What About Title Insurance?
Title insurance is a policy that protects against financial loss stemming from problems found in a property's title, or legal ownership.
However Iowa is the only state that does not allow private companies to sell title insurance. The state has a public title guarantee program. In Iowa, the property abstract is updated and then an attorney's title opinion (title guarantee commitment) is prepared. The program is laid out like this.
(From the Iowa Finance Authority)
The Iowa Legislature created Title Guaranty to provide guarantees of Iowa real property titles, facilitate mortgage lenders’ participation in the secondary market and to help assure the integrity of Iowa’s land-title system. As a division of the Iowa Finance Authority, Title Guaranty is totally self-supporting. All revenue in excess of operation expenses goes toward home ownership programs for first-time homebuyers. Title Guaranty’s profits are re-invested in the state of Iowa.
Title Guaranty offers Commitments, Certificates, and Endorsements that provide low cost title protection for real estate located in Iowa. Title Guaranty issues coverage based on an abstract and attorney title opinion. Once a participating abstractor prepares an abstract, a participating attorney reviews and then issues a title opinion or Title Guaranty Commitment. All Title Guaranty Commitments, Certificates and Endorsements are issued using the industry standard ALTA forms. For a residential transaction, coverage up to $500,000 is just $110 and an additional $1 per thousand over $500,000. Most common endorsements are offered at no charge. For a non-purchase residential transaction such as a refinance or second mortgage, the premium is just $90 for coverage up to $500,000. As of April 1, 2007, Title Guaranty provides FREE Owner’s Coverage when issued in conjunction with Lender’s Coverage. For more information on rates, click onForms and Documents. Once the transaction is complete and new mortgage documents are recorded, the abstract is updated. Then, either the participant or Title Guaranty will issue the Certificate.
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Community Updates
"The Harbor"
The harbor is a man made inlet located on the north end of West Lake. A board walk surrounds the harbor and this is one of the most tranquil parts of the lake. Homeowners in the harbor have a more affordable way to have access to West Lake, and still get to enjoy the clean waters West Lake has to offer. Homes in the Harbor typically range from about $350k to as much as $700k.
Cheap vs high end quality. A buyer's perspective.
Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.
There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.
Boulders Inn
Boulders Inn and Suites promises to make your Okoboji vacation comfortable and relaxing. This new hotel just south of Emerald Hills golf course between Milford and Arnolds Park offers 40 rooms with suites to meet your individual needs. One of the best things about Boulders Inn is that it is within walking distance of the Taco House. For some of you, I know that can be a big deal!
