The federal budget deal signed by President Trump on February 9th contains a number of wins for real estate, backed by the National Association of REALTORS®:

• National Flood Insurance Program extended until March 23rd, to give lawmakers time to work on longer term reauthorization. Adds $27 billion in mitigation funds to address issues arising from last year's hurricanes.
• Mortgage Debt Forgiveness retroactively extended for 2017 tax year, to prevent homeowners who were forced to sell their home in 2017 through a short-sale or faced a foreclosure, from being taxed on the "phantom income" received when a lender cancelled their debt.
• Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums retroactively extended for 2017 tax year.
• Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction retroactively extended for 2017 tax year for the cost, up to $1.80 per square foot, of energy-efficient commercial building property.

Roanoke County is beginning two new planning studies focused on commercial corridors in the Hollins and Oak Grove areas. Much like the 419 Town Center project, the purpose of these studies is to reimagine what the areas might look like in the future -- including strategies to improve access to parks, shops, restaurants and amenities, as well as to enhance business development opportunities.

The Oak Grove Center Study covers 173 acres and more than 80 commercial and residential properties. The Hollins Center Study will focus on plans for a connected, mixed-use center in the heart of the Hollins community, comprised of 465 acres and more than 270 commercial and residential properties.

Click here for more information, including online surveys and dates for community meetings. (Posted 2/3/2018.)