What Every REALTOR® and Homebuyer Should Know About Home Insurance: A Conversation with Alana Dorcz

By Jeremy Williams, Founder and Expansion Partner, JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate  |  Survive Scale SOAR Podcast  |  Published September 25, 2026

What separates a successful real estate agent from the competition? And how confident are you that your homeowners insurance actually provides the coverage you think it does?

These two questions have more in common than you might expect.

In this episode of the Survive Scale SOAR Podcast, I sit down with Alana Dorcz, an insurance agent with Goosehead Insurance – The Sheets Group in Houston's Heights area. We talk about homeowners insurance, roof replacement coverage, deductibles, and why you should review your policy regularly. Alana also shares how she builds her business through relationships, social media, networking, and consistent daily activity.

Whether you're buying your first home, reviewing your current coverage, or growing your real estate business, this conversation has something for you.

Watch the Full Interview: Alana Dorcz on Survive Scale SOAR

Join me and Alana Dorcz for a conversation about home insurance, business growth, and the relationships that make a difference.

Home Insurance Tips Every REALTOR® Should Know | Alana Dorcz. Published September 25, 2026.

Why Does Home Insurance Matter Before You Buy a Home?

Buying a home involves far more than finding the right property and negotiating a price. There are financing considerations, inspections, appraisals, closing costs, and insurance requirements. Homeowners insurance deserves attention early in the process.

If you're financing your purchase, your lender will generally require homeowners insurance. But getting a policy is only part of the equation. Understanding what it covers matters just as much.

Alana emphasizes working with an insurance professional who explains your options rather than simply handing you a quote. A lower premium may look attractive, but what are you actually getting for that price? Does the policy provide replacement cost coverage? What are the deductibles? Are there exclusions that could leave you with unexpected out-of-pocket costs? These are conversations worth having before closing.

What should homebuyers ask their insurance agent?

• What is covered under the policy, and what is excluded?
• Does the policy provide replacement cost or actual cash value coverage?
• How much will I pay out of pocket if I file a claim?
• Are there separate windstorm or hail deductibles?
• Do I need additional coverage for flood damage or valuable personal property?
• How might the home's age, roof condition, and construction affect coverage?

Knowing these details helps you compare policies on both price and protection.

Roof Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value: What's the Difference?

One of the most important topics Alana covers is roof coverage. For Texas homeowners, how a policy handles roof damage can make a substantial financial difference. The two common approaches are replacement cost value (RCV) and actual cash value (ACV).

The Texas Department of Insurance notes that some policies change how they cover roofs as the roof ages, so it's important to review your policy when you buy or renew.

Hypothetical example. It assumes sufficient coverage limits and an approved claim. Actual payments depend on policy terms, depreciation calculations, deductibles, and other conditions.

The takeaway is simple: don't assume your roof is insured for full replacement cost just because you have homeowners insurance. Ask your insurance agent to explain exactly how your roof is covered.

How Do Homeowners Insurance Deductibles Work in Texas?

A deductible is the portion of a covered claim that you, the policyholder, are responsible for paying. In Texas, some homeowners policies use percentage-based deductibles, particularly for windstorm and hail claims. These are often calculated from the insured dwelling amount, not from the cost of the claim.

For example, on a home insured for $400,000, a 2% wind and hail deductible means you'd pay the first $8,000 of a covered wind or hail claim.

A lower annual premium with a higher deductible may not be the right fit for every homeowner. What matters is understanding the trade-off before a claim happens. For REALTORS®, it's another reason to encourage buyers to talk with an insurance professional early rather than in the final days before closing.

Should You Shop for Homeowners Insurance Every Year?

Alana recommends reviewing your coverage every year instead of automatically accepting a renewal. Premiums change, coverage terms change, and your needs change. The policy that made sense when you bought your home may not be the best fit a few years later.

The Texas Department of Insurance also recommends comparing quotes from multiple companies and evaluating coverage, deductibles, and insurer information, not simply picking the lowest premium.

When should homeowners review their insurance?

• Your renewal date is approaching.
• Your premium increases.
• You replace your roof or make substantial improvements.
• You buy expensive personal property.
• Your insurance needs or liability exposure change.
• You want to compare coverage options from different insurers.

When you compare, make sure you're looking at similar coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and policy provisions. A cheaper policy isn't necessarily a better one. And don't cancel your existing coverage until replacement coverage is confirmed and in effect.

What Other Insurance Coverage Should Homeowners Consider?

Our conversation also covers other insurance products worth discussing. Needs vary based on the property, personal assets, and individual circumstances.

Flood insurance deserves a separate conversation. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage, so buyers and homeowners in the Houston area and across Texas should evaluate whether separate flood coverage is appropriate for their property and whether their lender requires it.

The goal isn't to buy every insurance product available. It's to understand your exposures and make informed decisions about protecting your assets.

Why Is Your Professional Network Part of the Value You Provide?

As REALTORS®, we talk a lot about delivering an exceptional client experience. But what does that actually mean? It goes beyond showing homes, negotiating contracts, and coordinating closings. It also means helping clients connect with professionals who have specialized knowledge when they need it.

