Follow
Share
Find Care & Housing
Thank you everyone for your response. A lot to think about.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Lizzza
Report

If there is no chance that mom will be back..Sell the house.
You could rent it but that brings a whole host of other problems.
If mom is in a facility the sale of the home will pay for more of her care.
If mom is living with you the sale can also provide her with care in your home, paid caregivers and her other expenses. (please consult a Attorney for any contracts and how expenses should be taken care of)
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report

It’s easy to blame insurance companies, but current climate crises are costing them and their customers an awful lot of money. They can’t risk going broke, or we would all suffer. Floods, fires, hurricanes etc hit hundreds of homes at a time. Companies lay off the risks around the world, which helps immediate cash flow, but not overall profitability.

Where I am, insurance companies don’t get a lot of support from the ‘system’. For example, local government gives approval for new developments in areas which are obvious fire risks – it increases the Council’s rating base and avoids being challenged legally if they refuse. The fire authorities have no say in this, even though they and their volunteers will face defending the new properties – and the old properties will find that their own defense resources are less because these new developments suck it up.

Vacant properties have been difficult or impossible to insure for a long time now, usually after a grace period (here 60 days). The risks to the property are higher - not just from burglary but from other unattended issues - and it’s one thing that the insurer can control themselves. We have a housing shortage here, so there are other objections against properties standing vacant, sometimes for three or four years or more.

It seems to be something that just has to be faced. It’s more of a problem when it’s unexpected.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to MargaretMcKen
Report

Any empty house the insurance is sky high. That includes one being built.

Me, I sold my Moms house. I could not afford to pay her taxes or insurance. That heat bill in the winter was $500 a month. Being retired, I had my own bills to pay. I put the thermostat on 55 so pipes would not freeze.

I bought a timer and set it up with a lamp in the living room. Left her stove light on like she did. My grandson could not drive his car because of seizures he was having so we parked that in the driveway. The neighbor was close by. We had the lawn cut when the guy felt it was getting to long.

I was so glad when it sold.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report

Lizzza,
You have hit on a very difficult problem. My brother's last beloved home was a charming 1970s trailer in a beautiful little Historic Trailer's Park in So. Cal. I was his POA and his Trustee when he had to move to ALF five years ago. I was managing everything and the first thing I was told by his wonderful insurance agent was that insurance policy, while it would run its course, would not continue if the trailer remained empty.
Insurance companies are getting really uppity these days. Many have left California entirely because of our fires. Now they are telling hurricane alley inhabitants they will soon be exiting their premises as well. The fact is that insurance companies say they are currently losing big time (I think that means fewer enormous profits).
Nothing insurance companies hate so much as an empty house. They aren't overly fond of rentals either, which may or may not be maintained.

I often tell families to have one family member live in the home when an elder is placed, if that person will maintain and care for the home. It sometimes is the difference between being able to insure or not.

I recommend a good insurance agency; try to get a recommend for your own dedicated agent. Be prepared to pay more. And that just the beginning; you are going to need someone to maintain and keep watch on that place, sign up to get tax notifications and keep an eye on everything.
I wish you the very best of luck. Hope you will update us how it goes for you.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter