Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On Dec. 21, 2018, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extended the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP’s) authorization to May 31, 2019.
This week the House of Representatives passed a Bill to extend the NFIP until September 30. The House also passed a broader disaster relief package last week that also would have extended the NFIP, “a package that is not expected to see action in the upper chamber” according to The Hill.
The Senate signaled Tuesday that it is closing in on a deal on disaster relief, but it remains unclear whether it will include an extension of the NFIP.
Congress has approved 10 short-term extensions of the NFIP since its last multiyear authorization expired in 2017.
On its website FEMA says: “NFIP reauthorization is an opportunity for Congress to take bold steps to reduce the complexity of the program and strengthen the NFIP’s financial framework so that the program can continue helping individuals and communities take the critical step of securing flood insurance. The level of damage from the 2017 hurricanes makes it clear that FEMA needs a holistic plan to ready the Nation for managing the cost of catastrophic flooding under the NFIP.”
As the 10 – about to be 11 – extensions of the NFIP since 2017 indicate, expecting this Congress to reach bipartisan agreement on a long-term solution to flood insurance would be taking optimism to a new high.
Andrew Oliver Market Analyst | Team Harborside | teamharborside.com REALTOR®
Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty One Essex Street | Marblehead, MA 01945 m 617.834.8205 www.OliverReports.com www.TeamHarborside.com [email protected]
Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International RealtyAffiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
“I see a red door and I want it painted black
No colors anymore I want them to turn black”
The first two lines from the Stones’ hit might well be the anthem behind this recent post from Curbed Boston Black is the new Black
Home of Laura Fenton
“Black house exteriors have come into fashion at what seems like an almost astonishing speed. Pinterest reports that saves for black houses have grown 774 percent since spring 2014, significantly spiking in March of this year (possibly tied to a New York Times story that appeared on March 7).
And people are not just dreaming of black houses. Thus far in 2018, Tricorn Black, a deep, saturated ebony that is perennially one of the company’s most popular blacks, is the 12th most popular paint sold by Sherwin-Williams in the U.S., up from the 33rd spot in 2017.
In Canada, Tricorn Black is the sixth most popular color so far this year, while no black colors even made the country’s top 50 list in 2017.”
Um maybe. But I really don’t see many owners of New England shingle homes deciding to stain them black. Do you?
I know, you’re still cleaning up after the run of recent storms, with another one headed our way, but the clocks have gone forward and maybe we can start thinking of spring.
National Grid has published a helpful guide to electrical safety before, during and after a storm: click on the link to download a copy. National Grid guide to electrical safety
Contents of the guide are: Before the storm
Preparing for an emergency. During the storm
Generator and carbon monoxide safety.
Stay connected.
Stay informed.
How we restore power.
Extreme weather conditions and your health. After the storm
General safety tips following a major storm.
Restoring your electric service.
Appliance safety after a flood.
Call before you dig. (more…)
Record high last Friday, record low this weekend – don’t you love New England? The message is loud and clear: it is time to get your house – and yourself – ready for winter’s onset. Here is an excellent guide originally published in Boston Patch.
Protect Your Pipes
Make sure your plumbing pipes are protected. Pipes freeze under three common scenarios: quick temperature drops, poor insulation and thermostats that are set too low.
Check the insulation of pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and the attic, because they’re the most susceptible when temperatures plummet.
Wrap pipes in heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables, but be sure they’re approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Use caulk or insulation to seal leaks that allow cold air to flow inside near plumbing pipes. Pay particular attention to leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and the pipes themselves.
Disconnect hoses from each spigot on the outside of your house. Drain and store them.
Use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This will reduce the chance the short span of pipe just inside the house will freeze.
In extreme cold, you may be able prevent your pipes from freezing by allowing a trickle of warm water to drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
Leave your thermostat at the same temperature, day and night. Your routine may be to turn the heat down when you go to bed, but when the temperature plummets, which often occurs overnight, your pipes could freeze. Better to have a higher heating bill than costly repairs necessary when pipes freeze and burst.
Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Another idea is to turn off the main water valve before you leave home, even if you’re going to be gone only for a weekend.
Furnace Been Checked Lately?
With the house sealed up, you’ll also want to check these items off your list:
Make sure your furnace has been serviced to ensure it is running efficiently and safely.
