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Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act Passed by Congress |
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On March 13, 2014, the United States Senate approved the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, as previously approved and amended by the House. President Obama signed the bill into law shortly thereafter. The new bill repeals the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase premium rates at time of sale or new flood map, and refunds the excessive premiums to those who bought a property before FEMA warned them of the rate increase. The bill limits premium increases to 18% annually on newer properties and 25% for some older ones. Additionally, the bill adds a small assessment on policies until everyone is paying full cost for flood insurance.
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SCAM ALERT: Deed Processing Solicitation |
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RVAR alerted members last summer. But the scam has become so widespread, Virginia's Attorney General Mark Herring has just issued a statewide scam alert. A company with a return address based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota has been mailing solicitations to homeowners attempting to sell them copies of property deeds for $83. The solicitation looks official and lists specific property information, including parcel and zone identification. Citizens may obtain a copy of their deed or related documents from the local Circuit Court Clerk's Office where the recording was made for a copying fee of 50 cents per page (typically 2 or 3 pages) at any time they need it. If you believe you have been a victim of this or any other fraud or consumer crime, call the Virginia Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-552-9963. |
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3 Trends That Predict the Home of Tomorrow |
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The home of tomorrow isn't about Jetson-esque wonders and smartphone apps. It's about home value, the environment and our lifestyles. In an effort to predict what home features will be most valued in 25 years, we focus on 3 rising trends. 1. Extreme Energy Efficiency: Utility bills are expected to skyrocket over the next couple of decades. You can expect to see: - Waterless toilets: Residential water rates are rising in the US and toilets are responsible for nearly 27% of our total water use.
- Grey water systems: These systems will reuse up to 60% of your household water for watering the lawn and flushing toilets.
- Energy dashboards: You know how cars share the miles per gallon we're getting? An energy dashboard will do the same for our homes.
- And garages wired for electric vehicles.
2. The Rise of Super Storms: Since super storms are becoming the norm, homeowners can be left without electricity for weeks, even months. Expect to see whole house generators become a more common feature in homes. 3. The Locally Grown Movement: The desire to eat healthier, better-tasting foods continues to increase. This will make indoor gardens more common, allowing people to create the farm to table experience in their own kitchens. Source: www.HouseLogic.com Deirdre Sullivan |
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