Category: OS-Reviews-1

  • Vivint Home Automation

    Reviewer: Aaron Creighton | March 15, 2018 | Home Security System Buyers Guide

    Vivint leads the home security industry in home automation technology. Their automated door locks, wireless security cameras, smart thermostat, and video doorbells convert your home into a secured, automated smart home. If you like technology, look no further.

    Vivint

    4.9 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    Vivint captured the highest marks in Home Automation Security…

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    PROS

    ✓ Beautifully Designed Equipment

    ✓ Wireless Video Cameras

    ✓ Full Home Automation

    ✓ Lifetime Warranty

    ✓ Cellular and/or Landline Connections

    ✓ Remote Access (Mobile App)

    ✓ Doorbell Camera with Two-Way Voice

    ✓ Indoor/Outdoor Video Cameras

    ✓ Environmental Disaster Protection

    ✓ 100% Wireless System

    CONS

    ✕ Professional Installation Required

    ✕ Premium Pricing

    ✕ Long-Term Contract

    ✕ Generally Short Trial Period

    About Vivint

    Vivint is defining the “smart security” movement. Their technology is cutting edge and the convenience their home automation delivers is spectacular. They are one of the highest ranked security companies for a reason. Forget to turn off your iron? Leave the A/C on before leaving for a weekend getaway? Vivint has you covered– allowing you to control your thermostat, smart devices, or smart outlets from anywhere you can connect to the internet. These features do come at a premium price, but most customers say it’s worth it.

    View Packages | Current Specials

     

     

    Vivint Home Automation & Security System Features:

    Complete Home Automation

    With every Vivint security package, you get alerts through emails or text messages. If any motion is detected while your system is armed, you’ll know about it. With the Smart Control package, you get the whole kit and caboodle. You can also control your thermostat, small appliances, and locks from any web-enabled device, no matter your location plus 1TB of cloud storage. Whether you want to turn on a lamp or make sure the coffee maker is turned off, you can do both from across town or across the country with Vivint Control.

    Reduce Energy Costs

    With the Smart Control package, you can remotely control your thermostat, lamps, and small appliances from any web-enabled device. Whether you want to turn off the curling iron or turn down the thermostat while you’re not home, you can do so from your smartphone. In addition, Vivint also offers solar panel installation for customers looking to go green and lower electricity bills even more.

    Completely Wireless

    Your central control panel can communicate with Vivint’s monitoring center with or without a landline, giving your system more versatility. You can also install this system without running wires all throughout your house.

    Security Cameras

    Vivint’s streaming video allows you to watch real-time camera footage or recorded clips of your home from any location. Just pull out your smartphone or other web-enabled device to check up on your home and see camera footage. If you’re home and don’t wish to record, simply use Privacy Mode on your camera to disable remote viewing and recording, or turn it off completely.

     

    Other Top Home Security Picks for 2019

    There are so many security systems and options available that it can be difficult to narrow down the best option, but a few specific brands do stand out. Our favorite brands based on the combination of features, pricing, customer service, ease of use, customer reviews, brand reputation and durability are as follows:

    Best Home Security

    Home Safety Security

    ★★★★★

    Home Safety Security – Full Review >>

    Customers without advanced knowledge of home security appreciated the guidance and expertise of Home Safety Security.

    View Packages

     

    Best DIY Surveillance

    Spark ProCam

    ★★★★★

    Spark ProCam – Full  Review >>

    DIY home surveillance with discreet hidden camera…

    Get Quote

  • Elite Home Warranty

    Reviewer: Charles Weaver | March 21, 2019 | Home Warranty Buyers Guide

    Elite Home Warranty may protect you from the high costs of repairing or replacing your home’s major appliances and/or systems. Elite consistently received our reviewers highest marks in customer service, coverage, and customer satisfaction. That’s why we’ve made Elite Home Warranty our top home warranty pick for 2019.

    ✓ Far and away the trusted industry leader
    ✓ Best reputation in the home warranty industry

    Elite Home Warranty

    4.9 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    Elite Home Warranty has the best all-around reputation and is known for providing quality home warranties at low prices.

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    What’s Covered

    Elite Home Warranty provides coverage of all of the home systems below at one low price.

    ✓ Air Conditioning System
    ✓ Heating System
    ✓ Plumbing System
    ✓ Ceiling Fans
    ✓ Water Heater
    ✓ Ductwork
    ✓ Refrigerator
    ✓ Oven Microwave
    ✓ Stove Cook Top
    ✓ Dishwasher
    ✓ Clothes washers and dryers
    ✓ Garbage Disposal

    Final thoughts

    Our reviewers found that Elite’s coverage is the most comprehensive and consumer-friendly in the industry.

