Realtors’ Group Watches for Insurance Reform

RISMEDIA, Jan. 22, 2007-(MCT)-As the legislative session starts in Columbia, the S.C. Association of Realtors says it has heard from members along the coast that property insurance increases are a key issue to follow in the General Assembly.

"We've got about 7,000 Realtors on the coast, and I'm sure if you called each and every one, they would have a story to tell us about insurance," said Nick Kremydas, chief executive officer for the state association.

The group has not yet taken a stand on several insurance-related bills that have been filed because it's waiting to first hear testimony, Kremydas said.

About six bills have been filed relating to property insurance premiums. All are on the same two issues — making the director of insurance an elected position instead of an appointment by the governor, and expanding the state's wind pool territory. That's the area where the insurer of last resort can write wind policies.

Kremydas says he thinks the best solution is some kind of incentive package that would bring companies into the state, create competition and stabilize prices.

The group has also met with the director of the S.C. Wind and Hail Underwriting Association, also called the wind pool, and members of the S.C. Department of Insurance to identify the problem and develop a game plan.

The Realtor group is also pushing for more roads and infrastructure this session. The Department of Transportation has been under fire after an audit said it was misusing money.

The organization is also promoting protection for isolated wetland.

Nonprofit repairs homes

A nonprofit that repairs and replaces homes for low-income families is moving into Georgetown County.

The United Methodist Relief Center has been active in Berkley, Charleston and Dorchester counties and repaired more than 2,200 homes in 16 years.

The group said it saw a huge need in Georgetown County-where 63% of homes in rural, low income areas are substandard-and decided to expand its circle of help, said Ashley Smith, director of development and communications.

Substandard homes don't have functioning kitchens or bathrooms and pose a threat to residents. Priority is given to homes without indoor toilets or adequate electric and heating systems.

The group helps families making 30% of the state median income, or $16,000 or less.

UMRC is partnering with the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments in Georgetown to form a Georgetown Housing Partnership.

When a home can't be repaired, the relief center has replaced them with stick-built homes on a mobile-home frame.

The person in need must own the land, and the home is leased to them at no charge. When the resident dies, the home is relocated to another person in need.

Those getting new homes in Georgetown County are having their homes built by local churches. Two are being built at Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church and Herbert Memorial United Methodist Church.

The Georgetown Housing Partnership is hosting a community event to give residents information about what it does. The event, "Georgetown Kicks It! A Day of Community Fun," starts Saturday at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. at Joseph Rainey Park on Front St. in Georgetown. The fair, complete with jump castles, face painting and local performances, is free. Visitors will be able to tour a replacement home.

The nonprofit's funding comes from federal grants, state housing funds and private donations.

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