Make Your Best Offer: April 2013

Friday, April 26, 2013

How is Crime in that Neighborhood? © 2013 Wayne D. Lewis, Sr.

Other Real Estate Perspectives by Wayne Lewis:
http://makeyourbestoffer.blogspot.com/

Abstract: In this edition of Make Your Best Offer, Wayne Lewis discusses the question of crime and helping clients select their potential homes. One of the most commonly asked questions, real estate professionals have to provide substantive information and suggestions to help their clients when weighing whether to buy a home based on any possible criminal activity in a given area.

“How is crime in that area?” A question like this, from a potential home buyer is a loaded question for a real estate professional. Our roles as real estate professionals is to know as much as we can not only about the homes that we sell, but the neighborhoods as well. Presumably, we should have knowledge of the schools that in the area, and whether they are good schools. Presumably, we should know about the types of stores and restaurants that are nearby, whether there are upscale, convenient, or discount stores, or if there any new stores coming up in the area.

http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/neighborhoods/crime-rates/

Real estate agents are not beyond knowing if there is going to be a new light installed at the major intersection up the street, or that there will be a new bus line installed on the very street that a potential buyer would have ordinarily bought their first home. So, with all the answers that real estate professional may provide, it makes little sense that he/she couldn’t answer one question about crime. Why?

Before I answer, let’s explore why crime is an important issue to the potential home buyer. Many home buyers speak to concern about their children. These buyers want to make sure that their children will be able to play safely, generally, in their own yard. More specifically, in their own front yard.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/neighborhood-goes-hightech-to-curb-crime/-/475880/19890568/-/view/print/-/113xp4b/-/index.html

Buyers ask questions regarding basketball goals in front of homes, and whether that attracts too many people to the neighborhood; they ask if cars parked on a front lawn suggest some criminal activity. And of course, an abandoned house or two, that isn’t boarded up, may suggest to a potential buyer that some type of criminal activity maybe in play. As agents, we can’t say that any of these activities are criminal in nature, or that any activity associated with their observations can be, or are criminal in nature. We can only ask that these observations be weighed in our clients’ decision to buy or not buy a home in an area or neighborhood.

One of the most important suggestions that we make to our clients is to survey any of the neighborhoods that they are considering at several strategic times. For example, drive through the neighborhood between early afternoon and late evening and/or, early morning and late afternoon and/or, weekends at any given time. Another consideration for our clients is to take the opportunity to survey a neighborhood during the times that they would be at work. See what happens on their lunch break. Who is home in the area, or what actually goes on while they are at work.

Our clients may also ask whether or not they should install a security alarm, or burglar bars on their homes. We can only recommend that our clients contact several companies that provide these services, the same as we would for plumbing, or a/c and heating work. Our clients’ safety is extremely important to us, so as the issues of safety come up, we need to be able to provide constructive information to our client that helps them in their decisions to buy a home in any given neighborhood. But, we cannot say with any certainty, a neighborhood is safe.

http://www.kiiitv.com/story/22060480/crime-spree-inspires-beaumont-neighborhood-to-take-action

"Would you let your daughter live here?"

I recall one time being asked that question. A client who had made my daughter throughout the home buying process had met my daughter. So, on one occasion while looking at a home and the neighborhood, the client asked me, point blank: "Would you let your daughter live here?" Without thinking, I answered "no". The client asked why?

I told them that my daughter had different taste from the area we were in,and I would not advise her to stay somewhere I know she wouldn't be happy.

To the client, that may have seemed an opportunity to say that it wasn't safe, but to be honest, there are places that I wouldn't want my daughter, or son to stay, safety being the least of my concerns in those instances.

Conversely, if my daughter or son wanted to stay somewhere that I didn't think was safe, I would tell them. But I would not expect them to not stay somewhere if that was the home they thought was right for them. But if a client asked me if I thought a place was safe, I would have to tell them to look at the resources that are available for them to do their research. The fact of the matter is that, clients are spending anywhere from $50,000 to maybe $500,000 on their home, or more. Isn't it worth it for them to take proactive steps to ensure that they are going to be comfortable in every way possible, including safety? As real estate professionals, we are a source to the source, and it is to the client to refer to and research those sources for the best possible information on their investment, including where they are going to live.[1]

http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/video?videoid=5b425eff-7359-411d-886e-8e4748409e98&ap=true&ap=true

After all, what is Safe?

