All About Insurance

Choices That Will Affect Your Loan

• Mortgage term. Mortgages are generally available at 15-, 20-, or 30-year terms. The longer the term, the lower the monthly payment if the same amount is borrowed. However, you pay more interest overall if you borrow for a longer term.
• Fixed or adjustable interest rates. A fixed rate allows you to lock in a low rate for as long as you hold the mortgage and is usually a good choice if interest rates are low. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is designed so that interest rates will rise as interest rates increase; however they usually offer a lower rate in the first years of the mortgage. ARMs also usually have a limit as to how much the interest rate can be increased and how frequently they can be raised. ARMs are a good choice when interest rates are high or when you expect your income to grow significantly in the coming years.
• Balloon mortgages. Balloon mortgages offer very low interest rates for a short period of time – often three to seven years. Payments usually cover only the interest, so the principal owed is not reduced. However, this type of loan may be a good choice if you think you will sell your home in a few years.
• Government-backed loans. Government-backed loans, sponsored by agencies such as the Federal Housing Administration www.fha.gov or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov, offer special terms, including lower downpayments or reduced interest rates – to qualified buyers.

Slight variations in interest rates, loan amounts, and terms can significantly affect your monthly payment. For help in determining how much your monthly payment will be for various loan amounts, use Fannie Mae’s online mortgage calculators.

5 Things to Understand About Homeowners Insurance

• Look for exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These coverages must be bought separately.
• Look for dollar limitations on claims. Even if you are covered for a risk, there may a limit on how much the insurer will pay. For example, many policies limit the amount paid for stolen jewelry unless items are insured separately.
• Understand replacement cost. If your home is destroyed you’ll receive money to replace it only to the maximum of your coverage, so be sure your insurance is sufficient. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000 and it costs $180,000 to replace it, you’ll only receive $150,000.
• Understand actual cash value. If you choose not to replace your home when it’s destroyed, you’ll receive replacement cost, less depreciation. This is called actual cash value.
• Understand liability. Generally your homeowners insurance covers you for accidents that happen to other people on your property, including medical care, court costs, and awards by the court. However, there is usually an upper limit to the amount of coverage provided. Be sure that it’s sufficient if you have significant assets.

10 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs

• Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower.
• Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company. You’ll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the savings really yields the lowest price.
• Make your home less susceptible to damage. Keep roofs and drains in good repair. Retrofit your house to protect against natural disasters common to your area.
• Keep your home safer. Install smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and dead-bolt locks. All of these will usually qualify for a discount.
• Be sure you insure your house for the correct amount. Remember, you’re covering replacement cost, not market value.
• Ask about other discounts. For example, retirees who are home more than working people may qualify for a discount on theft insurance.
• Stay with the same insurer. Especially in today’s tight insurance market, your current vendor is more likely to give you a good price.
• See if you belong to any groups – associations, alumni groups – that offer lower insurance rates.
• Review your policy limits and the value of your home and possessions annually. Some items depreciate and may not need as much coverage.
• See if there’s a government-backed insurance plan. In some high-risk areas, such as the coasts, federal or state governments may back plans to lower rates. Ask your agent.

5 Things to Understand About Title Insurance

• It protects your ownership right to your home both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property.
• It’s a one-time cost usually based on the price of the property.
• It’s usually paid for by the sellers.
• There are both lender title policies, which protect the lender, and owner title policies, which protect you. The lender will probably require a lender policy.
• Discounts on premiums are sometimes available if the home has been bought within only a few years since not as much work is required to check the title. Ask the title company if this discount is available

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Jenny Kopriva is a professional Clear Lake Realtor with a focus on Clear Lake Iowa Real Estate and Clear Lake Homes for Sale. Contact Jenny today with questions or to find your next dream home!