Who Should Pay for the Elevation Certificate?

It is all part of the negotiations and who knows the outcome. When you throw to much at a seller they sometimes walk away.

I'd have to say that at leat it's negotiable.  In Arizona, whoever is seeking the information has to pay for it.  Tough call!

Hi Miriam, having worked for FEMA myself during Hurricane Sandy in NY, I can agree that there is a ton of confusion and questions about flood elevations and maps in the general population. The maps were revised earlier this year, so everyone really should take a look at the FEMA.gov website to protect their interests.

I agree that it's negotiable.  But to move things along quickly so that the Buyer has all the necessary information up front, I would think it would make sense for the Seller to pay for it and get it ahead of time.  

I call an insurance agent that I work with and ask for the information so my buyer clients will know if they need flood insurance before making an offer on the house.

It's ironic that a $200-$300 certificate can be an obstacle in closing a sale. Who pays for the survey...in my opinion, the buyer.

So far, in instances where an elevation certificate was needed, the seller already had one, but I agree - it's negotiable between the buyer & seller.

Miriam, I think it makes sense for the seller to have one ready in preparation for the sale. As already stated, I would also think it is negotiable. Have a great holiday. Merry Christmas!

I believe its negotiable between the buyer and seller, but if I represent the seller I will advice to have one ready. 

In North Louisiana, if the property is determined to be in a flood zone, I advise my sellers to get it upfront. Many buyers on a strict budget won't even look at properties in a flood zone without knowing the additional cost involved. If the seller's wont, I advise them of the disadvantage this puts them in, since most of their competitors will!The cost here ranges from $250 to $350.

I really feel for you in that part of the country.  While we do have flood zones here in Marin County, CA, I would think the percentage of properties affected by them, as a whole, is far less.  It's a new world when it comes to financing, thanks to Biggert-Waters, Dodd-Frank, etc.  It's up to all of us to steer our clients through it safely.

Good in the business posting here...thank you

If not in contract, it's always the buyer who would pay for it.

If I were the listing agent, I would want a elevation cert. before hand so that I could have a estimated cost of flood insurance to share with prospective buyers. I would not want deals falling apart after they go to pending because of flood insurance costs.