How to Effectively Consider Home Insurance Before Moving - L&T Agency Newsletter August 2026 Edition

When you are planning to move, one of the first questions to ask is: what type of insurance policy will you need for your new living situation? The answer depends on whether you will own the home, own the unit, rent the space, or live in a manufactured home.

If you are buying a house, you will typically need a homeowners insurance policy. This helps protect the structure of the home, your belongings, liability exposure, and additional living expenses if the home becomes unlivable due to a covered loss.

If you are buying a condo, you will usually need a condo insurance policy, also known as an HO-6 policy. The condo association’s master policy may cover parts of the building, but your own policy helps protect the interior of your unit, personal belongings, and liability.

If you are moving into a manufactured or mobile home, you may need a manufactured home insurance policy. These homes have different coverage needs than traditional houses, so it is important to make sure the policy matches the type of home and how it is used.

If you are renting an apartment, house, or condo, you should consider a renters insurance policy. Your landlord’s insurance generally does not cover your personal belongings, so renters insurance can help protect items such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and other valuables.

Before moving, contact your insurance agent to review your new address, ownership status, lease or mortgage requirements, and the value of your belongings. The right policy can help make sure your fresh start begins with the proper protection in place.

Contact an Insurance Agent here 👇

If you are planning to buy, sell, or refinance a condo or townhome, there are important HOA-related lending changes to keep in mind. As we mentioned in our May newsletter, lenders are expected to take a closer look at not only the buyer’s finances, but also the financial health and condition of the HOA itself.

Beginning in August 2026, lenders are expected to review items such as the HOA’s financial statements, reserve funds, insurance coverage, condition of common areas, special assessments, delayed repairs, and how association funds are being collected and managed. This means a buyer may be financially approved, but the loan could still face delays or denial if the HOA does not meet certain review standards. Fannie Mae’s March 2026 lender update also confirms changes to project standards and property insurance requirements for condo and project developments.

For sellers, this may make it helpful to gather HOA documents early, including the association’s budget, financial statements, reserve information, insurance documents, bylaws, and details on any pending repairs or special assessments. Having these documents ready can help reduce delays once a buyer’s lender begins reviewing the property.

For buyers, this is a reminder that choosing a condo or townhome is not only about the unit itself. The HOA’s financial strength, insurance coverage, and maintenance practices may affect whether financing moves smoothly. Before making an offer, it may be worth asking questions about reserves, upcoming projects, dues increases, special assessments, and the association’s overall financial condition.

Simple takeaway:
When moving into or out of a condo or townhome, the HOA matters. A well-managed association can help support smoother financing, stronger property value, and greater peace of mind during the buying or selling process.

Moving can be exciting, but it can also come with a long list of decisions: where to live, when to move, how to set up services, whether to rent or buy, and how to protect your home and belongings along the way. Whether you are buying, selling, renting, refinancing, or simply relocating, it helps to have the right support before the process becomes overwhelming.

Before your move, consider creating a simple relocation checklist. Start by reviewing your insurance coverage, updating your address, setting up internet or broadband service, reviewing utility needs, and gathering important home documents. If you are selling, it may also be helpful to understand your current home value and available equity before making your next decision.

Home360 Concierge can help make the process easier by connecting you with tools and services related to moving, coverage reviews, broadband setup, address changes, home equity reviews, and real estate support. Their site notes services such as insurance quotes, broadband setup, USPS address updates, home equity reviews, coverage reviews, and help connecting with a licensed realtor for buying, selling, renting, or refinancing.

A home equity review can be especially useful if you are thinking about selling, refinancing, or using your current home’s value to support your next move. Home360 Concierge describes this as a way to check your home value and equity, with availability in select areas.

Helpful relocation reminders:

• Review your homeowners, condo, manufactured home, or renters insurance before moving.
• Update your mailing address early.
• Set up internet, utilities, and other home services before move-in day.
• Ask about a coverage review if your living situation is changing.
• If buying or selling, consider requesting a home equity review.
• Keep important documents, insurance information, and closing paperwork easy to access.

To explore relocation support, home equity reviews, and home services, visit Home360 Concierge:

We believe great service starts with real people who care about helping you feel confident in your protection. This month, we’re highlighting Sarah Castillo, a valued member of our Inside Sales team who supports customers by reaching out at their renewals and conducting detailed policy reviews.

A quick hello from Sarah:

Hello lovely people!

My name is Sarah and I am so glad to be a part of the L&T Agency team, where I get to connect with the best customers!

Insurance is more than just a policy to me. It's about helping people protect what matters most. I genuinely love what I do because every conversation gives me the opportunity to educate, provide peace of mind, and find coverage that fits each person's unique needs and budget.

My strengths are building lasting relationships, explaining insurance in a way that's easy to understand, and making sure my clients feel confident in their decisions rather than overwhelmed. Whether you're purchasing a new vehicle, a new home, getting married, expecting a new family member, or just wondering if your coverage is still the right fit, I am here to guide and help you!

If life is changing or you have questions about your insurance, please don't hesitate to reach out. I would love the opportunity to connect with you and be a helping hand!

Contact Sarah Castillo today!

sarahcastillo@allstate.com Direct:224-355-1410 Office:847-362-0099

Hablo español, ¡llámame hoy!

This month we're highlighting a couple of great ways to enjoy our local community—a couple of free family events and one local small business worth checking out!

📅 Free Family Fun

Are you looking for upcoming family-friendly activities in Vernon Hills, IL? Here are some events to consider!

September 19
Outdoor Educational Event for Kids
Century Park • 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Explore hands-on educational activities designed for children while enjoying a beautiful day outdoors.

AND

September 25
Park Party & Movie Under the Stars
Hartmann Park • 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Enjoy food trucks, outdoor games, and finish the evening with a movie under the stars. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time together without spending money.

This month we're featuring Lilies & Lattes in Mundelein IL.

More than just a flower shop, Lilies & Lattes combines beautiful floral arrangements and a cozy coffee shop all under one roof. Whether you're grabbing a specialty latte, or picking up flowers for someone special, it's a fun local stop to enjoy.

A few customer favorites include:

• Signature lattes like Biscoff, Cinnamon Brown Sugar, Lavender, Wildflower, and Pistachio Chocolate

• Fresh floral arrangements for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, sympathy, and everyday occasions

📍 710 S. Butterfield Rd., Mundelein
☕ Open Monday–Saturday

Check them out here! Lilies & Lattes

Your experience matters to us. If you have a moment, we invite you to share feedback through our Customer Satisfaction Survey below—your responses help us understand what’s working well and where we can continue improving how we serve you. If you’d also like to share your experience publicly, a Google Review (👈 click) helps others feel confident choosing an agency that values education, clarity, and long-term protection. We truly appreciate you taking the time, whether privately or publicly.

Click here to share your feedback 👇

Prepared by Megan Dinklenburg to bring helpful, real-life insights to our L&T community. Questions or ideas? Please reach out anytime: meganwodek@allstate.com