Insurance and Credit

Over the course of the last 25 years, the cellular industry has experienced tremendous growth. Cell phones have graduated from an ultra-expensive communication device to an inexpensive commodity. The cellular network ? the foundation that all cell phones depend upon for service – has rapidly expanded as well. Cellular networks have spent much of the past 25 years leasing property, building “cell towers,” and establishing “cell sites” as quickly as possible in order to meet demand. Today, changing cellular technologies are causing cellular networks to re-organize their cell sites and towers (and their leases).

Back in the day when cellphone technology was just starting to make a name for itself, much of the hoopla was focused on erecting networks as quickly as possible. This happened in the late 80s and early 90s, fondly referred to as “the first and second generations” of cellular technology. It was during these times that “prime” locations of cell sites were considered to be of utmost importance. A number of properties and buildings offered “perfect” areas for coverage, and networks often paid excessive amounts of money for these “prime” and “perfect” locations.

How times have changed.

Today’s third generation cell phones operate completely different than the first and second generation of just a few years ago. Older cellular networks were far less sophisticated than today’s networks, and they required higher antenna sites to cover more area. Today’s networks?not so much. Today, carriers need more sites closer to the ground that are operating with greater bandwidth. The closer to the ground, the more locations to choose from.

This is the bottom line: cellular networks no longer need all the “prime” spots they leased a few years ago – the technology has changed.

While consumers have benefited from these advances in cell phones and cell towers, there has been a great decline in the amount of rent seen by many property owners with cell site leases. Cellular networks are now checking on each and every lease, and since many of these leases were signed back when the technology was very much different from it is today, they’re often requesting a rent reduction or moving elsewhere. At the same time, these same advances in technology have also led to more competition for cell site leases. Since there’s no such thing as a “prime” spot any more, plenty of property owners are offering low rental rates to attract high credit cellular network leases.

Advances in cellular technology in the last 25 years has been magnanimous, and the industry is still aggressively advancing. The physical needs for a cell site have changed, and cell tower leases are now being renegotiated. A good number of the property owners aren’t quite happy about renegotiated leases and the lowering of their cell site and cell tower rents, but consumers – and even the entire country – are enjoying the benefits of improved performance, service, and the stability of wireless networks. It’s not all gloom and doom as far as landlords are concerned, however. As part of a cell site lease renegotiation, many landlords are able to secure a long-term rent guarantee. Since cellular operators are also one of the best clients a landlord can have, a long-term arrangement is often considered “money in the bank.” Still, technology and market forces are conspiring to force property owners to be more competitive in order to retain their tenants. Such is the march of capitalism.

Many people buying a holiday home or second home in the UK or in Europe are offered holiday home insurance cover by an insurer, broker, their foreign agent or notary. Of course it is too easy not to say “No”, but the cover offered may not be suitable due to the special insurance requirements needed for a holiday home or second home.

With the inherent risks of owning a holiday home in the UK or abroad being substantially greater than that of your main residence, there is a real need for holiday homes insurance policy written in plain English which pays particular attention to the special requirements for second homes and which also provides a wide band of cover.

Your holiday property insurance should also ensure that all local taxes on overseas properties are included within the premium. Buildings and Contents cover should be flexible so that owners do not end up paying for cover that they do not need. Not every property has a swimming pool. Certain features are considered to be of vital importance, and therefore overseas home insurance cover for loss of use, legal liability for domestic staff, public liability and accidental damage to domestic supplies should be included as standard.

Holiday home owners who own a property overseas and have overseas holiday home insurance should be spared the difficulties of discussing their claim with a foreign agent via a continental telephone call, and should be able to speak directly to experienced English staff that will provide assistance and be fully responsible for liaising with the overseas loss adjusters. The true value of any insurance is however only fully appreciated when a claim is made.

You might think that the best thing to go for is cheap holiday home insurance, but you really need to ask yourself whether you are really that well covered with the cheapest policy? Although low premium rates are often of importance, the overseas house insurance cover should be simple to understand, offer a high level of security and in the event of a claim a satisfactory result.

It is essential that you get the correct property insurance to suit the specialized requirements needed for your holiday home. Using an insurance agent who does not specialize in, or fully understand the requirements of your holiday home or let property, you may find that you do not have adequate cover to fully protect your holiday home. You must get specialist overseas holiday property insurance. And you must get insurance for buildings and contents designed exclusively for properties used as holiday homes or let for holiday use.

What restrictions are in place when letting and un-occupancy etc? Do you have cover for legal liability for domestic employees? And most important of all what do you do in the event of a claim? As an owner of a holiday home abroad, it is vital that you fully understand the extent and limitations of your insurance policy.

If your holiday home insurance policy has been placed through an insurance agent or notary in the following countries: UK, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus Greece, Ireland, Malta, Monaco or Andorra , it is more likely that they have not informed you and that you simply do not know.

A recession brings on economic uncertainty. Consumers aren’t willing to spend money, and banks aren’t always willing to lend it. But believe it or not, a recession is a good time to save money on a home loan, as long as you are prepared.

Believe it or not, a recession is a good time to buy a home because interest rates tend to be lower which will save the buyer thousands of dollars. But never enter a home loan negotiation processed unprepared.

A high credit score is your key to getting in. Do not have a high credit score’ Especially during a recession your chances of getting approved are very low and even if you are approved, the interest rates will be extraordinarily.

A strong credit score will not do without money in the bank. Make sure you have least 20% of the property’s total value in the bank. Also allow money in the bank for two to three months payments of the loan. These steps are required by the lender.

Always carry documents that verify employment, income, and assets. The individual cannot simply tell the lender he has a job and expect to win the loan. No, documentation includes paycheck stubs and bank account statements.

The documentation is even more important if applying for a home loan during a recession, because the bank is less willing to grant the loan. Submitting the documentation early ensure a quicker approval.

Although the current economy does not look promising, do not fear the chance of earning a loan. Home loaners still need business, but they will remain more selective until the economy changes. Inform the lender that you are speaking with other lenders and they will be more inclined to offer a cheaper deal.

Buying a home is time consuming and intimidating, but a lot of that stress is reduced with the appropriate steps already conducted by the prospective home owner. This includes a strong credit report and proof of available funds.