The Allstate Blog

Market Madness [part 2]: Handling the Hassle of an Open House

Brendan — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:02 +0000

Last year, my wife and I put our home up for sale. It was our “five-year house” and we were in year 11, with two growing boys and a dog crammed into a home the size of an average two-bedroom apartment. In part 1 of this series, I detailed how we took our first steps in selling our house. The next step was actually showing the house. While we were lucky that most of our showings occurred in good weather during the summer, it was still a tedious process. First, our agent booked showings as soon as our listing hit the Multiple Listing Service and various real estate agent websites. She told us that we should expect a lot of activity and interest within the first two weeks, and then it dissipates from there, with most of the activity essentially expiring after the sixth week. And boy, was she right. We had a flurry of showings the first week, seriously testing our ability to keep our home in "showable condition" with a house full of active boys and an excitable dog. One of the keys to success was the decluttering we initially did, effectively removing most of the non-essentials that often make up the normal mess. The other was the 12-hour prior notification rule we established with our agent. That gave us just enough time to prepare our house -- and our dog -- for guests. One positive from this whole situation is that while we were cleaning and decluttering, it gave us a great opportunity to create a home inventory of all our stuff, which will be helpful when we update our insurance in our new home. Individual showings were fine, as we’d make sure to leave the house for 30 minutes or so, giving the potential buyers enough time to look around. But the next step was a bit more difficult: The Open House.

Open House

Our first open house was planned for the second weekend our home was on the market. But more to the point, we ended up doing five or six open houses during our extended time on the market…that’s where the good fortune of nice weather played an important role. While leaving your home for two to four hours during an open house is a minor inconvenience, doing it a half-dozen times with two kids and a dog during a busy summer full of sports and activities can be disruptive, to say the least. It’s a situation many home sellers may run into, and while going to a kid-friendly restaurant or birthday party center isn’t an option with a dog in tow, we came up with a great solution: On most "open house afternoons," we took the whole family to the local forest preserve park and enjoyed some quality family time in the great outdoors. On rainy days, we kept the dog at home in a secure pet carrier, and took the kids to local museums. Making the best of what can be a difficult aspect of the selling process can help your family handle an extended selling cycle. I can say with confidence that putting a little thought into the time we needed to be away from home during open houses made all the difference in both our morale and our ability to work through a longer-than-expected selling cycle.

Check out parts 3 and 4 of Market Madness in coming weeks for more insight into selling your home.

Financial Protection When You’re Between Jobs

Brendan — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:03 +0000

When you’re between jobs—whether due to a layoff or a decision to leave—you may have special financial challenges to consider. Your income is likely less than it was while you were working, but that doesn’t have to mean derailing your retirement goals or foregoing insurance. There are some strategies that can help you keep your retirement savings and insurance coverage working for you, even when you’re not. Retirement Savings When you leave a job (voluntarily or otherwise), you typically have a few options for the 401(k) at your old employer. If the employer allows it, you can leave the funds where they are. Another option is to roll over your 401(k) into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) so that the money continues working for you in a tax-deferred manner. Liquidating your 401(k) is an option but there may be tax implications and early distribution penalties. It is best to consult your tax professional before making any distribution decisions. To continue contributing to an IRA or 401(k), you need earned income, such as a salary or profits from a small business. Unemployment benefits are not considered earned income by the IRS, so if that’s your only source of income, you would have to temporarily pause contributions to your IRA or 401(k). However, if your spouse has earned income, he or she could potentially bump up retirement contributions to compensate. If you re-enter the job market, you could resume contributions to your own retirement account. If you’re 50 or older, you can also make catch-up contributions to a 401(k). Insurance Depending on the size of the company, employees who are laid off or leave a job voluntarily often have the right to continue their health care coverage for a specified period of time through COBRA. However, health insurance doesn’t cover everything, especially in the case of an accident or serious illness, so a supplemental health insurance policy could help fill coverage gaps such as co-pays, deductibles and non-medical care (transportation to treatment, for instance). Knowing your medical costs would be covered can help provide peace of mind during an uncertain time. Premiums for supplemental health insurance can start as low as $20 per month. Life insurance is another area to consider. If you had a policy through your previous employer, you may want to consider buying an individual policy to ensure that your family would be able to cover their daily expenses if the unthinkable happened. A permanent life insurance policy can accumulate cash value over time so that you might be able to take a loan or withdrawal if needed. Want to know more about your retirement and insurance options? Contact an Allstate personal financial representative to discuss your needs.

