Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

Fundamental homeowners insurance policies you need to know

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 01/24/2024

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With all the different types of homeowners insurance, the process of choosing a policy can be confusing. 

To help, here’s a basic guide to some major types of insurance policies. 

What is an HO-1 home insurance policy?

HO-1 insurance is the simplest of policies offered. It only covers your home structure and a few home features.

It also covers attached structures such as garages and patios. This policy offers funding in the case of storms, fire, wind damage, theft and a few other peril categories. 

HO-1 insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings, however. So if your computer or furniture is damaged during a storm, replacement cost would need to be covered by another policy. 

What is an HO-2 home insurance policy?

An HO-2 insurance policy offers a wider range of coverage. It provides financial security to home structure and personal property. 

What are HO-3 home insurance policies?

An HO-3 home insurance policy is the most common homeowners insurance type. In addition to coverages seen with HO-1 and HO-2 policies, it covers additional items. These include liability, payments for medical bills and living expense stipends. 

What is HO-4 Renters Insurance?

HO-4 is a policy offering protection to the personal property of individuals renting a space. It is not technically a homeowners insurance policy, but important for renters to have. 

Consider your home needs when purchasing homeowners insurance. Protect your property and belongings with the right insurance.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.