Smart & Confident Home Buying: Insurance & Inspection Tips
Featuring Jane Thuet, Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Hallmark Inner Circle Real Estate Group
Home buying is one of the biggest milestones in life—and one of the largest financial investments you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upgrading to your dream home, or downsizing to a condo, it’s important to make sure you’re fully protected every step of the way.
At PetleyHare Insurance Brokers, we’re thrilled to partner with Jane Thuet, a trusted local Real Estate Agent in Durham Region, to help you navigate the home buying process with confidence. Together, we’re sharing key insights every buyer should know about home insurance, inspections, and how to protect your investment.
Home Insurance: More Than Just a Box to Check
Many people think of home insurance as something you just need to satisfy your mortgage lender—but it’s so much more than that. A comprehensive policy protects your investment, your belongings, and your liability. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Secure Your Policy Before Closing
Your lender will require proof of insurance before closing, so it’s important to connect with your insurance broker early in the process. We can provide quick quotes and get your policy in place to avoid any last-minute surprises.
2. Understand What’s Covered
Standard home insurance covers:
- The structure of your home or condo unit
- Personal belongings like furniture, electronics, and clothing
- Additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate after a covered loss
- Personal liability in case someone is injured on your property
We’ll work with you to make sure your coverage fits your lifestyle and property type.
3. Condo Buyers: Know Your Gaps
If you’re buying a condo, your building’s insurance usually only covers common areas and the structure. You’ll need your own condo policy to protect everything inside your unit, including any upgrades or improvements.
4. Renters Need Coverage Too
Renting a home or condo? You still need insurance! Tenant insurance is affordable and protects your belongings, provides liability coverage, and even helps cover temporary living expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable.
Home Buying with Jane Thuet: Why Inspections Matter
At Inner Circle Real Estate Group, one of the most important pieces of advice we give our clients—whether they’re buying or selling—is to invest in a home inspection.
A home inspection is a crucial step in protecting your investment and ensuring you’re making an informed decision, especially when it comes to risks that could affect your ability to secure or maintain home insurance coverage.
Inspections in Different Market Conditions
In a buyer’s market, inspections are usually included as a condition in the offer. In a seller’s market, buyers may be tempted to skip them—but we often recommend pre-offer inspections to stay competitive without compromising on due diligence.
Even brand-new builds aren’t exempt from issues. We’ve uncovered improper insulation, unsafe electrical work, and structural problems in new homes that could have serious long-term consequences.
Why Sellers Should Consider Pre-Listing Inspections
Home inspections aren’t just for home buying. For sellers, a pre-listing inspection can uncover issues that may scare off buyers or raise red flags with insurers. It allows you to address problems before listing, helping to reduce surprises and strengthen your negotiating position.
How Inspections Can Impact Insurance
Home inspections often reveal risks that affect insurability. Insurers may raise premiums, require repairs, or even deny coverage based on issues found. Some of the most common red flags include:
- Electrical Issues – Outdated or unsafe wiring like knob-and-tube or aluminum can be a fire hazard.
- Structural Problems – Cracks, sagging floors, or shifting foundations raise concerns about long-term stability.
- Wood-Burning Fireplaces – Insurers often require WETT inspections before providing coverage.
- Outdated Plumbing – Systems like Kitec or galvanized pipes can lead to leaks and higher insurance costs.
Local Expertise. Real Protection.
Between house hunting, paperwork, and moving, insurance might not be top of mind. That’s why having the right team—including your real estate agent and your insurance broker—makes all the difference.
At PetleyHare, we’ve been serving homeowners and renters across Durham Region and Ontario for over 100 years. We offer personalized advice, competitive rates, and coverage you can count on.
Ready to protect your new home or rental? Reach out today!
And if you’re planning a move or want to make sure you’re protected, connect with Jane Thuet and the Inner Circle team. Because when it comes to your home, there’s no such thing as being too prepared.
📍 PetleyHare Insurance Brokers
1707 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, Ontario
📞 905.433.4200 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 petleyhare.com
📍 Jane Thuet – RE/MAX Hallmark Inner Circle Real Estate Group
📞 647-895-8050 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 innercirclerealestategroup.com