Fad or Fab? 4 Unusual New Car Features

Melissa — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:41 +0000

Pop-up headlights? Hidden gas caps? Record players? These may not come standard on the car you drive, but automakers have been innovating with quirky features like these for decades. While you probably don't have a third headlight on your car, as the 1948 Tucker Sedan did, some of your 21st century ride's standard features might have seemed like sci-fi 65 years ago. Below, we take a look at some interesting features on cars of the 2000s. Who knows -- maybe they're the wave of the future!

MINI's Openometer

Ever wonder how much time you’d spend with the top down if you owned a convertible? Well, if you buy a MINI Cooper Convertible or a MINI Cooper Roadster, you won't have to guess. MINI's Openometer measures and displays how long you've driven with the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin -- let's just hope it doesn't rain.

Kia Soul's Optional Speaker Lights

The Kia Soul stands out with its unique, boxy look, and it also proves that you don’t need to spend luxury car money to get a stereo system that adds some visual appeal. The Soul’s optional Infinity Audio System comes with speakers that light up, and can be set to pulsate with the beat of the music. The system is also created to sound as good as it looks, with a central speaker, a Subwoofer and an external amplifier.

Volkswagen’s Kaeferfach

[caption id="attachment_4716" align="alignright" width="300"] Flikr/sarahlarson[/caption] Everyone can spot the Volkswagen Beetle's iconic shape and flower vase, but it has some other features that may not be so well known. For example, have you ever heard of the Kaeferfach? It's the Beetle's second, upper glove box (I used mine for my sunglasses!). It's a fitting name, too -- if you don't speak German, "Kaeferfach" means "Beetle bin."

Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat

If you like that vibrating chair on display at Brookstone, Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat might get your attention. Available on the Cadillac ATS and XTS, the seat vibrates to help alert drivers to potential hazards on the road. If you get too close to another car while you’re parallel parking, for example, or if you drift out of your lane, the seat will vibrate to alert you of the issue. Unfortunately, Shiatsu massage isn’t an option yet. Whether it's for style or safety, fun or entertainment, these are some of the innovations you can see at car dealerships today As automakers continue to innovate, do you think any of these unusual features will become the new standard?

Do You Know What to Do After a Car Accident? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Melissa — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:54 +0000

You're driving in bumper-to-bumper, stop-and-go traffic during rush hour on a Tuesday evening. Just as you glimpse your long-awaited exit, the car in front of you slams on the brakes. You stop just in time -- but then the car behind you slams into your back bumper. Oh no! You've been in an accident! Would you know what to do if this happened to you? There are a lot of things to consider after a wreck on the road, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of an already nerve-wracking situation. Check out the infographic below for some helpful information: Looking for more information about car accidents and insurance? Check out the Tools and Resources section of Allstate.com.

A Few Handy Tips About Car Accessories

Melissa — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:52 +0000

Adding special features to your car can be appealing for many reasons. Whether you want to install a cool new spoiler to take your car from "ho-hum" to "wow," or if you want to install a rear-view camera, there are pluses and minuses to installing aftermarket parts. Here are some things to think about when considering new car accessories: [slideshow] Call Your Agent Some adjustments you make to your car -- including installing aftermarket parts -- may have insurance implications. If you have questions about what's covered, contact your Allstate agent for more information.