Safe is a feeling, I believe. It is a feeling consisting of smells, observations, sounds and activities that make us feel as though a person, place or thing, or a home is just right. As real estate professionals, we can’t tell our clients that a neighborhood is “safe”, any more than we can tell them that “this is the right home for you”. Our clients have to use their concept of what is safe to their benefit. Just like they know if their dinning room table will fit well in their new home, or that the tailor-made curtains will look good in their new den, our clients have to know what “safe” is.

http://www.bpdnews.com/resources/boston-crime-watch/

To our clients, “safe” is where they grew up, compared to where they want their family to live in the future. Our clients maybe coming from a neighborhood that was never “safe” to a neighborhood that to them, “is the safest place in the world”. It is all relative. What is “safe” is for our clients to determine, using all of the feelings that has brought them to a certain point in their lives. But, there is one final recommendation, if it will help our clients to feel safe: the law enforcement’s latest statistics on criminal activity in the area of their proposed home. It can usually be found on the local law enforcement’s website. In New Orleans for example, reports of criminal activity can be found at:

http://new.nola.gov/nopd/, or http://www.cityrating.com/crime-statistics/louisiana/new-orleans.html. If clients are concerned about sexual offenders, there is a registry. For Louisiana, the website is usually included in the contract to purchase, but here it is: http://www.lsp.org/socpr/default.html.

Whether any of these websites, or client observations will make them feel safe, is anyone’s guess. Feeling safe and comfortable in your home, or in your neighborhood, is as much proactive as it is reactive. Many experts can speak to how to make your homes safe, or your neighborhoods safe, but it only takes one set of circumstance to make anyone feel unsafe. As homeowners, for which I am one, reducing opportunities for crime is also our responsibilities. For example:

Don’t let everyone know what you have when moving into your home. (Try to cover up expensive items, or all of your items as you move from the moving van to your front door. We know that people are watching, but if there are any thieves, they are taking notes);
Keep lights on at night in the front and back of your home;
Keep plants and shrubbery cut low or remove from any entrances to your home, as this may provide a hiding place for potential attackers;
Lock your doors whenever you go in and out of your home;
Change the locks after you move into your new home (Old family members may still have a key);
Join your neighborhood association and become active (Be apart of the solutions that continue to make your current and future neighborhoods safe) [2]

http://www.nbc11news.com/news/regionalnews/headlines/Neighborhood-watch-group-nabs-2-for-burglaries-166764156.html

Summary

Let’s just put it out here: there are no absolutely safe neighborhoods. On any given day, a criminal act can occur in the best of neighborhoods. How you approach buying your home regarding safety will involve more than just a simple question and answer from your real estate professional. With all that is available to us as buyers and sellers, the internet provides a vast array of information regarding not only what you need to know on the activity that is going on in a potential neighborhood, but what you can do to help you, your family and guests remain safe. Best wishes in your pursuits for a new home, and as always, Make Your Best Offer.

Are you looking for a speaker for your association, or group? Contact Wayne Lewis: email waynelewissoldit@yahoo.com or call 512-786-7959. I look forward to hearing from you.

DISCLAIMER: Not intended to provide legal advice. You are advised to seek legal counsel for advice. Not intended to solicit the business, clients or agents of any brokerage. Information deemed to be from reliable sources but not guaranteed.

[1] A Source to the Source, Make Your Best Offer © Wayne D. Lewis, Sr. http://makeyourbestoffer.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-source-to-source-or-i-am-not-sure-but.html

http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/neighborhoods/crime-rates/

http://www.news4jax.com/news/neighborhood-goes-hightech-to-curb-crime/-/475880/19890568/-/view/print/-/113xp4b/-/index.html

http://www.kiiitv.com/story/22060480/crime-spree-inspires-beaumont-neighborhood-to-take-action

http://news.msn.com/crime-justice/video?videoid=5b425eff-7359-411d-886e-8e4748409e98&ap=true&ap=true

Labels: Change your locks, Home Burglaries, Neighborhood Crime, Neighborhood Watch Group, Safe Neighborhoods, Security Systems, Thefts

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Your New Homeowners’ Association © 2013 Wayne D. Lewis, Sr.

