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 Time to think about hurricane season and winter storms ahead.

We are in the midst of hurricane season and quickly approaching the time of year when we need to think about winter storms. If there is a significant storm or another natural disaster strikes the area where you live, are you prepared to keep your family safe?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign has designated September as National Preparedness Month to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and community. Every family should develop a family emergency plan, and here are some things to consider:

• Your family may not be together. How will you contact one another? How will you get back together? Designate an emergency contact and make sure everyone in your family knows who it is and how to reach them. When possible, program this person's contact information in cell phones under ICE (In Case of Emergency).

• Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Subscribe to any alert services that are available so you can get up-to-the-minute information in case of an emergency.

• In addition to protecting yourself and your family members, you should also take steps to protect your investments. Meet with your insurance provider to be sure you have the proper coverage in place. You should also find out what records your insurance provider will want to see after an emergency and store them in a safe place.

SOURCE: Weichert Insights

DOES IT MAKE MORE SENSE TO BUY OR RENT A HOME?

Savvy customers are weighing every financial decision very carefully, including whether it makes more sense to buy or rent a home. Both purchasing a home and renting are more affordable than at any time in recent memory, but which offers the better financial advantage?

Consider these factors:

• Amount of payment. In markets where home prices fell significantly, those who purchase a home will likely have a lower monthly payment. In areas where home prices have retained more of their value, individuals may find they can save a few bucks each month by renting.

• Length of time in home. For those planning to stay put for a few years, buying a home may prove to be more financially rewarding than renting. If you buy a home when prices are low like they are today, you can benefit from home price appreciation and build personal equity. Renters can't capitalize on rising real estate values.

• Monthly costs. Rent typically rises a few percent annually, so those who rent will likely see their housing expenses rise each year. Individuals who purchase a home with a 30-year fixed mortgage can count on having the same monthly payment over the course of the loan.

• Affordability. Interest rates are at the lowest point in 50 years, and the typical starter home costs $40,000 less than it did three years ago, according to the National Association of Realtors. Those who can afford to buy now and wish to own a home down the road can save themselves tens of thousands of dollars by acting now before home prices and interest rates rise in the future.

*Source: Weichert Insights

If you are selling your home, insight as to what buyers are looking for in a home is priceless.

According to the results of the Next Home Survey recently presented by Eliot Nusbaum, executive editor at Better Homes and Gardens magazine, consumers are taking a "cents and sensibilities" approach when buying a home.

For those buyers planning to purchase a new home in the coming months, price, energy-efficiency, organization and comfort are their top priorities. This is in sharp contrast to several years ago, when the focus was on large homes with expensive touches.

The Next Home Survey also found that:

• 87 percent of respondents would like a greener, more energy efficient home.

• 68 percent wanted an outdoor grilling and living area.

• 59 percent wanted a home office.

• 36 percent said their next home would be somewhat smaller or much smaller.