Stay in Ship Shape with These Simple Boating Tips

Brendan — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:25 +0000

Recreational boating can be fun, but like any activity involving large machinery or vehicles, it can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. In 2011, the US Coast Guard (USCG) reported 4,588 accidents that resulted in 758 deaths and 3,081 injuries. While your odds aren’t terrible—one accident per 2,653 of the 12.2 million registered vessels—the injuries and damages from a serious accident could be staggering. Damaged property in 2011 boating accidents was estimated at $52 million (that’s almost $4.2 million per registered boat), according to the Recreational Boating Statistics 2011 report from the USCG. The kicker is, by taking simple steps and planning, as well as exercising safe judgement, accidents can be avoided.

The Importance of Training

Unlike a vehicle license, boat licenses are often given after a written exam only, without an operation test. And in some state, the written exam is not required. Just because you have a license doesn’t mean you know how to operate a boat. Fortunately, that’s an easy fix. Depending on how close you are to water, it may be as simple as going to a boat school. If that’s too much of a hassle, there are online courses, as well. Of course, it's a good idea to check with you local regulatory agency to ensure you are in compliance with all licensing requirements. Did you go through a boat safety education program? According to the report, 89 percent of deaths occurred on a boat driven by someone with no instruction. Of the remainder, about five deaths (under 0.01%) happened when the operator had been through a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved course. There is a list of approved courses and organizations here.

Plan: Where Are You Going and When Will You Be Back?

You’ve probably heard of a float plan if you’re a boat owner. If you haven’t, read up. A float plan can expedite rescue in the event that you’re unable to send out a distress signal or if you’re in a small vessel without means of communication. The USCG’s website even has a helpful form you can leave ashore to make sure no detail is forgotten. And, if you’re thinking a float plan is unnecessary if you’re going on a lake or other enclosed body of water, think again: Forty-eight percent of accidents (and 46 percent of fatalities) happened in lakes, ponds, reservoirs, dams and gravel pits.

Weather

It’s common sense to check the weather conditions before heading out on the water. “Red sky in the morning, sailor take warning,” right? Contrary to what you might think, more deaths happened in calm and choppy waters (at most, 2-foot waves) than rougher waves. And according to the USCG's 2011 report, nearly 74 percent of all accidents happened during the day with good visibility; the peak time for accidents is 2:30-4:30 p.m. Regardless of your plans, keep an eye on wind, water and visibility conditions before casting off.

Situational Awareness is Key

The No. 1 contributor to accidents was a distracted operator, followed by poor lookout. Nearly 24 percent of accidents in 2011 could have been avoided by people paying attention. To give you a little more perspective, 22 percent of accidents were boat collisions. Think there might be a connection there? So, while you’re enjoying the day on the water, remember that your inattention could ruin someone else’s day—and yours.

When an Accident Happens, Safety First

We get it. Everyone looks a little ridiculous in a life jacket. Put one on anyway. In 2011, 54.7 percent of people who died drowned without a lifejacket, compared to just 11 percent who drowned with a lifejacket. “But I’m a strong swimmer,” you may say. Well, strong swimmer, if you’re a mile from shore, you would have to swim the equivalent distance of nearly 53 lengths in a 25-meter pool…with a current and waves. “Impossible,” you say. “I’ll wait it out.” You may have to stay afloat for hours until rescue teams arrive. Swallow your pride and pop on a life jacket. The key to your safety on the water is how much effort you put into it. Take a class and get informed. Make a plan and leave a copy with a family member, friend or neighbor. Exercise common sense. Drinking and operating a boat? Bad idea. Speeding? Bad idea. Having a good time while being safe? Great idea.