Your NewHomeowners’ Association

Other Real Estate related posts:
http://makeyourbestoffer.blogspot.com/

Congratulations! You are moving into your new home. With all that you will have to be mindful of, your homeowners’ association (HOA) and it’s covenants will certainly need to prioritized, quickly. (Not to be confused with Condo Association)

Have you had a chance to read the covenants? Will you be attending the meetings? Will you be an active member? What is a section rep? Can you park your car in front of your house? How about adding a second floor to your home, will you need permission from the HOA? Is security better than average neighborhoods? Maybe these aren’t the questions running through your mind when you think about buying a home that is under the guidance of an HOA, but, it is not a stretch.

Maybe the only question that maybe going through your mind is, what do those high dues pay for? If that’s not it either, I am hoping that if nothing else, these questions have been answered by your section rep, or President by the time you attend your first HOA general meeting.

In the event you are considering moving into a neighborhood with an HOA, here are a few points that you may want to be aware of, or want to clarify:

Dues maybe paid annually, quarterly, semiannually-depending on the HOA covenants and/or bylaws;
Dues generally cover the overall upkeep of the subdivision which may include, but is not limited to, security, landscaping and lawn mowing of the common areas, insurance, any correspondence, and utilities;
Meetings maybe held monthly, bi-monthly for the board, or as determined by the bylaws and/covenants;
The make up of the board may consist a President, 1 or 2 Vice Presidents, a Board Secretary, a Treasurer, security chair, beautification chair, newsletter representative, lead section representative, and/or legal consultant

http://www.athomenet.com/homeowners-association-website.asp

The people who normally make up the HOA, are usually homeowners, from the neighborhood. Unless otherwise stipulated, everyone on the Board that is the HOA Board are volunteers. The HOA Board evaluates the direction of the neighborhood and works to make sure that the covenants and bylaws are strictly adhered to. The Executive Board members (President, VP, Treasurer, and Secretary) are usually voted on by the general members, who are the residents of the neighborhood. Other members of the board are appointed volunteers based on their skill sets for the appointed position.

HOA’s also provide for activities in the neighborhood. They may provide for special events, such as holiday events, children’s activities and fund raisers. Neighbors are sure to attend these events, but neighbors from outside may often attend as well.

http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/homeowners-associations-hoas-ccrs-29786.html

General meetings are the best way to interact with your HOA. The meetings are an opportunity to voice your concerns, and get the Board members to address residents concerns and put them to a vote. Meetings may address “new business” or “old business” according to the agenda, often generated by the Board Secretary. Board meetings often consist of the executive members, but may open to residents who may wish to address the board members on a matter they wish to address by the Executive members for either immediate action, or for clarification on matters of importance to the neighborhood.

http://hoa-usa.com/

What about the other questions we asked earlier?

Q. Will you be attending the HOA meetings?

A. You are encouraged to attend HOA meetings. Even if you don’t have anything to add, or ask, you will take away the fact that your board members are working on important projects throughout the year;

Q. Will you be an active member?

A. Volunteers are often needed in HOA’s. Whatever you have done in your life, or have ever wanted to learn how to do in your life, or ever wanted to improve upon in your life, volunteering in your HOA will be a big plus. Whether an annual event, special event, or regular event, such as a General meeting, volunteers have an opportunity to reach out to the Board members and other residents to network and build new relationships.

http://gawker.com/5830257/the-horror-of-homeowners-associations

Q. What is a section rep?

A. A section rep is a neighbor in the subdivision who has volunteered to help in passing out newsletters or notices from the Board.

Q. Can you park your car in front of your house?

A. Covenants and bylaws spell out the various allowable acts that can be carried out in the community governed by the HOA. These bylaws and covenants are designed to establish a certain decorum for the neighborhood. By setting restrictions on parking a motor home, or boat on the street, the community is able to minimize the loss of ambiance that makes the subdision distinguishable or unique.

Q. How about adding a second floor to your home, will you need permission from the HOA?

A. As stated earlier, covenants and bylaws are dictate a number of restrictions and requirements of residents that ensure the uniformity of community. These rules or restrictions, while some abhor them, there are those pay to be in these neighborhoods for the same reasons, because exclusivity, or because there are controls in place to help keep the neighborhood attractive, and to help the homes maintain their value.

http://real-estate.lawyers.com/homeowners-association-law/Homeowners-Associations.html

Q. Is security better than other neighborhoods?

A. While no one can guarantee a safe neighborhood, HOA’s work very strongly to provide important features to help maintain a safe environment. Will there never be a burglary? No. Will there never be a theft of a car? No. But the probabilities are greatly reduced, and can be addressed if any pattern of activity occurs very quickly. HOA’s generally have either their own security, or work very closely with the local law enforcement authorities.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.38

