Overview

• FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program is not issuing new or renewal policies on Day 13 of the shutdown, and claims are being paid only as funds allow.
• Realtors estimate up to 1,400 home closings per day could be affected as lenders require flood coverage that many buyers cannot currently obtain.
• A weekend nor’easter struck the Atlantic coast as FEMA limited operations to life‑saving activities, curtailing broader disaster assistance.
• USDA loan closings are paused, VA loan guarantees continue with likely delays, and lenders report IRS tax‑verification slowdowns that can stall approvals.
• State and local groups report growing disruptions—Maryland Realtors warn of daily lost sales and economic losses—while a Redfin/Ipsos survey finds 17% of Americans delaying major purchases.