Since the beginning of hurricane season, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria have affected thousands of homeowners throughout the Gulf Coast. Although we’ve lately enjoyed a lull in hurricane action, it’s important to remember that the season is NOT over. In fact, we have one more month before hurricane season has officially passed, so stay prepared for a storm with these tips:

1. Keep inventory in case an insurance claim is necessary: It is typically ideal to keep a detailed inventory list of the items you have in your home with record of when you purchased each item and how much you purchased it for; however, this is not always realistic. Instead, consider photographing each room with your smartphone or camera. This will allow you to keep track of what you have and the condition each item was in prior to the storm.
2. Compile all account information into one document: This document should include any credit card accounts, debit card accounts, monthly billing accounts, etc. Make sure to note the contact information of a support specialist you use on a regular basis, as well as account numbers.
3. Make copies of all important documents: In addition to compiling all account information, you should collect and copy all important documents, like tax returns and insurance policies. Keep them in a safe, waterproof location or make sure you have extra versions stored on the Cloud or a USB key.
4. Collect and store medical information: If you require medication on a day-to-day basis, keep track of your daily dosage, where your prescription is typically filled, and your doctor’s name and contact information. This will significantly speed up the process of getting your prescription filled at another location if an evacuation is needed.
5. Get in touch with your mortgage lender: If you evacuate, your lender will likely have a difficult time getting in touch with you regarding forbearance on your loan or assistance services the company is offering. After the storm hits, it is therefore vital to get in touch with your lender to see how you should handle your mortgage payments moving forward.
6. Keep an eye out for scams: Unfortunately, natural disasters can lead to an uptick in scams. So, if you receive a letter or phone call requesting a bank account, routing number, or other personal information, do NOT give it out. Instead, call your service provider directly. This will ensure that you do not give your information to a scam artist.

Overall, preparation is key to a quicker and less stressful recovery. For more information about how to handle your mortgage after a natural disaster, or to learn more about how to plan for the new expenses of homeownership, contact one of our mortgage specialists or download Transitioning Into Homeownership today.