Top things to know

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By CNN.com

1. You’re a statistic.

To an insurer, you’re not a person; you’re a set of risks. An insurer bases its premium (or its decision to insure you at all) on your “risk factors,” including your occupation, who you are, what you own, and how you live.

2. Know your home’s value.

Before you choose a policy, it is essential to establish your home’s replacement cost. A local builder can provide the best estimate.

3. Insurers differ.

As with anything else you buy, what seems to be the same product can be priced differently by different companies. You can save money by comparison shopping.

4. Don’t just look at price.

A low price is no bargain if an insurer takes forever to service your claim. Research the insurer’s record for claims service, as well as its financial stability.

5. Go beyond the basics.

A basic homeowners policy may not promise to entirely replace your home.

6. Demand discounts. Insurers provide discounts to reward behavior that reduces risk.

However, Americans waste money every year because they forget to ask for them!

7. At claims time, your insurer isn’t necessarily your friend.

Your idea of fair compensation may not match that of your insurer. Your insurer’s job is to restore you financially. Your job is to prove your losses so you get what you need.

8. Prepare before you have to file a claim.

Keep your policy updated, and reread it before you file a claim so there are no surprises.

So you think the market is bad….well check this out.

The other day there were 2 Realtors in my office writing offers for 2 different buyers on the same property in St. John. Neither of them knew the other was writing on the same property and the real irony was that neither of their buyers got the property because there was a 3rd offer from another Realtor on that same property and that was the one that the seller accepted. This was listed for sale just under $300,000 and it had been for sale for 171 days(this same house may cost you $10,000-$20,000 more as we enter the Spring/Summer markets).

The point is that this is a great time to buy in the Region with the negative media holding prices down and now the  very low interest rates there are many buyers getting off the fence and taking advantage of the situation.

But BUYERS BEWARE….because I feel that this Spring is going to be very active and the prices consequently will start inching back up. You still will be able to take advantage of the gret interest rates, but the home prices may start coming back up. So if you’re thinking of  moving…Now might be the time!  Remember, there are a lot of great reasons to to live in the region with affordable existing and new housing, proximity to Chicago and the lakefront,  expanding job markets with BP expansion-rebounding steel mill profits, and the growing number of people traveling through the area and driving retail development.  

So Take Advantage Now of the great buying conditions  and let’s hope for all of us that  we stay on this upward trend in the Region.