lit as they may be hiding something. Stand away from the house and look at the structure for any bowed walls or sagging roof areas.

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Water Damage - On the lowest floor of the house, feel the inside walls for dampness. Look for peeling, bubbling paint, watermarks and mold. Visit the house during or just after rain.

Does the ground slope away from the base of the house? Are the gutters, downspouts and pipes in good condition?

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Windows - Open and shut all windows to make sure they slide easily. Look at the frames to make sure there is no wood rot. Do all windows have screens that are in good shape? Is the hardware in good condition? Make sure bedroom windows are large enough in case you would need to use them to escape a fire.

Here are some amenities you should note that will help you compare before you buy a house: Storage - Note all closets, crawl spaces and outdoor storage such as sheds.

Electrical - Are there enough electrical outlets in each room? Does each room have an overhead light?

Tile and grout - Check the bathroom, kitchen floors, and walls for loose tiles and crumbling grout.

Kitchen space - If appliances will not be left behind, make sure yours will fit. Take along a tape measure.

If you want to add something like a dishwasher, is there room?

Insulation - Attics should have a minimum of R-19 insulation in a moderate climate and up to R-38 in colder ones. To check for the type and thickness of insulations, remove an electric outlet cover on a perimeter wall.

Fireplace - Check to make sure the flue works, opening and closing easily. Is there a fireplace screen or grate? Is the fireplace lined with terra cotta or firebrick? Has it been maintained?

Outside - Inspect decks, sheds, and unattached garages for structural integrity. Pay special attention to foundations and crawl spaces underneath. Check for cracks in any cement work, steps and walkways. Cracks in the driveway may indicate a drainage problem.

RH Offers LLC is a professional network of real estate investors specializing in buying homes online, quickly, with no hassles.

The company has streamlined the entire home sale process, working nationwide to buy houses in any condition, as is, at a fair offer price. This allows home sellers to avoid listing fees, holding fees, maintenance, ongoing payments, and ongoing stress. Visit the RH Offers website at http://www.rhoffers.com (Source: EzineArticles.com)

Enjoy Austin and stay a night at the beautiful Comfort Suites in Pflugerville where you don’t have to spend a fortune!

Relax and Get Recharged June

Comfort Suites North is conveniently located on IH-35 North at exit 247 behind Cheddars

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How To Decide Whether To

Rent Or Own

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Austin, TX

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A Home

The last four years have really been an uncertain time for homeowners who had to watch the value of their home take a very unpleasant roller coaster ride. For those just entering the market, it makes you really question whether or not you want to commit to spending so much money on a home that may lose value. On the other hand, you might have put off buying a home for a while and now you can purchase the home of your dreams at a fraction of what you expected to pay four years ago.

The decision to rent or buy a home really depends on a variety of factors, so hopefully these points will help you to decide whether to rent or own a home.

Viewing Housing as an Expense It’s important to recognize that your house payment is an expense. Sure, the home might go up in value and yes you will probably build up equity in your home, but there is no guarantee.

The absolute best way to approach your decision to rent or buy is to realize that the payment to live with a roof over your head is an expense.

Whether you choose to pay rent or pay on a mortgage, you are getting shelter in exchange for your payment. It’s a basic necessity of life and should never be viewed as ‘throwing money away.’

Why You Might Want to Rent

Great prices on homes. - If you know that you’ll be in an area for while, you might be able to find a home at all time lows. For someone prepared to buy a home, it might be a great time to get a home at an exceptional price.

Another plus to buying in today’s market is that you can get a mortgage at a very low rate. A 30 year mortgage on BankRate.com is around 4 percent!

It is the cheapest money mortgage holders have seen in a long time. You might even be better able to pay off your mortgage early with rates this low!

Potential tax deduction and equity. - There are also benefits of buying a home that you don’t see when you’re renting. Some people may be able to deduct the home mortgage interest from their taxes.

For those who take the standard deduction, the mortgage interest deduction doesn’t help you.

While you have flexibility when it comes to moving, you will have restrictions as a renter.

Many landlords do not allow you to paint or remodel your rental home, so you have to follow their rules if you want to live there.

