Flood Zones and Elevation Certificates🌊

Familiarize yourselves with the six flood zone categories:

• High Risk: A, V (highest probability of flooding, often mandatory flood insurance).

• Moderate to Low Risk: B, C, X (lower risk, but still potential for flooding).

• Unmapped: D (unknown risk, requires careful assessment).

Understand that lenders typically require flood insurance in high-risk zones (A and V).

 To determine a property's flood zone, you will need to use FEMA Flood Map Service Center.

• Go to https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home

• Enter the property address or longitude/latitude coordinates then click Search

• A detailed flood map of the area will appear. You may need to zoom in to clearly see the zone lines and labels.

• Explain that a flood elevation certificate documents a property's elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).

• Highlight that lenders use this to assess flood risk for mortgage purposes.

• Emphasize that insurance companies use this document to determine flood insurance rates and coverage.

• Point out that even properties in moderate-to-low risk zones can benefit from flood insurance

• Inquire about Existing Certificates: When working with clients purchasing property, always ask if the seller has an existing flood elevation certificate.

• Seller Responsibility: Understand that the responsibility for obtaining the certificate can sometimes fall to the seller as part of the sale agreement.

• Hiring Professionals: Explain to clients that if they need to obtain the certificate themselves, they will need to hire a professional land surveyor, engineer, or architect. Provide a general timeframe (around one week) and cost estimate (around $600) for this process.

• Lender Involvement: Be aware that the mortgage lender may sometimes pay for the elevation certificate if it's a requirement for the loan. 

• Understanding flood zones and elevation certificates is crucial for advising clients on flood risk and insurance needs.

• The FEMA Flood Map Service Center is the primary tool for determining flood zones.

• Staff should be prepared to guide clients through the process of obtaining a flood elevation certificate.

• Always emphasize the potential need for flood insurance, regardless of the flood zone.