This random bit of information may help you in determining whether to buy a home in a community with an HOA. But it is important to preview the HOA docs and bylaws, if allowed, before committing to move into a subdivision governed by an HOA. Your decision maybe determined by whether you can be tolerant of being told/directed to check with the HOA before making any changes to your home, even if that approval was given by the city or municipality. It will be for you to understand that the HOA may issue sanctions against homeowners that can be enforced by law via civil suit [1] (consult with an attorney for confirmation, not legal advice). The real key for you as a potential resident, is to review all documents, and make sure to pay dues in a timely manner, as they can also lead to punitive responses by the HOA Board.

Good luck if you decide to purchase home governed by an HOA. It can be the most important decision you can make, in addition to buying a home. Best wishes.

DISCLAIMER: Not intended to legal advice. You are advised to seek legal counsel for advice. Not intended to solicit the business, clients or agents of any brokerage. Information deemed to be from reliable sources but not guaranteed

[1] Please consult with your attorney for any confirmation or legal advice.

Labels: Bylaws, Covenants, Dues, HOA, Homeowners Association, Neighborhood Security

Saturday, April 20, 2013

WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON IN YOUR BEDROOM? © 2013 by Wayne D. Lewis, Sr.

Get more Real Estate perspectives from Wayne Lewis at:

http://makeyourbestoffer.blogspot.com/

It’s a good thing that I am writing this in a blog post. There are some people who would answer the topic question in too detail a manner. Can you say: TMI? While I am sure that the topic question may evoke, or perhaps provoke a conversation of celestial bliss, and wild nights, this is not that conversation. My apologies to those of you who were ready to settle down and get buck wild. Not going to happen. Instead, let us pull all of, or any of those thoughts back into port, and focus on the physical (pardon the pun) aspects of the bedroom. Which bedroom? We’ll start with the Master Bedroom.

www.duvetandpillowwarehouse...

The master bedroom, as we know, has evolved over the years. Many of us may remember that only the difference between the master bedroom and any other bedroom was the fact that mom and dad slept in it. There may have been other distinguishing features such that it may have been a 10 X 9 size compared to a 7 X 9 of the other rooms; or maybe it had the nicest and largest furniture, or, the fact that it was the place everyone gathered when ever a terrible storm was overhead. Other than that, it was no more distinguishable than any other bedroom.

www.decoratingideasbedroom....

Today, the master bedroom has evolved into a palatial suite. It may consist of ceiling fans, tray ceilings, stylized tiled with a medallion in the center, a raised bed, window seating, his and hers closets, and its own bath, which is a story unto itself. So we will try to focus on the bedroom itself.

The master bedroom becomes one of the most desired rooms to preview when a home is on the market. It could make or break a potential sale. Why? Because when home buyers are looking from house to house, the bedrooms are high on the list of must haves. Again, not to disregard baths and kitchens, but bedrooms have to pull their weight in the sale of your home too. Here are at least 4 things that need to be in place in order help sell your home:

size
location in the home
features
cleanliness

Consider the above list a partial list, general if you will. Each buyer has their own expectations of what they expect to see; feel, smell, and whatever other senses that may be excited as they enter your bedroom. Let’s see how these four areas come into play.

SIZE

What is the perfect size master bedroom? That is a relative question. As many homes as I have shown, it is amazing how the master bedroom can actually be smaller than some of the other bedrooms in the house. But what may make it perfect for one buyer, for another buyer, it will be too small. I’ve never heard that the master bedroom was too large. Too small, and the sale of your home could be jeopardy. But you may still have room to save the sale of your home, if the location, features and cleanliness of the room tips the scale.

Avoiding common mistakes in the master bedrooms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cqo5Onb5pk

LOCATION IN YOUR HOME

It may seem insignificant, but it is very important to many home buyers where the Master Bedroom is located in your home. For some home buyers, the master bedroom needs to be on the 2^nd floor. So, yes, you need to add a floor and put the master bedroom upstairs. Oh, and if you put the master bedroom up there, make sure the bath is attached. It is rare that the homeowner is willing to walk down the hall, across the hall, or God forbid, down the stairs to the bathroom.

www.digsdigs.com

If your master bedroom is on the 1^st floor, the bath is an appendage. If there is no bat attached where the buyer can walk into the bathroom without showing their parts, it’s not a master bedroom. If it is on the 1^st floor, the master bedroom, for some buyers, needs to be at the back of the house, or on the front of the house. But, the master bedroom cannot be next to the den, living room, dinning room, or kitchen. Buyers prefer that kind of privacy where everyone cannot see into, or know of their ins and outs.

http://www.hgtv.com/topic-bedroom/video/index.html

Last, but not least, the master bedroom, for the 1^st time home buyer especially, needs to be in close proximity to the nursery (1^st or 2^nd floor, optional). No, everyone does not need a nursery, but there is that discussion of that room that will be a nursery, and it needs to be on the same floor as the master bedroom.

