The United States Senate has passed the "National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Extension Act of 2010," or H.R. 5569, which extends the NFIP until September 30, 2010.  Lenders have refused to close loans on properties that required flood insurance, since the insurance program expired May 31, however, this legislation will now allow real estate transaction to more foward.  The bill is retroactive and covers the lapse period from June 1, 2010 to the date of enactment of the extension.  For more information, visit www.realtor.org.