This is a follow up to my earlier post regarding Yezzi Associates and the report available for $200.00.  Yezzi Associates did come out to my property and conduct a detailed inspection.  I was somewhat disappointed since the report was basically a description of the house and the damages – with photos.  The unfortunate side of this is that I have similar reports; one from the structural engineer who did an inspection and sent me a report; and, another report from the flood adjuster showing and describing all the damages, not to mention the report I received from my builder who detailed and estimated all the damage at no charge.

The Yezzi report was emailed to me and I had to follow up to get a one on one meeting with them.  I did meet at their office but did not come away with any definitive answer to my dilemma.  I was anticipating the evaluation to be more to the point of whether or not I should elevate and renovate or demolish and rebuild.  I did not find my answer after all.  So, my advice is to leave this one alone and not spend the $200.  Yezzi Associates changed their website and the language has been tweeked.  Originally their website stated …..Yezzi Associates developed a plan to evaluate the damaged property site and deliver a report to the homeowner explaining their professional findings and recommendations”.  Now I realize that you must hire them to get the full scope which is only fair since the demand is overwhelming.

It seems as if every one I speak to has more work than they can handle.  This is a good thing for all the builders, architects, engineers, suppliers, etc. but not so good for the ones needing the help.  It is not a simple fix with so many factors weighing heavy on any decision you have to make if you are displaced and trying to get back “home”.

Waiting for the Homeowner Reconstruction Rehabilitation Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program is your best bet at the moment.  For further information on the grant program you can call 1-855-726-3946.  In my opinion, the longer you wait to tackle your project the better off you will be.  The $1.8 billion grant is still being worked on for the application process to run smoothly.  Register so that you will be notified when the details come out.   (more…)

I was just asking, Where is that $1.8 billion?

Attention Homeowners who suffered substantial loss from Hurricane Sandy – Procedures and application instructions are being worked on and will be coming out very soon.  Every homeowner who is interested in getting grants to help rebuild their homes and continue to reside in their communities must stay on top of the application process.

A form is available whereby you can fill it out and be notified of all current programs as the applications are ready to be submitted.  First step, …… Click Here 

Scroll down half the page and click on:

ONLINE NOTIFICATION FORM

Fill out entire page and then submit.  You will be registered to receive updates of all program application availability.

This is very important – Stay in the Loop.  If you do not have an email address, I would suggest you get a friend or your children or co-worker to use their email address.  This is the quickest and most accurate way to  to be notified in a timely manner.

If you have any specific questions on Sandy Recovery Efforts, please contact me at 732-672-0409 or email at Diane@DianeKaplan.com

Hurricane Sandy has devastated and left behind a wake of damages and displaced homeowners throughout the Shore area.  Some homeowners are battling with insurance companies and trying to cope with rebuilding, struggling to get “back home”.  What if your house needs to be elevated and is substantially damaged?  How would you know if you should elevate and renovate or demolish and rebuild.  Well, this is a question that numerous homeowners are facing in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

After much research, I came across a company who has modified their services to fit the needs of Hurricane Sandy victims.  To me, this is a life saver.  For 5 months now, I have been juggling and tossing around this question: Should I elevate and renovate; or, demolish and rebuild?  How would I know which is the best way to go…….well, I found my answer.  Yezzi Associates is working with homeowners who suffered substantial losses and has developed a plan to evaluate the damaged property site and deliver a report to the homeowner explaining their professional findings and recommendations.  This report costs $200 – I will be commenting further after I receive my report from Yezzi Associates in about 2 weeks so that I may elaborate on their services and communicate any other pertinent and relevant information.

Check out the website ….they wrote:We have reduced our rates* for architectural services related to storm damage, effective immediately and through June 30, 2013,……”

Yezzi Associates Architects & Planners

P: 732-240-3433  F: 732-240-3463

www.yezziassociates.com

If you are in need of assistance due to Hurricane Sandy pleae feel free to contact me at 732-672-0409 or email at Diane@DianeKaplan.com – I have been through the storm and have found out a lot of information along the way that might help.

The Borough of Sea Bright Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is a branch of the Municipal Government and is mandated by the State of New Jersey as well as the Federal Government.  The OEM was put in place to establish, maintain and practice an “All Hazards Approach” for the safety of the residents and businesses of the Borough as well as continuity and continuation of the Municipal Government in time of Man-Made or Natural disasters.  The office oversees all Municipal resources, and in times of emergency will make sure all resources are utilized for the safety of the residents.

The Office of Emergency Management is constantly monitoring and updating the efficiency of its operations plan, working together with all Municipal Departments to maintain continuity of Local Governments emergency services.

It is very important to realize that the Office of Emergency Management is responsible for the welfare and well-being of its residents.  During times of emergency, especially that of flooding and major storms, the OEM may close down Ocean Avenue due to flooding.  It is especially important to remember to pay attention to all road closed warning signs and not travel through flooded roadways.

Below is a list of websites for specific information during hurricanes, flooding and severe weather conditions:

National Weather Service – Mount Holly

State Office

Code Red – Fill Out the Form & Be Connected

Monmouth County Emergency Management

Hurricane Preparation

Radio – Emergency Radio Station 1630 AM

Contact Diane B. Kaplan, Broker/Associate, Better Homes Realty for all area information.  Buying or selling a home, contact Diane Kaplan at 732-672-0409 or Click Here for HOME SEARCH.  Search all homes for sale in MLS.