As Florence Approaches, Realtors(R) Renew Call for Long-Term NFIP Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 -- The National Association of Realtors issued the following news release:

Hurricane Florence is quickly approaching the eastern seaboard of the United States, expected to make landfall in North or South Carolina as soon as Thursday. National Association of Realtors(R) President Elizabeth Mendenhall, a sixth-generation Realtor(R) from Columbia, Missouri and CEO of RE/MAX Boone Realty, issued the following statement today as catastrophic flooding threatens of tens of millions of Americans from Tennessee to Delaware.

"As Hurricane Florence bears down on the East Coast, our prayers are with the millions of Americans in its path. According to estimates, some 750,000 U.S. homes are at risk of coastal storm surge, and up to $170 billion in property damage is possible across the Carolinas and Virginia. In these times, we are reminded of the importance of peace of mind for property owners with access to quality and affordable flood insurance.

"Although the National Flood Insurance Program is currently authorized through November, the National Association of Realtors(R) remains focused on ensuring Congress and the White House enact long-term reauthorization and reforms to strengthen the program's sustainability. Flooding is the most common disaster in the United States, one that affects Americans in communities both coastal and inland every year. As another potential historic flooding event looms, we urge Congress to take up the fight for responsible long-term NFIP reform as swiftly as possible."