Survey of Experts on Housing

A panel of housing experts recently spoke on U.S. policymakers' responsibility to prevent natural disaster losses, the IPO boom coming to the Bay Area, and estimated home value appreciation over the next 5 years.

According to Zillow's survey data of panelists' opinions, 68 percent of respondents say they agree with the statement that “the government should not underwrite or subsidize property loss insurance – especially not in high-risk areas.” and 42 percent agree that federal and state governments should require all homeowners in high-risk areas to carry insurance for natural disaster losses.

Nor did the panel say they thought the government should provide financial assistance to help homeowners afford adequate insurance coverage; offer affordable coverage for a wider variety of disasters beyond floods; and/or require private insurers to offer affordable insurance to homeowners. Only 26 percent of the panel favored these insurance-based options.

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