N
ational Association of REALTORS President Kevin Sears has written to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) calling for action on the National Flood Insurance Program and other critical disaster programs. In his letter, Sears emphasized NAR's desire for a collaborative dialogue with FEMA, aligning with the Trump administration's goals of streamlining costs while ensuring effective programs that meet community needs.

    REALTORS bring valuable expertise to clients navigating real estate transactions in disaster-stricken areas, offering critical guidance during vulnerable moments. NAR's recommendations to the FEMA Review Council reflect decades of advocacy and insights from members in disaster-impacted communities. To strengthen long-term outcomes, NAR recommends streamlining federal recovery programs, expanding mitigation grants, and reforming the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for long-term sustainability.

    NAR evaluated FEMA's disaster assistance framework across three critical phases: response, recovery, and resiliency. While FEMA has made notable improvements in its initial response to major disasters, NAR highlights significant shortcomings in the recovery phase, including limited engagement once the immediate threat has passed and confusing application processes. In the resiliency phase, NAR urges expansion of mitigation grant programs to help property owners strengthen their homes against natural disasters.

    NAR also voiced support for the NFIP, which is critical to real estate markets and the U.S. economy. Key recommendations include improving flood-risk mapping, enhancing public risk communication and mitigation efforts, addressing the program's mounting debt and risk concentration, and encouraging a competitive private flood insurance market. These reforms would ensure the program's solvency, expand coverage options, and increase affordability for homeowners in flood-prone areas.

    As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, the need for responsive and resilient disaster assistance programs grows increasingly urgent. NAR remains committed to collaborating with FEMA and other stakeholders to ensure that all Americans have the resources and support they need to recover and thrive after disaster strikes.