    Elite Home Warranty beats the coverage of appliances and systems provided by competitors and has fewer coverage limitations.

    Even though Elite offers trusted products, be sure to read the fine print on your custom offer before signing up for any home warranty.

    Other Top Home Warranty Picks for 2019

    There are so many home warranties available that it can be difficult to narrow them down to the best option, but a few specific providers do stand out. Our favorite brands are based on a combination of features, pricing, customer service, customer reviews, and brand reputation. If Elite Home Warranty isn’t right for you, here are some of our other top picks:

    Best Low Cost Coverage

    Choice Home Warranty

    ★★★★★

    Choice Home Warranty – Full Review >>

    Choice Home Warranty leads the pack with the lowest cost for coverage.

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    Best Customer Service

    Select Home Warranty

    ★★★★

    Select Home Warranty – Full  Review >>

    Select Home Warranty scored highest in customer service and satisfaction from claims.

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  • FreeScore360

    Reviewer: Stacey Christiansen | February 8, 2019 | Credit Score Management Guide

    FreeScore360 allows you to check your FICO score from all three credit bureaus at once. They’ve served over 1 million customers and provide secure, digital credit reports along with FICO scores.

    FreeScore360

    5.0 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    FreeScore360 is our top pick for protecting your identity because it includes high quality identity theft insurance.

    Check Your Score

    FreeScore360 Overview

    FreeScore360 provides free credit reports, and a paid service called ScoreSense® if you’re not good at tracking your daily credit report changes. The ScoreSense® service provides you with three credit reports each month, offers daily credit monitoring and alerts, and even includes identity theft insurance.

    The identity theft insurance and monitoring product is high quality and useful if you gain peace of mind from knowing your identity is safe. Those who are looking for a cheaper or free solution should look elsewhere.

    PROS

    ✓ Mobile app for easy access

    ✓ Credit monitoring and alerts

    ✓ Identity theft insurance

    ✓ 3 credit scores and reports

    ✓ Toll-free customer support

    ✓ 7 day free trial

    CONS

    ✕ Monthly fee for premium benefits

    About FreeScore360

    FreeScore360 is a great product for anyone looking for a detailed look at their credit report and FICO score. In addition, customers receive peace-of-mind knowing that their credit is being monitored and there is friendly customer service available if any of their needs are not met. FreeScore360 is recommended by our team as a one-stop-shop for complete credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

    Check Your Score

    Other Top Credit Score Services for 2019

    Your credit score is an important part of your overall financial health. Responsibly managing your score is as important as managing your dollars and cents. If you’re good at monitoring your score already, you may not need extra help. But if you go for months at a time without checking your credit score, we recommend a credit monitoring service.

    We’ve reviewed the best credit score evaluation and monitoring products and services based on accuracy, customer service, ease of use, and features. If FreeScore360 doesn’t work for you, check out our other top picks below.

    Best Overall Credit Service

    Credit Sesame

    ★★★★★

    Credit Sesame – Full Review >>

    FreeScore360 is our top credit checker and security pick for its included identity theft insurance.

    Check Your Score

    Best Customer Satisfaction

    Check My Credit Now

    ★★★★★

    Check My Credit Now- Full Review >>

    Check My Credit Now ranks highest in customer satisfaction and service.

    Check Your Score

  • Check My Credit Now

    Reviewer: Stacey Christiansen | February 13, 2019 | Credit Score Management Guide

    Check My Credit Now is a credit score report that provides all three bureaus’ credit scores with the click of a button. They also offer daily credit monitoring and credit alerts with a well regarded premium version.

    Check My Credit Now

    4.7 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    Check My Credit Now ranks highest in customer satisfaction with their easy-to-use website.

    Check Your Credit

    PROS

    ✓ Credit monitoring and alerts

    ✓ Mobile app for easy access

    ✓ Identity theft insurance

    ✓ 3 credit scores and reports

    ✓ Toll-free customer support

    ✓ 7 day free trial

    CONS

    ✕ Monthly fee for premium benefits

    About Check My Credit Now

    Check My Credit Now is for anyone who wants to get all three bureau scores quickly and easily. If you need additional benefits like credit monitoring and protection, these are available too as part of the premium package. Customer service reviews are high and the website is easy to use and navigate. Check My Credit Now is a top pick these reasons and the quality of the service they provide.

