Selling a home in Griffith these days brings the "is this in a flood zone" question bright and early in the conversation. Good darn question to ask. Here's why...from my own home.

I have to give some credit where credit is due and issue you a word of advice.

Where you buy, if you need flood insurance BUY flood insurance and keep it current. If you are already paying that you should get a rider on your homeowner's insurance for flood damage as well. It paid off for us. The flood insurance coverered the structual problems and mold remediation. The rider covered our furniture, carpet and electronics. If you have one, you should have the other. We have a good home, back in order and if it was for sale you could buy it and never worry that it once flooded. (By the way, our neighbor who has been in her house for 40 years said it NEVER flooded like that before. As she has nothing to gain either way I will take her at her word)

You should also have a REALTOR who insists on answers before you buy a home in a flood zone. If you are selling, you need a REALTOR who can showcase your home in a way that the overall appeal is greater then the fear of flooding. I've been through it. Granted we were much more fortunate then the victims of Katrina but it was still the worst we've seen.