Hurricane Sandy homeowners struggle to access $billions in Federal, State, local government, manufacturer and utility rebates and incentives. Many return to their real jobs frustrated and defeated. I presented to a capacity crowd of 250 (would have been over 300 if we had the room) at the Mount Loretto Community Center on Staten Island. They came to learn what rebates and incentives were available for middle class homeowners so they could rebuild their homes following Hurricane Sandy. I was glad to help them with what they didn’t know, or thought they knew. Unfortunately there was also quite a bit they couldn’t go backwards to fix. Here are some of the most prevalent issues where greater coordination can help deliver a much better experience for homeowners both after a disaster or just dealing with the stress of home repair.

1. Hurricane Sandy Confusion
Rebate & Incentive Misconceptions
Tony Maull
703-722-9122 x 1 February 19, 2013
tony@savebigbread.com
© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

2. Rebates and Incentives Seminar
Mount Loretto Community Center
250 homeowners
1. Grants, rebates and loans
2. Individual product rebates
3. Community Block Grants
• $16 billion in Federal aid
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

3. Response to aid
“I was surprised at the response I got
from FEMA ...”
http://bit.ly/middleclassFEMA
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

4. A homeowner speaks
“Toms River NJ – buying
lumber out of pocket and
waiting for checks to really
start.”
http://www.facebook.com/
HurricaneSandyRestore
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

5. Misconception #1
• What’s available?
• FEMA
• SBA
• State, local, & city government
• Utility programs
• Manufacturer programs
• 75% did not discuss rebates with their
contractors.
• Each program has a distinct process.
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

6. Misconception #2
• Program eligibility
• Income qualifications.
• Based on average median income?
• PSA’s directed to low income households.
• No messaging to middle class.
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

7. Misconception #3
• Expiration dates
• Don’t know programs are renewed
annually.
• Families got into their homes in December.
• Eligible for rebates and didn’t apply.
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

8. Misconception #4
• Rebate authorized contractors
• Who are authorized contractors?
• What is an authorized contractor?
• What does authorization have to do with
rebates?
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

9. Conclusions
1. Consolidate information and rules.
2. Make program access easier.
3. Streamline programs.
• Each layer collects it’s own data.
• Each requires it’s own review.
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© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.

10. Tony Maull - Presenter
President, SaveBigBread.com
www.linkedin.com/in/maull/
Tony@savebigbread.com
© 2012 Save Big Bread LLC. All rights reserved.