Shoppers Play it Safe When it Comes to Car Colors

Melissa — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

In the early 1900s, Henry Ford once said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” By offering just one color, Ford managed to streamline the production process, improve quality and lower prices. As a result, the Ford Model T is often regarded as the first mass-produced car that the working class could afford. Conservative Color Choices Take the Lead While black was the popular color of most Model Ts for obvious reasons, AOL points out that car color trends gradually change over time. We may not notice dramatic changes from year to year, but the differences between decades can be significant. By the 1950s, for example, car colors had evolved to vibrant shades of red, blue and yellow. Today’s most popular car colors are a bit more conservative. According to the 2012 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report, white cars accounted for 24 percent of the North American market in 2012. Black cars came in second, at 19 percent of the market, and silver was the third-most popular color, at 16 percent of the market. However, that doesn’t mean that automakers are afraid to take risks with dramatic paint schemes. The new Ford Escape is available in a distinctive shade of light blue called Frosted Glass, while the Nissan 370Z comes in unique colors like Black Cherry and Midnight Blue. If you’re considering a Volkswagen Beetle, you can choose colors like Yellow Rush and Toffee Brown Metallic. [slideshow] Perception Drives Color Choices White, which was also popular in the 1980s, has made a resurgence for a few reasons. FOX News points out that Apple may have contributed to the shift, noting that the company’s all-white stores and polished products are considered modern and high-tech. And unlike the Model T's monochromatic paint scheme, a variety of white color tones are available today, ranging from flat or bright white to a metallic pearl. White also has a built-in advantage over other colors since it’s popular with business owners who buy work trucks and paint logos on them. Forbes indicates that silver was the top color from 2001 through 2006, but that white has consistently been one of the top color choices since 1998. In addition, Forbes writes that black and white are both colors that represent luxury, class and quality, which is why they’ve remained popular. While certain colors evoke a premium feel, other factors may have steered us toward white, silver, black and gray. FOX News writes that these conservative colors became more popular when the economy took a turn for the worse. Since shoppers planned to hold onto their cars longer, they were less likely to take risks than they would be with with loud, flamboyant colors. The colors we choose may also depend on where we live. According to car coating manufacturer PPG, there are more red cars in North America than most other areas of the world, while black and gray vehicles are more popular than silver ones in Europe. In Asia, silver and white tie for the top spot, and about 7 percent of the cars in each of these regions are blue. Color Affects Car Values The color of your next car is ultimately a personal choice, but choosing something other than pea-soup green may pay dividends when it’s time to sell or trade your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book writes that choosing a popular color now will likely help your car maintain its value to a potential shopper five years down the road. Sticking to silver, white, black and gray are the safest bets, while loud colors, such as yellow, orange and purple, may negatively affect your car’s value when it’s time to sell. Color choice overrides brand loyalty too, as Kelley Blue Book indicates that 39 percent of buyers will likely shop another brand if they can’t get their preferred color.

While there are infinitely more color choices today than when Henry Ford introduced the Model T, for the moment, most car shoppers are playing it safe with cars that are white, silver, black or gray. If you were heading out to buy a new car, what colors would catch your eye on the showroom floor?

How Virtual Meetings Can Play a Role in Disaster Recovery

Blakely Thomas-Aguilar, PGi — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:34:14 +0000

Recent years have seen severe weather events make a tremendous impact on business owners, resulting in lost and delayed sales, increased expenses for repair work, and the delayed resumption of normal business activity. Such events have only reinforced the need for a documented disaster recovery plan for your business. Every day that a disaster puts the average small business or midsize company offline and out of office costs big—a median cost of $12,500 per day, according to a survey by the software company Symantec. Downtime, in which employees are out of the office and business is suspended, is certainly part of that cost. And while it is an often-overlooked aspect of disaster recovery, it is a circumstance that can be remedied using responsible telecommuting policies (even if those policies are only activated in times of need) and new business collaboration tools designed to keep your workers working anytime, anywhere, and even during extreme weather conditions, if needed.

How virtual meetings can enable connectivity during a disaster

Virtual meetings are one such tool. Virtual meeting software and collaboration tools like video conferencing and web conferencing go even further than cloud-based email and file storage (which can also be helpful as part of a disaster recovery plan). They enable real-time, face-to-face communication with anyone, not just those inside the company’s firewall, enabling businesses to remain connected with customers, vendors, partners and prospects during a disaster.

