Brynn Marie Evans

Dear Congressperson,

I’m writing to you today about a very urgent matter. My good friends are in the process of buying their very first home. They have been saving for years and are ecstatic about owning a home where they can raise a family.

However, because of the Easter/Spring recess that Congress took, the bill # HR 1264 (the Multiple Peril Insurance Act of 2009) was not voted to be reinstated, and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) expired on March 28th. Because our friends’ new home is in a flood zone, they cannot remove the final flood insurance contingency because no insurance company will insure homes in a flood zone until the NFIP is reinstated. This means they may LOSE the home they are trying to purchase. This also means that ALL home purchasing in flood zones around the United States has come to a complete halt because of the recess.

At a time when the government is trying to encourage home buying, it is painfully ironic that such an obstacle would come in the way. We know our friends are not the only people affected by this delay which means both buyers and sellers are at the mercy of Congress’ inaction. We ask that you follow-up with your colleagues in Congress to reinstate this legislation the moment you return to session.

Thank you very much for the work you do on behalf of your constituents.
Sincerely,

Erinn & Chris Andrews’ full story

“As some of you know, our new house is in a flood zone in Menlo Park, and all mortgage lenders require loan insurance in order to issue a mortgage on these sorts of properties. Unfortunately, as of March 28th, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) expired because Congress did not renew the program before it’s Easter recess lasting through April 12th. This means that no one in the United States can get flood insurance on a property in a flood zone, and in turn, no new mortgages can be approved for the purchase of those properties!

“In order for us to close escrow by April 14th per our offer agreement, we need Congress to take action as soon as they return to session. Please help us by going to your local congressperson’s webpage, emailing them, and asking them to take action. Feel free to use/modify the attached draft, and we sincerely appreciate your help in getting our first home purchase approved!

“Thank you so much — we look forward to returning the favor if/when you ever need a place to stay in Menlo Park!”

–Chris and Erinn