Question about Homeowner's Insurance in Mobile

[DeltaBelle1978]

Well for the question on the price jump in such a short peroid of time. I want to blame the storm. We didn't get that much damage in Mobile compared to the west with Katrina and the east with Ivan. This brought alot of extra people into the area.

My property taxes have increased about 200% on my property since 2004. I think thats crazy. I live in Mobile County. Not in the city. This increase was on the property I live on. Another piece I have didn't increase that much but it still increased. I'd have to get my records to see what the % increase it was. I don't live on it though. I live close to where they are putting in the new steel mill and some say thats why it is increasing up here. I don't know if that would be a factor this soon.

We are tring to save to build. It seems sometimes that the longer we wait to build the harder it will be to get into a home. I got prices from a company that builds homes in the Mobile area and within about 18 months they increased their prices 3 times. Needless to say I don't plan on going with them. After they increased it the 3rd time. They send a coupon that says if you get them to build your home, they'll take off like 1%of the purchase price. Well that don't take it down enough to compensate the increase they already put into place.

There are alot of nieghbourhoods in Mobile that fits what you are looking for. Just check on the school zones first, than go from there.

[NicoleC]

Get in now if you can and if you still want - that's a serious tax increase! There are bridge loans and other construction loan programs that may help if you don't quite have the cash. Expect construction prices to significantly increase in line with oil prices. It's a very energy intensive business to stick build. Module-based, SIP and other forms of centralized production will also rise but *should* do so at a much slower rate.

[Bravo35223]

The storm has caused all kinds of problems including increased construction costs - due to labor shortages. Additionally lumber prices have increased substantially....

HOI has gone way up in coastal areas as insurers seek to recover their losses from repeated hurricanes. Florida had four in one year alone....

[Keeper]

HOI increased because the insurance companies had to pay for Katrina, doesn't matter if it hit where you live or not. People are complaining in NY about the increases in their HOI.
Many places in FL you couldn't get HOI unless you went with the state and they were more expensive than regular companies. That has changed a little with some no name insurance companies coming in.
Mobile had damage from Katrina. There was water almost covering parking meters in one area. If you live near the coast you are going to pay more for HOI.

[Keeper]

Not sure if they are still around but SS steele use to build good homes for the money. My sister had one built on her lot a few years ago and they were happy with it. They build on your lot, all brick homes.
S. S. Steele Homes

[jasonhorn]

Hello all,

I would be happy to answer any questions you have regarding homeowners insurance. I am a licensed agent and specialize in homeowners here in Baldwin county.

In general, you want to live more than 5 miles from the Bay. This will open up your options a bit as far as carriers. Also, to provide additional discounts, choose a house with an alarm. That can provide anywhere from 5-20% discount alone. As well, homes after 1996 are built a bit better, including hurricane straps, which will provide an additional discount. Feel free to go to Auto, Home, Business Insurance in Mobile, Daphne Alabama - The Insurance Guy for additional info or I am also on Facebook, search for The Insurance Guy in Daphne, Al. Glad to help answer any questions that I can. Its a very tough market here.

Regarding Baldwin County in general, I moved here just over a year ago and have never met friendlier people. The views at all times of the day and night, looking over the Bay, are outstanding. You can generally find homes in your range from $150,000 to over $1,000,000. Mobile is a lot of fun and is a short drive away. Taxes are reasonable. I truly love it here.