Install a carbon monoxide detector and water heater, especially since they could be running on overdrive in freezing temperatures.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure the chimney is cleaned and the chimney cap is in place.
What to Do During Power Outage
You should also gather some other items you may need in the case of a power outage — and don’t forget to talk through the emergency plan with your family:
Have plenty of matches, candles and flashlights on hand in case the power goes out.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, make sure you have some cut firewood ready in case of an emergency.
A few extra gallons of water.
Non-perishable food items for you and your pets.
Lots of blankets, sleeping bags and comforters.
A battery-powered radio.
Backup battery for your cell phone and computer
A first-aid kit.
Dress for the Cold Regardless
Now, make sure your vehicle is ready to go for the cold months ahead. Here are some tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
Have you located the windshield scraper and brush? Find them before you need them.
Keep your gas tank at least half full during extreme cold situation, so you can stay warm if you become stranded.
Dress for the extreme cold, even if you don’t think you’ll be out much.
Graphic courtesy of NOAA Car Emergency Survival Kit Must-Haves
Put together a winter car survival kit for your vehicle. Be sure to include:
Definitely include jumper cables, but you may want to include flares or reflective triangle as well.
Flashlights and extra batteries.
First-aid kit, including necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child.
Non-perishable food items such as canned food (don’t forget a can opener) and protein-rich foods like nuts and energy bars. If you travel with pets, make sure to include food for them, too.
Water — at least a gallon of water per person a day for at least three days.
Basic toolkit with pliers, wrench and screwdriver.
Cat litter or sand for better tire traction.
Extra gloves, hats, sturdy boots, jacket and extra change of clothes for the cold.
Blankets or sleeping bags.
A car charger for your cellphone
Are you considering selling your home? If so please contact me on 617.834.8205 or[email protected]for a free market analysis and explanation of the outstanding marketing program I offer.
If you are looking to buy, I will contact you immediately when a house that meets your needs is available. In this market you need to have somebody looking after your interests.
Andrew Oliver is a Realtor withHarborside Sotheby’s International Realty. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
As homeowners opt for more modern kitchen designs, they’re also opting for more understated countertop alternatives. So says this HomeAdvisor.com article:Is granite going out of style?
The article also reminds us of the benefits of granite:”it’s both durable and attractive — and it’s become increasingly affordable too.”
Again, the article is not hailing the end of stainless steel, but points out that “a new generation of materials and designs are challenging the age-old assumptions over appliance aesthetics.”
If you are looking to buy, I will contact you immediately when a house that meets your needs is available. In this market you need to have somebody looking after your interests.
Please contact me on 617.834.8205 or[email protected]for a free market analysis and explanation of the outstanding marketing program I offer
If you are looking to buy, I will contact you immediately when a house that meets your needs is available. In this market you need to have somebody looking after your interests.
Andrew Oliver is a Realtor with Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Here is the section on protecting pipes from my Get ready for winter NOW post of a week or so ago. I’ve just turned on the facets in my house in sinks on outside walls.
Protect Your Pipes
Make sure your plumbing pipes are protected. Pipes freeze under three common scenarios: quick temperature drops, poor insulation and thermostats that are set too low. (more…)
Just over a year ago I published Solar panels – are they right for you?, with a not very positive comment based largely upon their appearance.
As with many products, however, dramatic improvements seem to have been made and a recent Bloomberg video No one saw Tesla’s solar roof coming shows just how much. When Elon Musk of Tesla presented recently, the audience members were unaware that the homes showed had solar roofs. “The interesting thing is that the houses you see around you are all solar houses,” Musk said. “Did you notice?”
The list of nine tasks has been compiled by Good Housekeeping Institute domestic gurus, who say they only need to be performed every 12 months.
2,3,5 and 9 ring a bell with me. What about you?
If you are considering selling your home please contact me on 617.834.8205 or[email protected]for a free market analysis and explanation of the outstanding marketing program I offer.
If you are looking to buy, I will contact you immediately when a house that meets your needs is available. In this market you need to have somebody looking after your interests.
Andrew Oliver is a Realtor withHarborside Sotheby’s International Realty. Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Until today we could pretend that it was still summer, but temperatures in the 40s and 50s this morning were a reminder that Fall has really started. Now while the days are still seeing temperatures in the 60s and 70s would be an excellent time to make sure your house is ready for the winter. Here are some suggestions from This Old House for a Fall House Prep List. (more…)
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