What to look for in a virtual meeting provider

The right virtual meeting software can go even further to enable your workforce to work outside the office with just a charged laptop (or other mobile device) and Internet connectivity. Here are some pointers on what to look for:

Multiple audio options: They allow users to connect in multiple ways, including manual dial-out toll and toll-free numbers, automatic “call me” features that ring cellphones or land lines directly, and, should the phone lines be down, integrated audio-over-computer options known as VOIP, or voice over internet protocol.
Integrated file storage: Cloud storage within the software can offer protection against document loss, and it can also enable workers to get contracts signed, share quotes and collaborate on projects even if they can’t access your database.
Multi-device access: With options to host and join virtual meetings on laptops, desktop, standard phones, mobile phones and even using smartphone/tablet apps, workers can connect using the technology they might have handy—not just the technology at the office or in a conference room.
Simplicity: During times of hardship, keeping it simple is often the wisest choice. Choose a virtual meeting software that is simple to access and use (no downloads, one-click log-in, consistent URL are recommended).
Business continuity: Global providers, like PGi, have redundant, always-on networks and facilities all over the world. By implementing a business continuity plan with redundant infrastructure in globally dispersed locations, virtual meetings providers can keep users up and running even if the local network was negatively impacted by the disaster.

What security features you should expect

Security is a consideration all its own; it is incredibly important when enabling work outside the office, especially in a time of disaster. Make sure to choose a virtual meetings solution that protects your company’s data, with such security protocols as:

Firewalls. Look for firewalls that are "rules-based," which means the administrator can allow or deny traffic based on specific criteria. It offers better protection against hacking attempts.
SSL certificates. All web interfaces and components should be hosted on secure servers with SSL certificates, an industry standard for encrypting information over the Internet.
Transport Layer Security (TLS). A privacy layer that helps prevent eavesdropping or tampering.
Multiple Internet service provider (ISP) connections. The service can remain operable if connection to a primary Internet service provider is down
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). This should be used at both the network and system levels to monitor and prevent unwanted activity.
Internal and external virus protection and network scans. Virus protection should be installed on all systems and vulnerability scans should be performed routinely by both the provider and a qualified third party. Any vulnerability should be analyzed and re-mediated.

With only an Internet connection and a battery-powered mobile device, smart businesses can implement virtual meetings solutions that can keep crucial operations stable during a disaster. By choosing secure virtual meetings technology and smart telecommuting policies, disaster recovery management can keep businesses up and running—even when the office is offline. Blakely Thomas-Aguilar began her career as a technology expert at one of the world’s largest technology companies before settling into her true passion of content creation, collaboration and business education. She lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband and three children. She contributes to the content strategy initiatives of PGi, a global leader in virtual meetings. Recommended by the editors:

What Small Business Needs to Know About Mobile Payments

Admin — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:12:13 +0000

If you weren't already aware, the way people pay for your products is about to change. Mobile payments, where consumers use their cellphones to pay for goods and services, are expected to total $60 billion by 2016, according to eMarketer. Some of the biggest companies in the world are racing to create technologies that let people store and transfer funds from their phones. Google, Apple, four of the major credit card companies and the major wireless carriers are all developing various platforms that will enable consumers to essentially toss out their billfolds in favor of their cellphones. So, what does this mean for you as a small business owner, and what do you need to do to prepare?

What’s in it for you

Depending on which "mobile wallet" technologies end up earning adoption, small businesses may stand to reap a lot of benefits. Financially, you could save on traditional credit card processing fees, as some of the wallet providers are proposing different fee structures that could be more beneficial to smaller operations. There's also the potential for your business to work with the mobile payment service providers to integrate your promotions into their technologies. For instance, a customer could discover your business through a mobile payment app, and then receive a coupon, pay for a transaction and sign up for your loyalty program or email/text list all within that single app. But, there is a downside. Chances are this transition from traditional cash and credit card payments to mobile payments will require new (and possibly expensive) point-of-sale hardware. The two dominant technologies currently driving many mobile payment services are Near Field Communications, or NFC, and cloud-based technologies. NFC, a technology that Google is betting on, involves the use of a chip on a cellphone that has the ability to communicate wirelessly with a terminal at checkout. Cloud-based mobile payment services, favored by companies like PayPal, consist of an app on a smartphone, which consumers would use to complete a transaction (for instance, by entering a PIN from a receipt to complete the transaction). Cloud-based systems typically involve much less hardware for business owners, but will likely bring extra costs in the form of software setup and system integration.

