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I feel the Earth move under my feet

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty LLC 200311024

In Oregon we get a lot of rain and one of the things rain can do is move Earth and a lot of it. It may not seem like one drop of rain can make a difference in this little world of ours, but if you live on a hill or near a creek, it is something you need to consider when buying insurance for that home.

Buying a house near hills and other water sources

Above is a picture of my daughter standing on an old street and as you can see from the picture, where she is standing and the rest of the road, don’t exactly meet up like they are supposed to. If you are buying a home in Oregon, make sure you check the flood maps as it can make a huge difference in your premiums on your insurance.

Comments(12)

Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

Todd,  That is amaing.  We have had so much rain this year, I was begginning to wonder if I woke up in Oregon.  There has been lots of road construction as well.  I think they are having a heck of a time keeping up with the craters in our roads.

Jul 18, 2011 08:27 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

An excellent point to be taken seriously by prospective buyers.  The pic sure is pretty ;)

Jul 18, 2011 08:34 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Todd,

Here in Texas we are begging for rain! I wish it would rain!

What a beautiful photo of the land and your daughter too!

You make a great point for buyers wishing to buy in Oregon. That information is necessary and could either make or break a sale.

Jul 18, 2011 08:56 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Always checks local maps for areas that could potentially be flood plains! Great advice Todd!

Jul 18, 2011 09:21 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Todd, A great lesson illustrated. In CA even with little rain, we have so much earth movement and when it does rains, the land seems to crumble away with even the smallest amount of water. 

Jul 18, 2011 09:49 AM
William J. Archambault, Jr.
The Real Estate Investment Institute - Houston, TX

Great advice, Todd.

You're about five years from being over run with young boys! I don't think they offer insureance for against gray hair!  

Bill

Jul 18, 2011 09:54 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

TODD this is very true ..I lost a sale due to the cost of flood insurance ..

Thanks

Hannah

Jul 18, 2011 10:00 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Amen, Brother Todd!!!  You speak the truth for Oregon and it looks like some other states as well! The problem is that what FEMA tells you and what the latest flood maps tell you as well as what one insurance company will charge you vs. another can send anyone into a mad frenzy!  Part of our real estate office has insurance, too and because Vernonia has flooded twice in ten years in a (supposedly) 500 year flood-plain, we have had more than our share of issues with this. Our poor insurance guy can't seem to get answers that match up. There is a great deal of variance in flood insurance costs, too.

A Word to the Wise.

Jul 18, 2011 10:20 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Can you say "sink hole?"  My former on-air partner, Jim Donovan walked out his front door and fell into a new sink hole one morning. Broke his wrist and cracked some ribs...he was lucky. So, you are so right about the importance of checking your policy to know just what it covers.  Good reminder Todd.

Jul 18, 2011 12:09 PM
Shannon Milligan, Richmond VA Real Estate Agent/Associate Broker
RVA Home Team - Richmond, VA
RVA Home Team - Winning with Integrity.

Great advice! I used to live near a creek and insurance was a BIG deal as that little creek flooded our basement several times!

Jul 18, 2011 01:30 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Properties requiring flood insurance sure take a hit on value because the extra cost. Great advice for buyers.

Cal

Jul 18, 2011 02:51 PM
Michelle Gibson
Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. - Wellington, FL
REALTOR

Todd - This is excellent advice and something all home buyers need to be aware of.

Jul 19, 2011 05:14 AM