For those of you whose homes have 2 master bedrooms, you are not playing fair. You just blew all of this information out of the water. Because now, the one of the two bedrooms need to be on either side of the house, and cannot share a bath room. And depending on the size of the house and floor plan, cannot face each other; be near the kitchen, dinning room, den, or living room. Again, not a deal breaker, but it certainly adds to the complicated process of home buying. Thank you, no seriously, thank you.

Home Staging Tips: The Master Bedroom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB74Z5-R8Zk

FEATURES

Earlier, we talked about features. Features are also relative. By that I mean, that a ceiling fans in every room is a feature, but it is not on the list of what a buyer may want, or even need to make a sale. So, yes, a ceiling fan is an item in the Master bedroom, it may also be a drawback. I recall one client who had a queen-sized canopy bed, she approximated that the fan blades would make it difficult to set up her bed, so she did not buy the house. But, someone did buy the house, so it is matter of meeting the buyer’s needs.

Features such as a master bathroom (we keep coming back to that for a reason) off of the master bedroom is perhaps tops. It takes longer to sell a home that does not have a master bath attached to the master bedroom (just so you know). Another feature would be custom drapes, or blinds; ceramic tiled floors seem to be more desired than carpeting. The reasons that I am hearing is that carpeting may contribute to allergies, or harder to keep clean. Others prepare carpeting because in the winter time, it saves walking barefoot on cold floors. (To each his own). Another feature is wall-mounted TV (Yes the TV must come with the house). Many homeowners place these items in their homes for their personal enjoyment. The mounting is the apparent feature. To the buyers, removal of the mounting suggests that there are going to be holes in the wall and paint matching is not going to be the same. So, the TV, which is attached to the wall, becomes a feature of contention. (Put it in the contract, negotiate it out)

Unintended features of a master bedroom could be size, and location. To bring location back into the conversation, a feature could be the view. Buyers may want their master bedroom to face a lake, the backyard, woods, or the street. Another unintended feature of a master bedroom is its anticipated use to another room. We talked about the nursery, but sometimes buyers look at the room next door and decide to cut a doorway and make an office or an exercise room, or, access to the nursery.

Master Bedroom makeover: The Decision Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s4BOWkCp_Q

CLEANLINESS

If this is a touchy subject to you, feel free to skip it. But if you are putting your home on the market, let’s face it, it needs to be in order. It may appear irrelevant that your bed is not made up, or that you have dirty clothes on the chairs, or that the curtains are tattered, or mix-matched, the home buyer is trying to envision their next home. If your home is priced at market value, a buyer is looking for a market-value home.

Cleanliness, from the kitchen, to the bath, living room, dinning room, other bedrooms and yes, the master bedroom, should be the order of the day. As real estate professionals, we often emphasize curb appeal. That means, getting a buyer into the home. But it can all go to pot if the home looks like a battlefield.

Obviously, every home can’t look like a Ritz-Carlton, but cleanliness, while listed last here, is really at the top of the list for today’s homebuyer. Cleanliness is not only visual, but it is smell, feel, and atmosphere. Cleanliness does not mean spray every can of air freshener, lighting every scented candle, or mopping with ammonia so strong, it may require resuscitation.

Cleanliness is just that, clean. Organized, no dirt, dust, or trash. If scent is important, something that is light in fragrance, but not overpowering.

SUMMARY

Regardless of what goes on in the sellers’ bedroom while they own it, it not our business. If the sellers’ want to broadcast on Youtube[1], Facebook[2], or LinkedIn[3], or even blog about it, that’s their call. But for the buyers, it’s all about location, features, size, and cleanliness.