Of course, you’re not building equity as you pay your rent to a landlord, so you won’t get any money back when you move.

Cons of Buying a Home You are responsible for everything in your home, so be prepared to pay more than just the mortgage payment each month. Property taxes, home insurance, renovations, and repairs can really take its toll on your finances. It’s recommended that you set aside at least 15% each year of your mortgage to cover unexpected expenses and repairs for your home.

At the end of the day, the three biggest considerations you need to make in your decision to rent or buy are time, savings, and flexibility.

Tim is a personal finance writer at Faith and Finance a Christian financial help blog that provides financial insights for individuals, businesses, and churches. Outside of finance, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife, playing the saxophone, reading economics books, and a good game of RISK or Catan.

Find him on Twitter and Facebook. Used by permission from Christian Personal Finance. ChristianPF.com www.Life and Homes .com

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As for building equity, it’s something that takes a while to do. In the first five years of paying on a mortgage, nearly 80% of your payment goes to interest! That makes it difficult to look at the argument of building equity as a reason to buy,

Cons of Renting a Home

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Do you need to stay mobile? - What life events do you expect to have in the next three years?

Does your job occasionally relocate people?

Why You Might Want to Buy

so consider it a fringe benefit if you decide to take out a mortgage.

June

What’s your time frame? - Did you know that the average time to sell a home is 10 months?

That’s a long time, especially if you only plan on being in the home for 3-4 years. The risk of having to make two payments because your home isn’t selling is a reality for too many people today. Renting gives you the ability to walk away without a large mortgage payment looming over your head. If you are only going to be in an area for a few years, it might not be worth the risk of buying a home.

Do you expect to have a baby soon? Do you want to go back to college for a professional degree?

These are all great goals that shouldn’t be overshadowed by the idea of homeownership. In other words, don’t let these goals take a back seat because you bought a home and it’s taking longer to sell than you anticipated.

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June

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Larry Hatzfeld

How Overpricing

Your Home

will actually

Cost You Money The first question that almost every buyer asks us when we show them a home is... "How long has it been on the market?"

In the Guelph real estate market where I work, homes that are well priced don't stay on the market for very long. When buyers see a home that has been on the market for longer than average they immediately conclude that there is either something wrong with the house or it is overpriced!

3 Parties You Need to Sell on Your Price

note that in his/her remarks the likelihood of a buyers agent seeing that is next to nothing. We won't even get that far because we won't be pulling up your full listing information if it is priced too high to begin with.

The Buyer Today's buyers are savvy and educated. The typical buyer spends months looking at homes on the internet before they are shown their first home.

The Buyers Agent If you overprice your home you can be guaranteed that the Real Estate agent working on behalf of the buyer will put it to the bottom of the list of homes to show their client. The buyer's agent has to sell your home to their client. If it is overpriced they know they will face an uphill battle. They will naturally want to show better priced homes before they show yours.

The lender will only loan money on a percentage of the appraised value of the home. If the appraised value comes in less than the agreed upon purchase price the buyer will have to come up with the cash to make up the difference. Most buyers can't do this. Also, how likely is it that the buyer, who now realizes he is paying too much, will still want the house.

Sellers can overprice themselves out of the market.

A buyer does not want to insult you with what you may think is a low offer. Most buyers I work with will ask us "Will this insult the seller?". Buyers aren't your enemy - They want to work with you.

They also don't want to be dragged into a potential "left with bad feelings" transaction.

Whenever a buyer tries to get a mortgage the selling price will be heavily scrutinized. Virtually every home will be appraised, either by a licensed

Jeff Van de Vorst is a Realtor, Mortgage Agent and Property Manager in Guelph Ontario, Canada. He has extensive experience in real estate investing and renovating older homes You can visit his Guelph Real Estate Blog at www. century21guelph.com. Source: EzineArticles.com www.Life and Homes .com

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The Appraiser/Mortgage Insurer

The longer you are on the market‌the more damaging the answer to the question "How long has it been on the market?" will be. Usually the end result is that you end up getting less money for your home than you would have if you priced you home at fair market value in the first place.

