You get a lot of advice when renting an apartment. While suggestions like testing the faucets or visiting the neighborhood several times at different times of the day are good, they're actually unrealistic. After all, you usually only get at least 10 minutes to check out the space before being pressured to make a decision.

Instead of testing whether the windows can be opened easily, it's better to ask some key questions that will give you a better insight into the apartment you're thinking of renting. 

What are the Terms of the Lease?

You should clearly understand the terms of the lease before signing a contract. Make sure you're aware of when your lease begins and ends. Check details like when you can move in, how long the lease runs, monthly cost of the unit and the owner's policy for delayed rental payments. 

What's Included in the Rent? 

Your rent is far from being a cut-and-dried expense. A lot of property managers include the cost of utilities and amenities, like water, gas, and heat. Get a clear idea on what is and isn't included in the rent. This will help you in determining the total cost of living in that place. 

Should I Get Renters Insurance?

Another thing you should consider when apartment hunting is insurance. There are apartment owners that require renters insurance. This insurance helps cover any loss to your property in case of flood, fire, or theft. 

Do You Allow Pets?

One of the most common questions asked by people looking for an apartment is the building's pet policy. If pets are allowed, ask about any fees or deposits the landlord requires. Pet policies differ per building owner. However, most will ask for a non-refundable deposit to cover any damage your pet might cause or any deep cleaning that needs to be done after you and your pet move out. 

Who Takes Care of Emergency Repairs? 

Even if the apartment is newly constructed or every feature is in good working order, you should still inquire about emergency repairs. Ask who to call when you have a busted pipe or if there's 24/7 maintenance. Clarify whether you'll be reimbursed if you take on the repairs yourself. 

There are many things you should know before deciding to rent an apartment. Regardless of your landlord's policies, it's a good idea to sign up for renters insurance. It's very affordable and will provide you with some much needed security. At D. Harrison Agency, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (410) 559-5630 or Click Here to request a free quote.

Every business is susceptible to fraud. However, small businesses are more vulnerable to this because main decision-making powers and critical responsibilities are often assigned to just a few key people. 

Research has shown that small companies can lose about $155,000 annually due to fraud. The usual causes of fraud is credit card abuse and inadequate security. But there are some things that you can do to protect your business.
 
Safeguard Credit Cards and Bank Accounts
 
A lot of small business owners encounter problems due to mixing their personal banking from their business one. Make sure you separate the two so those with malicious intent don't get access to all your money. This also makes it easier to track expenses and report the right deductions of your tax forms.
 
You should also be more mindful of how you use your credit cards. Never give your card or number to employees. Switch to online payments or find a secure storage for your cash. You should also have a secure mailbox to receive bills and send payments.
 
Invest in a Solid IT Infrastructure
 
Invest in good anti-virus, spyware detection and malware software. You should also have a good system for backing-up your data. This will protect important company information and makes it easier to pick up and continue work in case of a cyber attack.
 
It's also a good idea to utilize a dedicated computer for all the company's online financial transactions. Make sure it won't be used for any online activity like email, web surfing or social media. Avoid using mobile banking apps as well.
 
Train Employees on Fraud Prevention
 
Your staff is your first line of defense against fraud. Conduct regular training seminars on basic security threats, whether it's online or offline, and the necessary preventive measures. Training should also be complemented with a strict enforcement of policies on how employees should use and manage the company's confidential information.
 
Do a Thorough Background Check
 
Do your due diligence and conduct an extensive background check on your employees, especially those that will be dealing with high-value products, cash or will have access to your company's financial data and sensitive customer information.
 
Get Insurance
 
You can also protect your company by getting a good insurance coverage. The right policy can help cover any losses you might incur if hit with a cybercrime or fraud.
 
Never underestimate the dangers of fraud to your small business. Take the necessary steps to safeguard your company, like training your staff or investing in a good IT system. It's also a good idea to get insurance to help offset any damages and to give you peace of mind. At D. Harrison Agency, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (410) 559-5630 or Click Here to request a free quote.

Energy efficiency is something that many homeowners are striving for. Making your home more energy efficient is good for the environment, as it lessens greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the demand for non-renewable resources. What's more, it can save you a lot of money, whether it's by lowered energy bills, tax breaks or insurance premiums. 