That might include insurance agents, mortgage professionals, inspectors, title professionals, contractors, or other service providers. A strong professional network lets you guide clients toward resources while the right experts handle questions in their own areas of expertise.

Those relationships shouldn't end at closing, either. The insurance professional who helps your buyer today may be the one who helps your past client years from now.

The transaction may end at closing. The relationship shouldn't.

How Do You Build a Sales Pipeline Through Genuine Relationships?

Alana talks about one of the hardest parts of a sales career: building and keeping a consistent pipeline. She does it through social media engagement, networking events, and personal conversations. Rather than relying entirely on digital communication, she makes a point of meeting people face to face.

That's something more real estate professionals could benefit from. Social media is a great tool for visibility, but relationships grow through meaningful engagement. Posting content is one activity. Starting conversations is another. Following up, staying connected, and showing genuine interest in others is what turns first interactions into lasting professional relationships.

Daily activities that help grow a real estate business

• Start conversations with people in your sphere of influence.
• Engage meaningfully with connections on social media.
• Follow up with past clients and prospective clients.
• Connect with local business owners and industry professionals.
• Attend events where you can develop new relationships.
• Share useful information without expecting an immediate transaction.
• Track your conversations and follow-up commitments.

The key is consistency. One networking event or social media post won't transform a business overnight, but showing up consistently creates room for relationships to develop over time.

Are You Busy, or Are You Building Your Business?

In sales, it's easy to fill a calendar with activities that don't actually move the business forward. You can spend hours creating content, organizing your CRM, or polishing marketing materials. Those things have value. But are you having conversations? Are you following up? Are you connecting with people who may need your services now or in the future?

Alana's approach reinforces the balance between marketing, relationship development, and direct business-building activity. At Omnia Elevate, we come back to a simple idea again and again:

The business you want tomorrow is influenced by the conversations you're willing to have today.

Personal Growth: Learning to Move Forward

One of the things I enjoy most about hosting Survive Scale SOAR is getting to know the person behind the professional title. Alana shares her path from Texas State University and selling infrared saunas to finding her place in the insurance industry. Her story shows how skills built in one profession carry over into another. She enjoys connecting with people, educating consumers, and helping them understand products that may benefit them.

We also talk about The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and how its message shaped Alana's approach to sales challenges. Not every conversation becomes a client. Not every opportunity develops the way we expect. Not every person will choose to work with us. Learning to move forward without letting every setback derail your momentum is a big part of personal and professional growth, especially for REALTORS® building a business through prospecting and referrals.

Meet Alana Dorcz, Goosehead Insurance – The Sheets Group

Whether you're buying a home, reviewing your current coverage, or exploring additional protection, connect with Alana to talk through your insurance needs.

For REALTORS®, watch this episode with two things in mind. First, think about how you can help your clients make more informed insurance decisions when they buy and own a home. Second, look at your own daily activities. Are you consistently building relationships and creating conversations that support your long-term goals?

For homeowners and buyers, use this as a chance to learn more about protecting your home and understanding the coverage you buy.

Training Offered to JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate Agents

Podcast conversations like this one are just one part of the week. Here's the training available to our agents, much of it free and open to Texas real estate professionals.

Continuing education credit applies only to courses approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and is subject to TREC and provider requirements, including attendance and completion rules. Not every training session qualifies for CE credit. All trainings are voluntary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Insurance

What should first-time homebuyers know about homeowners insurance?

Homebuyers should understand the policy's coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and whether it provides replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. They should also ask about any additional protection the specific property may need.

Does homeowners insurance cover a roof replacement?

Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage caused by a covered event, such as certain storms. Coverage depends on the policy, the cause of damage, exclusions, the deductible, and applicable limits. Normal wear and tear is generally not covered.

What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?

Replacement cost coverage generally pays the covered cost of repairing or replacing damaged property at current prices. Actual cash value accounts for depreciation, which can reduce the claim payment. Both remain subject to policy conditions, limits, and deductibles.

How are percentage-based deductibles calculated in Texas?

Percentage-based deductibles, common for wind and hail claims, are typically calculated from the insured dwelling amount rather than the cost of the claim. For example, a 2% deductible on a home insured for $400,000 is $8,000.

Should I shop for homeowners insurance every year?

An annual review is a useful practice. Comparing quotes, coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions helps you decide whether your existing policy still meets your needs. Don't cancel current coverage until replacement coverage is in effect.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage in Texas?

Standard homeowners insurance generally excludes flood damage, so separate flood insurance may be needed. Buyers should evaluate the property's flood exposure and any lender requirements.

Can a REALTOR® help me understand homeowners insurance?

A REALTOR® can help identify insurance-related considerations during a transaction and connect buyers with insurance professionals. A licensed insurance agent should explain specific coverage provisions, exclusions, and policy recommendations.

Why are professional relationships important for real estate agents?

Relationships with knowledgeable service providers help agents connect clients with the right resources during the transaction and after closing. Those relationships also create opportunities for ongoing communication and professional collaboration.

Who is Alana Dorcz?

Alana Dorcz is an insurance agent with Goosehead Insurance – The Sheets Group in the Houston Heights area of Houston, Texas. She helps clients explore insurance options and understand their coverage, and she was a guest on the Survive Scale SOAR Podcast with Jeremy Williams.