â–

It is that simple. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that your home will be shown even if it is overpriced, and that buyers and their agents can read your mind about "Just bring me an offer - I'm negotiable." Even if you ask your agent to

Let's say you do receive an offer on your overpriced home. An appraisal will determine the value of the home for lending purposes.

When the buyer realizes that your home is overpriced the purchase agreement that you thought you had on your home will almost certainly be "dead". Why?

June

If you overprice your home from the start, buyer's agents will not even consider your home for their clients. We know that we will have to wait until you realize that your not going to get your asking price.

It will sit on the market unsold and when buyers ask that question "How long has it been on the market?"

Well you know what their conclusion will be.

Once they start actively looking for a home they very quickly become experts in their chosen neighbourhood and home type. As they see homes come on the market and then sell they become keenly aware of the speed at which homes sell. Once again, when they see a home that is on the market for longer than average they become skeptical of its value and/or condition.

appraiser or by a computerized appraisal system used by mortgage default insurers.

Alternatives to Traditional Bathroom Remodeling Many homeowners who want to give their home a new look first think to update the bathroom.

Many assume a bathroom remodel will be quick and easy, but in reality this depends on the method of remodeling chosen. So, what are the options?

L i f e and H o m e s

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Austin, TX

Traditional bathroom remodeling, which many suppose is the only option, can require a lot of time, planning and money. For a complete tear out and remodel this can take anywhere from two to three weeks and cost from $15,000$18,000 because of the amount subcontractors you may need - a builder, glazer, carpenter, plumber, electrician, flooring specialists, plasterer, painter and bathroom fitter are possible. Each will need an appropriate amount of time to work in the small space. Also, quality materials can be costly.

The shower and tub are the heart of the bathroom and often the reason for the remodel, whether you want to get rid of that outdated look or just increase functionality. Unfortunately, they usually also need the most work as well. It may be possible to self-repair a few small cracks in the tub but refinishing or re-glazing is usually required.

Even that is not a permanent solution. If you choose to replace the tub, removing the old tub is quite difficult if located on the second story or 12

We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

if room openings are small. There can be other hidden problems such as rotted floorboards or mold & mildew in the walls which must be taken care of before they become a safety hazard. A new tiled wall will also have to be built. Most important, remember that remodeling your bathroom traditionally causes extended downtime. Can you be without bathroom facilities for weeks? If you decide to go with the traditional remodel, be sure to hire professionals to help design, work properly and swiftly. Most importantly, be prepared for time and cost commitments and for any setbacks you did not expect.

walls and have no grout lines to clean. They also keep mold and mildew from building up behind the walls. If you fear on missing out on the customized wall look, simulated tiles as well as marbleized wall panels are also available.

The benefits of acrylic bath systems? Low-cost, convenience, easily cleaned and quickly installed.

You will be the owner of a brand new bathroom in just a few days! These are also ideal for the elderly, as acrylic bath systems can make a tubto-shower conversion quick and easy and have many accessibility options such as walk-through inserts and seated shower bases.

Luckily, there is an alternative option to the traditional remodel. An increasingly popular option is installing an acrylic bath liner and wall surroundings over your existing system. A bath liner is custom-molded to fit exactly over your tub without disturbing your plumbing, floors or walls. The liners come in a variety of colors, styles and accessory choices. The wall surrounds are floor to ceiling in height, go over your existing

No matter what option you decide, be sure to consider all the options and fully research who you choose to do it. A reputable contractor will pay attention to all the small details and make your new bathroom beautiful for years to come.

Source: New York Sash. Family-owned & operated home remodeling company. In business 20+ years! Specializing in windows, baths, siding & more.

(315) 624-7344 www.newyorksash.com

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Homes

™

Our Property Preservation specialists are dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction. We follow strictly by HUD and FHA guidelines. We can perform debris removal, winterizations, rekeying/lock replacement, June

lawncare, boarding and securing, janitorial services, and repair and

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remodeling. We take pictures of the whole process and turn in all

Call John at 940-595-0184 or email john@lifeandhomes.com

www.Life and Homes .com

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L i f e and H o m e s

applicable paperwork.