    Check Your Credit Now

    Other Top Credit Score Services for 2019

    Your credit score is an important part of your overall financial health. If you’re good at monitoring your score already, you may not need extra help. But if you go for months at a time without checking your credit score, we recommend a credit monitoring service.

    We’ve reviewed the best credit score evaluation and monitoring products and services based on accuracy, customer service, ease of use, and features. If Check My Credit Now doesn’t work for you, check out our other top picks below.

    Best Overall Credit Service

    Credit Sesame

    ★★★★★

    Credit Sesame – Full Review >>

    FreeScore360 is our top credit checker and security pick for its included identity theft insurance.

    Check Your Score

    Best Identity Protection

    FreeScore360

    ★★★★

    FreeScore360 – Full Review >>

    FreeScore360 is our top credit checker and security pick for included identity theft insurance.

    Check Your Credit


  • Reverse Mortgage Assist

    Reviewer: Tyler Kelly | February 4, 2019| Reverse Mortgage Guide

    Reverse Mortgage Assist is the most popular reverse mortgage service provider in the country. Our reviewers found their customer service to be exemplary, and Reverse Mortgage Assist received a 96% customer satisfaction score.

    Reverse Mortgage Assist

    4.9 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    Superior customer service and customer satisfaction are the two main reasons why Reverse Mortgage Assist is our top reverse mortgage pick.

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    Reverse Mortgage Assist Benefits

    ✓ #1 Reverse Mortgage Lender provider in the nation

    ✓ Customer service agents readily available 24/7 to answer your questions

    ✓ 96% Customer Satisfaction Rating

    ✓ Eligibility: Age 62+, $100K+ home value with 50%+ equity

    ✓ Free Information Kits Available

    Final Thoughts

    Reverse Mortgage Assist is widely regarded as the strongest name in reverse mortgage providers. They’re able to offer the best rates and have accommodating customer service that will help you with every step along the way. Make sure that you collect and review as much information as possible on the terms of any reverse mortgage prior to signing on the dotted line.

    Get More Information

    Other Top Reverse Mortgage Picks for 2019

    There are so many reverse mortgage providers and options available that it can be difficult to narrow them down, but a few specific brands do stand out. If Reverse Mortgage Assist isn’t right for you, here are a few of our other top picks:

    Top User Experience

    Reverse Mortgage Quiz by Equitywise

    ★★★★★

    Reverse Mortgage Quiz –
    Full Review >>

    The Reverse Mortgage Quiz makes reverse mortgage quotes easy.

    Take the Quiz

    Top Local Provider

    Home Equity Survey

    ★★★★

    Home Equity Survey –
    Full Review >>

    Home Equity Survey provides custom local offers.

    Take the Survey

  • Home Safety Security Review

    Reviewer: Aaron Creighton | March 23, 2019 | Home Security System Buyers Guide

    Home Safety Security helps put the right security system in your home by comparing your needs to the top security systems available. Not sure where to start? Information overload? Home Safety Security is our recommendation.

    Home Safety Security

    4.6 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    Customers without advanced knowledge of home security appreciated the guidance and expertise of Home Safety Security.

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    PROS

    ✓ Compare Top Security Systems

    ✓ Years of Expertise in Home Security Systems

    ✓ Nationwide Coverage Options

    ✓ Installation and Setup Costs Considered

    ✓ Can Help with All Security Needs

    CONS

    ✕ Some People Like to Work Directly with Providers

    All Top Security Systems Considered

    Home Safety Security considers all of the top home security providers available. This includes all of our top picks, as well as some other notable brands that didn’t make our cut. Just because they didn’t make our list doesn’t mean they’re not worthy of your consideration. In fact, your unique home security needs might make a less well-known home security system the best fit for your home.

    Choice is Overwhelming

    Information overload is real. With so many factors involved in choosing the right home security system, some people get overwhelmed. If you’re experiencing information overload, it may be helpful to use a service that takes your individual situation into account and suggests the best system for you. Home Safety Security is our top pick for an assisted home security solution.

    Final Thoughts

    When it comes to buying a home security system, too much choice can be overwhelming. If you’re feeling overloaded with information, consider using Home Safety Security. The experts at Home Safety Security can match you with a home security system that meets your specific needs at the budget you’re happy with. We recommend Home Safety Security for this reason.