Here are five practical ways to make your home more energy efficient.
 
1. Improve Insulation

Well insulated walls slows down the rate of heat loss during winter or heat gain in summer. This leads to less energy being used to heat up or cool down a house. You need to get in touch with a reliable contractor who can assist you in choosing the right insulation to use and to install it properly.
 
2. Upgrade Your Windows
 
Replacing your windows to more energy-efficient ones can go a long way in boosting your home's energy rating. Old windows might be leaking heat or cold air from your home; forcing your HVAC systems to work overtime. Aside from upgrading your windows, you should also consider having them tinted or using blinds or thick curtains to help control the room's temperature.
 
3. Touch Up Your Landscape
 
Surprisingly, planting shade trees and shrubs also enhances your energy savings. The foliage of a well-thought of placement of trees and plants can block infrared radiation during summer. These same trees will then be bare of leaves during winter, thereby allowing sunlight to go into the home.
 
4. Change Your Lightbulbs
 
Replacing old light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLS) can reduce your energy consumption by as much as three-quarters. You might have to shell out a bit more upfront but you'll get that back in savings. Consider this - CFLs can last for 10,000 hours and utilizes around 27 watts to generate light as bright as a 100-watt incandescent bulb. Meanwhile, an incandescent bulb only lasts 1,000 hours. You'll have to replace this bulb 10 times before it can even match the lifespan of a CFL.
 
5. Ask for Expert Advice
 
Make sure you're on the right path. Ask for an energy auditor to evaluate your home and see where you stand with regards to energy efficiency. These experts have the skills and the tools to recommend what measures you can still take. They can even verify the quality of work done by a contractor.
 
Your home is your castle, so it's only natural that you want to take care of it. Taking steps to make it more energy efficient is one way to go about this. Another is to ensure that you have the right home insurance to back you up. At D. Harrison Agency, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (410) 559-5630. You can also request for a free quote by CLICKING HERE.

Millions of people procrastinate when it comes to getting life insurance, even though they know it's something that they need. Unfortunately, a lot of people put a very low priority on life insurance. Most are more concerned about their retirement, medical expenses, basic cost of living and personal debts. This is why many continue to give excuses like these for not getting life insurance:

​There's No Need for it Yet
 
People are arrogant enough to assume that they have no need to get life insurance yet. Maybe they think they're still young or they eat well, go to the gym regularly and have passed their medicals with flying colors. But the reality is, no one is invincible. You'll never know when you'll get sick, have an accident or worse. So it's a good idea to get yourself some insurance while you're still young and healthy. With luck and a good agent, you can even get a policy with a very low monthly premium.
 
No Extra Money for Insurance
 
Inflation and slow wage growth has given people the general feeling that their disposable income is getting smaller. It's easy to see why people believe they don't have enough money to cover an insurance policy when you factor in the cost of rent or mortgage, food, utility bills, car payments, and taxes. But realistically speaking, an insurance policy is not as expensive as one believes. You can work with an insurance company to come up with a coverage that's perfect for you.
 
My Company Will Cover It
 
Most companies take good care of their employees. One way to attract these employees and keep them loyal is by offering a “death in service” policy. This typically promises that the company will pay out thrice your annual salary in the event of your demise. While it sounds promising at first glance, this amount will barely cover your mortgage or provide security for your children. What's more, if you move to another company, this policy will expire.  
 
I Forgot or Too Lazy to Get One
 
It's so easy to forget about securing an insurance policy. After all, it's not a requirement and there's no deadline as to when you should get it. There's also the fact you would be required to take tests and give some of your time to the application process. A lot of people would rather not deal with these two reasons. But procrastinating on this very important responsibility could lead to heartache and financial troubles for the loved ones you'll be leaving behind.
 
It's time to stop with the excuses and get a move on. There's never a better time to get life insurance than now. Regardless of your life insurance, signing up for a good policy will be the best decision you'll ever make. At D. Harrison Agency, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that makes your life easier. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (410) 559-5630. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

We see it on TV, Magazines or the internet. Pictures of your dream space that perfectly fits your style. You can’t stop wondering if you can have that same fresh look to your own living space. Then, you begin planning about renovating your house but realize that it is much too expensive.​

If you are looking to update or get your home a fresh new look in a tight budget. We have a few ideas for you, that you may want to try.

