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Environmental risk stats on real estate websites - 843 REALTOR

By
Real Estate Agent with 843, REALTOR

Can someone tell me the benefits of real estate websites posting information labeled "Environmental risk", "Climate risks" or similar fields?

My buyer called me upset after her relative called her asking why she bought a home in a flood zone. This was not the 1st time I had someone upset about a property transaction after visiting a national commercial real estate website. I was confident I understood the problem but calmly talked with the home buyer. I asked what makes you believe the home is in a flood zone. The buyer sent me a link to a big-name commercial real estate website talking about Environmental risks, Climate risk , Fire Factor", Heat, Storm Risk Factor, or similar fields.

In the Myrtle Beach Real Estate market, we use recognized terms by FEMA  

  • Moderate- to low-risk flood areas are designated with the letters B, C, and X on FEMA flood maps. In these areas, the risk of being flooded is reduced, but not completely removed. One in three insurance claims come from moderate- to low-risk flood areas.
  • High-risk flood areas begin with the letters A or V on FEMA flood maps. These areas face the highest risk of flooding. If you own a property in a high-risk zone and have a federally-backed mortgage, you are required to purchase flood insurance as a condition of that loan.

I understand marketing and trying to pretend you have information no other real estate site has might get more clicks. It seems to me these sites are misleading the public. Maybe I am wrong and someone can set me straight with something I am missing.

Most people recognize with climate change our environmental conditions are changing. I look to the Government agencies that use a standardized format to inform the public about these changes. Creating Trademark terms to sell insurance instead of nationally recognized terms that have been used and continue to be used by the Government does not seem to help the public.

myrtle beach real estate companies

 Myrtle Beach SC
North Myrtle Beach
 Murrells Inlet SC
 Little River SC
 Longs SC
 Conway SC
Surfside Beach SC

Comments(2)

Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

My understanding insurance companies use the EPA designated flood zone areas. These can be accessed through some local county government websites. As a standard of practice, I always attached a flood zone map for buyer and when necessary a flood plain letter from the county for any homes I list.

Jun 08, 2023 07:49 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great post!  Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend!

Jun 09, 2023 07:03 AM