I know that we discussed some important, perhaps personal things when we talk about the bedroom, particularly, the master bedroom. It is a seller’s personal domain. It is where the seller rests, sleeps, thinks, and regroups. It is that part of the house where the owner is perhaps at their most vulnerable. But it is a very important part of the home. While the kitchen and baths may seem to hold a tremendous role in home ownership, the buyer, and the seller can both agree, that what goes on in the bedroom is best determined by where it is located, its size, its features and how clean it is. When on the market, the master bedroom is on a stage of its own, and on that stage, it must shine, without a blemish, and be ready to be acquired in the most fashionable and loving manner. While it up to the buyer to appreciate the master bedroom with their eyes, feelings, and sense of smell, it is up to the seller to make it as appreciable as possible.

No posts within these blogs should be considered an attempt to solicit the clients or customers of any agent or brokerage. No part of these posts should be considered as legal advice. Information here, while deemed from reliable sources is not guaranteed. Links should not be considered as endorsements.

[1] www.youtube.com

[2] www.facebook.com

[3] www.linkedin.com

Labels: Master Bedroom Makeover; Master Bedroom Staging; Master Bedroom features; Master Bedroom size; Master Bedroom Design

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Trying to Make Sense of Flooding and Flood Insurance

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)[1]

For the purpose of this discussion, I want to try make sense of the thousands of pieces of information relating to Flooding and the Flood Insurance program otherwise referred to as the National Flood Insurance Program or NFIP. As I sat down to try and put some type of order to this post, I found myself not knowing where to start, let alone finish. So, the first thing I want to do is refer you to the National Flood Insurance Program’s website. It is referenced several times throughout this post, but here it is anyway, so that you can always be able to pull it up at will: http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/ .

Throughout the blog and the footnotes, I will be referencing various areas of the Floodsmart Program and FEMA, as the two apparently work together to address issues regarding flooding and flood prevention and flood protection here in the United States.

http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-flood-hazard-mapping

Having been the victim of major flooding 2 times in my life (Hurricane Betsy 1965 [2], which predates the current Flood Program, and Hurricane Katrina, 2005 [3]), doesn’t make me an expert. As a matter of fact, each incident and its impact and aftermath presented its own challenges that the NFIP addresses minimally. First of all, here are some general things that we should know or be aware of regarding preparation and response:

Flood Insurance should always be obtained, whether you are in a flood plain or not, whether you are a homeowner or renter, you should have Flood Insurance;
Do not allow your Flood Insurance to lapse, it could be 30 days before the policy kicks in;
What flood plain risk is your home?[4]

High Flood Risk-AE, A, or AO Zone; VE or V Zone
Low or Moderate Flood Risk Zone-Shaded X

If your policy lapses, and your renewal is coincides with a named storm in your region, the policy may not kick in until after the hurricane passes [5]
Keep policies in a place where you will always be able to access them in an emergency;
Have an emergency plan of action in the event a hurricane strikes or threatens.
Keep your emergency supplies available in the event you either have to evacuate or are not able to evacuate to a safe place;
Listen to local public officials and broadcasters regarding the most reasonable action to take to stay safe;
Have a plan of action to address the needs of children who could be separated during an evacuation;
Have a plan of action to address the needs and safety of elderly or special needs family members; [6]
Have a plan of action to address the needs of your pets;
Take pictures of your home and belongings prior to evacuation for insurance purposes;
Do not return to your home after a major water event unless directed to do so by the local authorities;
Do not touch downed power lines or they maybe energized;
Establish a central contact place for all family members in the event of separation;

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/preparation_recovery/pr_overview.jsp

There maybe other important things that may pertain to your situation that you should prepare for, you should consult your respective authority for those circumstances.

Protect Yourself[7]

Since standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flooding, it's important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the

U.S.

In 1968, Congress created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

http://ks.water.usgs.gov/pubs/fact-sheets/fs.024-00.html

What if your home is flooded? Here are some suggestions, based on what we (my family) have experienced:

Make sure all power is off in your home, do not touch any downed trees or power lines (Contact your power company to advise of down lines in your area (for example: Entergy)[8];
Take pictures immediately of the damage to your home and surrounding areas;
Contact your Insurance provider, or go to the off-site facilities that are often stationed in your neighborhood;
Do not drink water from the faucets unless you are advised to do, which may also include a boil water order from your public works or sewerage and water operator;
Depending on the extent of damage to your home, you may require a structural report to determine if your home is safe for habitation;
If you are injured, contact 911, or locate your nearest Red Cross provider in the area;[9]
Be careful opening refrigerators that have been flooded, possible mold buildup
When safe, open your home’s windows and doors to decrease mold build up
You may want to contact a specialty company to come and treat your home for mold;
Be sure to give insurance companies all of your pertinent information;
You will also need to make contact with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), as they will require a tremendous amount information regarding damage to your home, loss of food, loss of use of your home, any loss of life, and/or loss of valuables;
With respect to security & safety:

Be aware of contractors who move in quickly to repair your home, who often ask for thousands of dollars up front;
Ask contractors for local references, confirm that they are registered with the sate’s contractor licensing authority ( in Louisiana), it Louisiana Licensing Board for Contractors[10];
Be aware of the length of time your contracts have been in business;
Be aware of any outstanding complaints against your contractor and/or their company[11];
Secure your home properly if you are going to be away for any extended period of time;
If you are going to have new supplies at your home, be sure to secure it inside and check often for vandalism and/or theft-Call 911 if you suspect any criminal activities;
Be careful in revealing any personal information to strangers whom you are not familiar with, or who may have not been referred to you by a reliable source;

Use social media to learn of or to share any activity that maybe going on in your area

http://www.epicdisasters.com/index.php/site/comments/the_deadliest_us_floods/

What is currently going on in the area of Flood Insurance? [12]

Flood insurance for investors and businesses are subject to increases of up to 25% annually
Flood Insurance for primary owners who are outside of protected flood walls are subject to increases in their insurance premiums of up to 25% annually
Maps/Mapping-Flood maps are being evaluated and approved in various communities
Grandfathering will be eliminated of existing policies to new homeowners
A Current flood policy may be transferrable until new laws are in place.
Preferred Risk Policy (PRP)- The Preferred Risk Policy offers multiple coverage combinations for both buildings and contents (or contents-only, for renters) that are located in moderate-to-low risk areas (B, C, and X Zones). Preferred Risk Policies are available for residential or non-residential buildings also located in these zones, and that meet eligibility requirements based on the building’s entire flood loss history. [13]

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20080320_springoutlook.html

Flood Facts [14]

Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.
Everyone lives in a flood zone. (For more information, visit our Flood Zones FAQs.)
Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
If you live in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or high-risk area and have a Federally backed mortgage, your mortgage lender requires you to have flood insurance. (To find your flood risk, fill out the Flood Risk Profile.)
Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
Flash floods often bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.
A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.
Hurricanes, winter storms and snowmelt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding.
New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.
Federal disaster assistance is usually a loan that must be paid back with interest. For a $50,000 loan at 4% interest, your monthly payment would be around $240 a month ($2,880 a year) for 30 years. Compare that to a $100,000 flood insurance premium, which is about $400 a year ($33 a month).
If you live in a moderate-to-low risk area and are eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy, your flood insurance premium may be as low as $129 a year, including coverage for your property's contents.
You are eligible to purchase flood insurance as long as your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Check the Community Status Book to see if your community is already an NFIP partner.
Typically, it takes 30 days after purchase for a policy to take effect, so it's important to buy insurance before the floodwaters start to rise.
In a high-risk area, your home is more likely to be damaged by flood than by fire.
Anyone can be financially vulnerable to floods. People outside of high-risk areas file over 20% of NFIP claims and receive one-third of disaster assistance for flooding.
The average annual U.S. flood losses in the past 10 years (2002-2011) were more than $2.9 billion.
When your community participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), you can qualify for an insurance premium discount of up to 45%. Read more about CRS Ratings.
Since 1978, the NFIP has paid over $36.9 billion for flood insurance claims and related costs (as of 12/31/10).
Over 5.5 million people currently hold flood insurance policies in more than 21,000 communities across the U.S.

For more policy and claim statistics, visit the National Flood Insurance Program.

Summary-This information is not considered to be legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with your respective insurance provider, real estate professional, or related provider for those services that may impact you. Information provided here is subject to change and should be verified by those agencies or companies with whom you may have accounts or any professional relationships. Information obtained here while deemed to be from reliable sources, is not guaranteed. You are however, encouraged to consider strongly to obtain flood insurance, even if not required in your respective area. No blog post should be considered as an attempt to solicit the clients or customers of other brokers or agents.

Online bibliography regarding FEMA and Flood Insurance:

Grandfathering Options-

http://www.floodsmart.gov/toolkits/insurance/docs/insurance/Grndfthr_Sht.pdf

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/grandfathering.jsp

Flood Risks

http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flooding_flood_risks/levee.jsp