    Other Top Home Security Picks for 2019

    There are so many security systems and options available that it can be difficult to narrow down the best option, but a few specific brands do stand out. Our favorite brands based on the combination of features, pricing, customer service, ease of use, customer reviews, brand reputation and durability are as follows:

    Best Home Automation

    Vivint

    ★★★★★

    Vivint Home Automation – Full Review >>

    Vivint scored highest in smart home customization…

    View Packages

    Best DIY Surveillance

    Spark ProCam

    ★★★★★

    Spark ProCam – Full  Review >>

    DIY home surveillance with discreet hidden camera…

    View Packages

  • American Home Shield

    Reviewer: Charles Weaver | January 21, 2018 | Home Warranty Buyers Guide

    American Home Shield (AHS) may protect you from the high costs of repairing or replacing your home’s major appliances and/or systems. AHS consistently received our reviewers highest marks in customer service, coverage, and customer satisfaction. That’s why we’ve made American Home Shield our top home warranty pick for 2019.

    ✓ Far and away the trusted industry leader
    ✓ Over $2 billion paid out in claims in the past 5 years
    ✓ Nationwide network of more than 14,000 contractors
    ✓ More than 1.7 million customers
    ✓ Best reputation in the home warranty industry

    Check Packages

    American Home Shield

    4.9 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    American Home Shield has the best all-around reputation and is known for providing quality home warranties at low prices.

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    About American Home Shield

    American Home Shield is based in Tennessee and has been in business since 1971. That makes it the most well established home warranty provider reviewed. They have over 14k contractors and have paid out over $2 billion in claims over the past five years alone.

    What’s Covered

    Here’s a look at what’s covered in the typical AHS plans, and what you can add on as additional coverage to either package.

    1. AHS Systems Plan

    ✓ Heating and AC with ductwork
    ✓ Electrical
    ✓ Doorbells
    ✓ Smoke detectors
    ✓ Ceiling fans
    ✓ Plumbing
    ✓ Water heaters
    ✓ Garbage disposals
    ✓ Instant hot/cold water dispensers
    ✓ Central vacuums

    2. AHS Appliances Plan

    ✓ Refrigerators
    ✓ Ranges/ovens/cooktops
    ✓ Clothes washers and dryers
    ✓ Dishwashers
    ✓ Built-in microwaves
    ✓ Trash compactors
    ✓ Freestanding ice makers
    ✓ Garage door openers
    ✓ Built-in food centers

    3. AHS Combo Plan

    This plan includes all items from both the Systems Plan and the Appliances Plan.

    4. AHS Build Your Own Plan

    Choose any 10 items from the Systems Plan or the Appliances Plan, and add additional items for $2 each per month.

    Final thoughts

    Our reviewers found that American Home Shield’s coverage is the most comprehensive and consumer-friendly in the industry.

    AHS beats the coverage of appliances and systems provided by competitors and has fewer coverage limitations.

    Even though AHS offers trusted products, be sure to read the fine print on your custom offer before signing up for any home warranty.

    Other Top Home Warranty Picks for 2019

    There are so many home warranties available that it can be difficult to narrow them down to the best option, but a few specific providers do stand out. Our favorite brands are based on a combination of features, pricing, customer service, customer reviews, and brand reputation. If AHS isn’t right for you, here are some of our other top picks:

    Best Low Cost Coverage

    Choice Home Warranty

    ★★★★★

    Choice Home Warranty – Full Review >>

    Choice Home Warranty leads the pack with the lowest cost for coverage.

    Get Quote

    Best Customer Service

    Select Home Warranty

    ★★★★

    Select Home Warranty – Full  Review >>

    Select Home Warranty scored highest in customer service and satisfaction from claims.

    Get Quote

  • Choice Home Warranty

    Reviewer: Charles Weaver | January 18, 2018 | Home Warranty Buyers Guide

    Choice Home Warranty protects against the high cost of repairing or replacing major systems and appliances in your home. Choice covers appliances, plumbing, HVAC, and many other systems in your home for less than most of their competitors.

    Choice Home Warranty

    4.8 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    Choice Home Warranty provides the lowest cost home warranties available.

    View Packages

    PROS

    ✓ First Month Free

    ✓ Customer Service Open 24/7

    ✓ Great customer service and end results

    ✓ No Home Inspection Required

    ✓ Contractors and technicians are courteous and pleasant

    ✓ Knowledgeable, Dedicated Team

    ✓ Packages for Real Estate Agents

    ✓ Transferable Service Contract

    ✓ Helpful Website

    ✓ Extensive Coverage

    CONS

    ✕ Some exclusions for providing service exist in the fine print

    ✕ Claim denial cases can be frustrating

    Coverage

    What your home warranty covers or doesn’t cover is the most important consideration you’ll need to make when picking a provider. Choice’s Basic Plan coverage stacks up well against competitors and offers considerable bang for the buck. For more plans, please click here.