What you need to know today

Most experts peg mass adoption of mobile payment systems as three to five years away. That means you don’t need to rush out to purchase an expensive point-of-sale system, such as a special bar code scanner or an NFC terminal. And while cloud-based systems and NFC technologies seem to be in the lead, we’re not yet at a point where you need to place all your chips on the side of any particular mobile wallet solution – most are just now beta testing their products. Instead, look to what your own customers are doing today for direction. According to Nielsen, 39 percent of smartphone owners who were mobile shoppers during third quarter 2012 used mobile coupons on their devices; 45 percent read reviews before buying; and 61 percent researched items before a purchase. Consider taking advantage of this real-time marketing opportunity by engaging them with mobile coupons and text marketing. It can help you cultivate and maintain a base of customers accustomed to interacting with your brand through their phones. And that interaction could facilitate a smoother transition for your business, and your customers, when critical mass hits and the majority of the population is paying for their purchases through their mobile devices. Have questions about mobile payment systems, or how you can engage your customers through mobile? Let me know in the comments. Brandon Carter is the marketing communications manager for Access Development, a Salt Lake City-based provider of merchant content for loyalty and rewards programs. Click here to learn more about Access. Recommended by the Editors:

Get Your Motorcycle Road Ready: Make Your First Ride of the Season a Great One

Brendan — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:56:54 +0000

With daffodils blooming and spring arriving in many parts of the United States, American motorcyclists are getting ready to roll. Before you embark on your first motorcycle ride of the season, whether it’s simply a ride to a barbecue or a two-day road trip, sprucing up your bike will make it shine, but even more important, help to assure your safety before your ride.

Bathe Your Beauty

Start your bike's spring season with a thorough cleaning. Even if you covered your bike and stored it inside during the off-season, dust, bugs or other debris can potentially decrease performance or scratch paint. You want your bike to shine on your first ride. After cleaning your motorcycle, apply a good spray cleaner and polish designed for bikes, and ensure your chrome is shining, as well. Make sure you remove all chrome cleaner deposits from your pipes, because exhaust heat and chrome cleaner residue will leave your pipes cloudy.

Is the Gas Still Good?

Especially when your bike has been in storage for more than a couple of months, it is important to check any fuel that remained in the bike while it was stored. After opening the bike's filler cap, visually ensure that the fuel is clean and its consistency has not changed. If there is any question about the quality of the fuel, drain the fuel tank, fuel lines and carburetor before starting the engine to avoid costly repairs.

Rubber to the Road

Inspect both tires for holes, cracks, misshapen areas or foreign objects. Once you ensure that your tires are in good shape, check air pressure and add air, if needed. If you notice any damage to the tires, transport your bike to a repair location. Do not attempt to ride a bike with questionable tires – a blowout could be devastating.

Greasing the Gears

Even if you changed your bike's oil before putting it in storage, check its level and quality. Consider changing your oil and filter as part of a general service check pre-ride. Most shops complete a general safety inspection with an oil change, and with that behind you, you can ride more securely.

All Revved Up

If you trickle-charged your battery during storage, it should be ready to go. If not, make sure your battery is fully charged and reliable before depending on it for your first ride. Whether charged or not, check your battery for signs of wear and clean off any corrosion.

Once Around the Neighborhood

After completing your inspection, take a test run on your bike. A steady but short ride near your home or storage unit allows fluids to circulate, ensures the battery is holding a charge and alerts you to any unaddressed issues such as a rough idle or other potential problem. Carefully test all your bike's moving parts, fluids and electronics. Make sure everything is topped off, moving smoothly, and working properly. Repair any cracks or leaks, replace burned-out bulbs and lubricate where needed to avoid jams. If the test run goes well, strap on your safety equipment and enjoy the season!