There are a number of issues that a real estate agent needs to be aware of that could make closing more difficult and as a result delay closing.  This list was given to me by one of my associates who is in the insurance industry, fellow Active Rainer, Becky Reid.

• Is the home located over 5 mi. from a fire department?  Insurance companies love it if there is a fire hydrant nearby.  Fire departments have ratings according to their speed of response.
• Insurance companies don't like old wiring with fuses instead of circuit breakers.
• What kind of dog does the homeowner have?  Most insurance companies won't cover or offer liability for chows, rotweilers, dobermans or pit bulls.
• Quest or polybutelene pipe can cause problems.  It is usually ok with new connections.
• Woodstoves must be professionslly installed.
• Pools without surrounding fencing are a red flag.  These are often covered under local regulations as well.
• Many companies will not deal with mobile homes.  They used to be ok if on a permanent foundation, but that is not necessarily the case anymore.
• Log homes can be difficult to insure.
• There can be a problem with isurance if there is a business on the premises.
• Horse operations can be difficult to find liablility coverage for.
• Beef cattle farms can be difficult to insure as well.
• Christmas Tree Farms
• Properties with an old falling down barn or shed present problems, because policies do not have the ability to exclude structures.
• Find out if the property has had a claim within the past three years.
• Also ask your buyer sif they have had a claim during the past three years.  If so they need to call their agent immediately.

Not all of these items will prevent your buyers from obtaining insurance, but it might take longer, be harder to find, or be more expensive.

Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, Virginia
434 960-0161
www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.CharlottesvilleHorseFarmsandCountryHomes.com
www.Charlottesville.virginiablogpage.com