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How to Sell a House in a Flood Zone [2017] [Tips]

By
Real Estate Agent with RL Real Estate Group

How to Sell a House in a Flood Zone [2017] [Tips]

Flood zone? Some might say" YIKES!" How to sell a house in a flood zone can pose a threat to most buyer's and sellers.  However, this article gives you reassurance and peace of mind that it can be done. Selling a house in a flood zone can be a great challenge. Of course, no one would want to buy a house that’s easily flooded. Even regions with a low risk for weather-related floods can experience clogged storm drains, ruptured water lines and many others, which are big turn offs for any homeowner. The added thread of designated flood zones and severe storms can make the already challenging process of selling a home even more complicated.2 story home underwater How to Sell a House in a Flood Zone [2017]

Understand Designated Flood Zones

There are several flood designations spanning the country. Different labels are used to show the severity of potential flooding in a particular region, particularly in inland areas and coastal communities. There is a comprehensive database of flood maps, statistics and information made available online, mostly existing as free resource like the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Recommend these websites to potential buyers so they are more aware of the flooding situation in your area.

Upgrade Home Hardware In and Out

By upgrading hardware inside and outside your property, you can very well increase your home’s defense in case of flooding. Outside your home, securely anchor above ordinary flood level all your outdoor equipment like propane fuel tanks and external air conditioning units. This will ensure that the homeowners continue to have air conditioning and fuel resources even with harsh conditions outside. Inside your home, install gate valves or backflow valves on internal plumbing to prevent storm water or sewage backup. Make sure to point out these features to your prospective buyers.  

Is my home in a flood zone?

Search here: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

Repair and Restore LandscapingHow to Sell a House in a Flood Zone [2017] 2 homes with beautiful landscaping

Your outdoor area is the very first thing buyers notice, and will get their first impressions from. Therefore, right from the outside, make sure that you already get their attention and interest, especially following a flood. If you can, do major landscaping projects modifying your yard’s slope for additional flood protection. Also get your in-ground sprinklers inspected and flushed to get rid of any contaminants. Flooded irrigation timers will need replacement. The internal rotors and gears should be carefully examined and cleaned before restoring irrigation service.

Offset Flood Insurance Costs

Homeowner’s insurance mostly will not cover flood protection, and most home buyers are well aware of this. This is the reason why homeowners living in flood zones should have a separate flood insurance in order to comply with the mortgage requirements. Those living in low and moderate-risk areas are not exactly required to get a separate flood insurance, although getting the added protection can do a great job of paying for itself following the first occurrence. Therefore, if you can spare money to get one for your property, might as well do so. Selling a property is hard enough. And when that property is in a flood zone, the whole process is made even harder. It’s a good thing the real estate experts at RL Real Estate Group can help you out. Regan Laughlin and her team will give you the best advice and assistance to ensure that you get the best possible sale out of your property. Call them now at 605-212-8431 or send them an email at regan@rlrealestategroup.com.

Comments (1)

John Pusa
Glendale, CA

regan Laughlin This is very good report for how to sell a house in flood zone.

Jun 22, 2017 05:16 PM