5 Things to Consider While

Interest Rates Are Low Low interest rates provide an opportunity for consumers to get more for their money. “While low interest rates mean lower returns on savings accounts, it also means lower rates on borrowing money,” said Mechel Glass, director of education for CredAbility. “Consumers can take advantage of low rates to help them save money on planned purchases.”

Consider buying a home. While low interest rates are not reason enough to make the plunge into home ownership, for consumers already considering buying, it may just be the right time.

In many markets, home sales and prices are relatively steady or have begun to rise slightly.

Rates on long-term, fixed rate mortgages are at their lowest rates in decades. Not sure how much house you can afford? Current FHA guidelines recommend that no more than 43 percent of your gross income be used for housing, debt and other financial obligations.

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Austin, TX

Five things to consider while interest rates are low.

Already own a home? Consider refinancing. If you are in an adjustable rate mortgage and plan to stay in your home, this is a great time to refinance into a fixed rate loan. It may also be a good time to refinance your long-term, fixed rate mortgage.

If you purchased a $225,000 home 5 years ago 14

We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

and had a rate of 7 percent, your payment was about $1,500 per month and you have already paid more than $76,000 in interest. Refinancing the balance of that loan now at 3.5 percent for 15 years will save you almost $175,000 over the life of the loan and let you pay off your home almost 10 years sooner. And your payments will only go up about $25 per month. Each situation varies; you can visit www.bankrate.com and use their calculators to compare rates and payment.

Pay off debt. Although credit card interest rates have not gone down significantly, this is still a great time to pay down debt. Savings accounts are paying little to no returns, and consumers will be better off in the long run to reduce or eliminate their credit card debt. It may also be a good time to negotiate rates with your creditors, especially if you have maintained an on-time payment record and have continued to make at least minimum payments.

Consider buying a car. While car loan rates have not dropped as significantly as mortgage rates, rates have begun to come down and many manufacturers are offering special financing options and other incentives to encourage prospective car buyers to take the plunge. “Do your homework,” said Glass. “Know what you want to buy and compare offers to ensure that you are getting the best deal.”

Review your investment options. Talk with you financial advisor about alternatives to savings and money market accounts. It may be the right time to expand your investment portfolio and explore options to earn greater returns on your savings.

CredAbility is a nonprofit credit counseling agency.

Credability.org

“The attorneys of Hay Compere

HAY COMPERE PLLC is an Austin-based law firm offering a full range of legal

PLLC assisted in the detailed

services and counseling in the areas of business, general litigation, mergers

formation of our company and preparation of complex investor agreements. The Firm far

exceeded our expectations in both the services they provided and the manner in which they operate, and we look forward to a long

and acquisitions, outside counsel, entity formation, real estate, construction, development, property tax, banking, mortgage lending, mortgage document preparation, title insurance, trademark, copyright, administrative, probate, estate planning, family, and regulatory compliance.

The Firm also operates as a Fee Attorney Office for the First American Title Company, the largest title insurer in the nation. The Firm employs a full-time team of experienced escrow and marketing professionals ready to meet the needs of all aspects of both residential and commercial real estate closings.

By offering these legal and title services under one roof, HAY COMPERE PLLC

relationship with

simplifies the legal and closing process for our clients, potentially saving valuable

Hay Compere PLLC as our

time and money.

outside counsel for all of our legal needs.”

Brett Appolito & Aaron Jistel June

Managers Applied Real Estate

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Technologies, LLC

W W W

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A Y

C

O M P E R E

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C O M www.Life and Homes .com

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Austin, Texas

L O YA LT Y IS STILL

WORTH SOMETHING.

If you insure your car(s) with Farmers®, you’re eligible to take advantage of the auto/home discount on our new Next Generation Home Policy. While you’re at it,discover how you can tailor your home coverage, and see how you can qualify for more discounts. By contacting me, you could SAVE UP TO 40% ON YOUR

Next Generation Home Policy.*

L i f e and H o m e s

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Austin, TX

*Discounts apply to selected coverages, perils, and policy types. Eligibility and actual percentage of discounts may vary.

Lynn-Marie Bonds

www.farmersagent.com/lbonds 16

We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

8700 Manchaca Rd #203 Austin, TX 78748-5373 www.farmers.com

512-891-9105