    Choice Basic Plan Coverage:

    ✓ Heating system
    ✓ Electrical system
    ✓ Plumbing system
    ✓ Plumbing stoppage
    ✓ Water heater
    ✓ Whirlpool bathtub
    ✓ Oven/range/stove
    ✓ Cooktop
    ✓ Dishwasher
    ✓ Built-in microwave
    ✓ Garbage disposal
    ✓ Ductwork
    ✓ Garage door opener
    ✓ Ceiling and exhaust fans

    Additional Coverage Available:

    ✓ Pool/spa
    ✓ Well pump
    ✓ Sump pump
    ✓ Central vacuum
    ✓ Limited roof leak
    ✓ Septic system
    ✓ Second refrigerator
    ✓ Standalone freezer
    ✓ Septic tank pumping

    Final Thoughts

    If you need a warranty fast, Choice may be a good option. Choice is a reputable company with a history of treating clients with respect. But. be sure to read the fine print before purchasing any home warranty. Visit Choice Home Warranty’s website for more information, or see our other top picks.

    View Packages

    Other Top Home Warranty Picks for 2019

    There are so many home warranties available that it can be difficult to narrow them down to the best option, but a few specific providers do stand out. Our favorite brands based on the combination of features, pricing, customer service, customer reviews, and brand reputation are as follows:

    Best Overall Warranty

    Elite Home Warranty

    ★★★★★

    Elite Home Warranty – Full Review > >

    American Home Shield has the best all-around reputation and is known for providing the best home warranties at the lowest prices.

    View Packages

    Best Customer Service

    Select Home Warranty

    ★★★★

    Select Home Warranty – Full  Review >>

    Select Home Warranty scored highest in customer service and satisfaction from claims.

    View Packages

  • Credit Sesame

    Reviewer: Stacey Christiansen | February 23, 2019 | Credit Score Management Guide

    Credit Sesame is a free credit score monitoring service that helps you reach your financial goals. Our extensive review found Credit Sesame to be far better than any other product or service available, earning an extremely rare five star rating.

    View Your Score Now with Credit Sesame (Free)

    Monitor Your Credit with Credit Sesame (Free)

    Credit Sesame

    5.0 Overall Score

    ★★★★★

    Credit Sesame is an easy top overall pick for ease of use, quality of monitoring, customized credit score improvement strategies, and did we mention it’s all free?

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    Credit Sesame Feature Summary

    They’ll provide your free credit score, break down the factors influencing your score, and give you a step by step strategy from boosting your credit score. Their easy to use website makes signing up and reviewing your score simple.

    Features:

    • Get graded on important credit factors, plus your free score
    • Understand your best next steps with a free credit strategy
    • Know your best options – are you overpaying for credit?
    • Completely free

    PROS

    ✓ Completely free

    ✓ Credit score monitoring service

    ✓ Identity theft monitoring service

    ✓ Credit and financial management strategies

    ✓ Intuitive website with simple and easy to understand steps

    CONS

    ✕ Financial experts may want more detailed analysis

    ✕ Funded by advertising revenue so that it’s free for you

    About Credit Sesame

    Credit Sesame is a fast-growing credit and loan management platform that is changing the way consumers apply for and manage their credit. As consumer advocates, they provide consumers the free tools they need to reach their financial goals. Since launching in 2010, Credit Sesame has helped millions of consumers find better financial products and do more with their credit score.

    Credit Sesame provides the following free tools:

    • Credit Score & Monitoring
    • Identity Theft Protection
    • Savings Recommendations

    Final Thoughts

    Your credit score is an important part of your overall financial health. Responsibly managing your score is as important as managing your dollars and cents. If you’re good at monitoring your score already, you may not need extra help. But if you go for months at a time without checking your credit score, we recommend a credit score monitoring service. Credit Sesame fits the bill well here for most consumers. Best of all, it’s free. If you’d like a higher level of protection, consider one of our other offers below.

    Get Started

    Other Top Credit Score Services for 2019

    We’ve reviewed the best credit score evaluation and monitoring products and services based on accuracy, customer service, ease of use, and features. If Credit Sesame doesn’t work for you, check out our other top picks below.

    Best Identity Protection

    FreeScore360

    ★★★★

    FreeScore360- Full  Review >>

    FreeScore360 is our top security pick for included identity theft insurance.

    Get More Info

    Best Customer Service

    Check My Credit Now

    ★★★★★

    Check My Credit Now- Full Review >>

    Check My Credit Now ranks highest in customer satisfaction and service.

    Get More Info