Clean-up, Everywhere

You might not realize it, but what your home might need most is a good clean-up. Organize your belongings, you’ll be amazed on the things that you might find behind closets and cabinets. Manage them into groups or boxes and label which you want to keep, donate, sell or throw away.

Take all the box with the things that you want to keep. Then, organize or put them in places where it is mostly used and easy to find.

the Kitchen

Organizing your pantry and kitchen cabinets will not only improve your kitchen, but also save you a lot of money. Make a system and arrange your items in a way that is easy for you to remember. This will help you tremendously in cooking and making your grocery list.
If you are having trouble storing your items. There are affordable options for you: like rods, hooks or space dividers, to keep your pantry and cabinets organized and clean.

Revamping Exteriors

Let’s start simple, by taking out the overgrown shrubbery that is obstructing the view of your lovely home. Try adding potted plants if you’re thinking about adding some greenery.
Update and personalize your mailbox. It adds a nice appeal to the front of your home.
Don’t forget to pay attention to your house number sign. Sometimes, the smallest things will make a huge difference.

New Paint

Forget thinking about getting a fresh new coat of paint for your walls. Why not paint the furniture instead? It will cost less and can totally transform a room.
Upcycle a few things you found after cleaning-up. Paint and repurpose it. All it takes is a lot of creativity, time and effort.

Change and Fix

As I have mentioned before, look for small things to change. Fixing the small issues that you have been neglecting for a while can make a wondrous impact. Change or fix cabinet and door handles, fill-in holes, repaint scratches on walls, trims or your ceiling. Correcting the small imperfections can really change how you look at things.

Furniture

Instead of buying a new furniture for your home. Take them all out of the room. It will be easier to see where you need to place them to improve the room. Rearranging your furniture will not only give you the opportunity to change the look of your home but also help to remove clutter.

Getting that renewed look and feel to your home, that you have always been hoping for, doesn’t have to cost you an arm or a leg. You will only need time, effort and some bright ideas to make it come true. At D. Harrison Agency, we work hard in making sure that our clients are well-protected with policies that they can afford. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (410) 559-5630 or Click Here to request a free quote.

Since everything around us is easier to do because of technology, people always get a way past moving around by doing errands physically or being physically able for friends and relatives.

Everything seems to be easy with internet, laptops, and smartphones. You can do grocery shopping in just one click, you can check out on your loved ones through video calls and chats, and you can even get access to all school and work stuff through emails and online portals.

This is the reason why keeping a healthier physical health becomes challenging. To give you points on how to improve yours, here are five tips you can consider:

1. Hydrate

Keeping yourself hydrated can already do 80 percent of the job in keeping your body healthy. Water can help your brain function better and can put your cells in good function. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can do the trick.

To maintain a healthier body, limit your intake of sweets, soft drinks, or other sugary juices.

2. Exercise

It doesn't matter if you are just walking, moving is the best way to keep your mind and body healthy. If you have a busy schedule, take a moment of 10 minutes to jog or brisk walk so you can sweat some toxins from your body.

3. Eat healthier food

Eating fruits and vegetables can renew your body. In this way, you can monitor your weight and keep a healthy food intake. Refrain from eating fast-food or find an alternative and a better snack. In this way, your body can get all the nutrients required for it.

4. Get some sleep

Sleep is very important to restore your body’s cell. Having enough sleep can even improve your brain and help your reboot your body from some tiring activities you have done the entire day. Investing a seven to eight-hour sleep is good for both your mind and body.

5. Stay clean

Washing your hands, taking a bath, and disinfecting are important tricks to wash away germs and other toxins on your skin. Doing so can help you prevent illnesses and diseases. Remember that all the things you are touching can involve some dirt and germs that can cause harm.

Keeping a healthy and balanced life can make you live longer and enjoy further. Also, consider also resting and relaxing to further give your body some hibernating to do and to keep your mind healthy and strong as well. At D. Harrison Agency, we do our best in making sure that our clients are well-protected with affordable and comprehensive policies. To learn more about how we can help you, please contact our agency at (410) 559-5630 or Click Here to request a free quote.​

Planning makes everything easier. It helps someone identify their goals and objectives that leads to formulating strategies to achieve them. It also helps someone determine the means and monitor all steps done. It may sound scientific but planning has proven to bring success to someone in hitting their goals.

