NEW YORK — There’s rarely been a better time to buy a home. If only you could get approved for a mortgage.

Despite the persistent uncertainty in the housing market, a steep drop in prices has made ownership a more attractive option for many. Yet some potential buyers may be sitting on the sidelines assuming they won’t qualify for a loan in today’s stricter lending environment. It turns out the reality isn’t as stark as many believe.

New homeowners in Canterbury are facing problems getting insurance for their properties, as some companies are refusing to issue new policies.

As the Missouri River rose to flood stage, many homeowners scrambled to buy flood insurance to cover their homes.

A 30 day waiting period means that most of those last minute insurance purchases do not cover the Missouri river flooding. However, many policies do cover secondary flood events. And some homeowners are wondering if the increased water releases from Gavins Point Dam earlier this week qualify for coverage. Unfortunately, those homeowners may find themselves out of luck.

FEMA`s national flood insurance program is pretty much the only game in town. The program covers up to $250 thousand and homeowners can only purchase excess policies through Lloyds of London.

BOSTON — Homeowners in western Massachusetts have filed $90 million in insurance claims for damage caused by deadly tornadoes that ravaged Springfield and several smaller communities last week, state officials said Tuesday.

Pjay Smith owns property about 20 yards from the Wide Hollow Creek in West Yakima. She recently received a notice saying she may be in a flood zone.

Smith said, “I thought they’re going to tell us it’s recommended we get flood insurance if we don’t have it already.”

ST. TAMMANY, La. — Many Northshore homeowners will soon see a reduction in their flood insurance premiums.

A change in St. Tammany’s community ratings will add up to $1.9 million in savings to the 35,720 homeowners in unincorporated areas of the parish, according to St. Tammany leaders and FEMA.

CHARLESTON — There’s no telling if any of the six to 10 hurricanes forecast this year will hit coastal South Carolina, but this is certain: It’s going to cost more to insure homes against potential damage.

The “wind pool” — the state’s insurer of last resort for coastal wind and hail insurance — will raise rates by an average of 9.8 percent.

Homeowners, some already hit with double-digit property insurance rate hikes in recent years, could see premiums more than double in five years. They also could lose their right to file claims for late-surfacing damage or suffer more home damage while they save up to make repairs.

Busy insurance companies are mobilising to cope with the aftermath of Auckland’s tornado.

The Insurance Council Chief Executive Chris Ryan says the industry is “already stretched” after a series of natural disasters and extreme weather events but loss adjusters are getting out to assess the latest bout of damage.