Whether we accept it or not, living our lives need planning too. Particularly in one's Financial aspect.

Here are some events in your life that may need Financial Planning:

Relocation - relocating from one state to another isn’t that easy. There are differences in taxes and cost of living. Job rates may differ too and so you may need to see Financial Planning experts to help you sort your finances out.

Getting Married Soon - taking a relationship to a higher level also needs to have Financial planning.. Couples who are planning to get married would need to consider things like budgeting together, or simply writing down the expenses for the whole household. Looking into expenses that can be cut in order to suffice the household and family needs. Also, keeping the bills in both names will be beneficial. It is helping each other to pay the bills and at the same time, maintaining both good credit scores.

Expecting a New Addition in the Family - Life gets inevitably complicated when the baby arrives. Baby clothing, diapers, and baby foods; these are just some examples of the soon-to-be expenses that soon-to-be parents would be expecting. Parents may also start investing on educational plans on their children’s early age.

Getting a Big Raise from Your Job - When you get that raise you have been waiting for from your company, then, it is time to work on your future plans. Work, earn and then save for your future.

Retirement - this is considered the pivotal financial moment in a person's life. A secure, comfortable retirement is every worker's dream And so,  people are being encouraged to do financial planning in their 20’s and 30’s in order to ensure they can secure a good retirement life when they get old.

Life sometimes  give us overwhelming events that do not go according to our plans. Still, plans make us ready for any unexpected event somehow. If you think you are in a situation when you need some financial advice, do not hesitate to ask for assistance, for it will help you live your life a lot better in the future. At D. Harrison Agency, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (410) 559-5630. You can also request for a free quote by CLICKING HERE.​

Have you ever had that moment where you opened your room and you got inside, you looked around and saw nothing but a mess? Have you ever wished that your room were larger?

Well, that is possible, even without any renovation.

This article will help you do that with optical illusion.

1. Use of light colors - It is a known fact that using light colors make the room bigger and brighter. There is a certain feeling of having bigger and airy space when you use light colors in a wall. Suggested colors to use for the best outcome are soft tones of off-white, blue and green.

2. Lighting - Letting natural lights to get inside the room makes the room look larger. If your room has access to natural light, use sheer window curtains, to allow more light in.

If you do not have access to natural light, the creative effects of lighting fixture will surely help ame the room look bigger.

3. Keep your Room Tidy - organize things inside your room. Disarrayed things inside your room will really make you feel confined and uncomfortable.

Do not put too many decorations on the wall. Avoid putting a lot of pictures on them. Choose one large painting instead putting  smalls ones all over.

Create a focal point inside the room, one area or feature that will draw the eye. Keep the floor clean as it gives and maintain spaciousness.

4. Mirrors - if you place a mirror in the right manner and position, this will make your room look bigger.

Also, it reflects both natural and artificial light to make the room brighter any time of the day.

You can also try placing a mirror near a window to reflect the outdoors. This is very effective.

5. Maximize Space - since furniture sometimes eat up a lot of space in a room. To avoid that, you can use multi-functional furnitures, such as sofa that can be transformed into a bed at night.

You can place larger furniture against the wall to avoid open space. Tall furniture are can make the ceiling appear lower. Move furniture out and away from walkways, to open up the space and make the room feel larger.

Renovation isn’t always the solution  for a room to get the look of being a larger  and brighter. Sometimes, it is just a matter of looking into things that you can use to create a brighter effect in your room. At D. Harrison Agency, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that makes your life easier. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (410) 559-5630. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.

Welcome to our new insurance agency blog!
 
This is our very first post. We're not quite sure what we're going to write about here, but the plan is to create helpful content for customers and prospective clients about information that is relevant to you.
 
We hope you'll come to view this as a top resource for keeping your family and your finances safe.
 
Here are a few of the topics we may be writing about:

• Answers to clients' frequently asked questions.
• Helpful information about insurance shopping.
• Safety and Health Tips and Ideas.
• Local Community Information.

 
Stay Tuned!