Many
Atlanta homeowners are waking up to the fact that perhaps buying a home
in a flood zone wasn’t a good idea. Maybe buying a
home from an Internet portal wasn’t a smart idea since it did
not tell you the home you were purchasing was in a flood
zone. The website did not have access to tax maps and flood
maps that identified the flood maps and associated hazard. If
you were working with an experienced
Atlanta buyers agent, your agent
could have easily informed you of that fact, that is if you had an
agent. The sad fact is that it really doesn’t
matter if the home is in a 100 or 500 year plain. Today after
record rains in Atlanta... that is just degrees of wet! Many areas of
Atlanta over the last few days were inundated with anywhere from 5' to
20 inches of rain in a few days. It was unrelenting.
Water damage is sometimes unforgiving, and should be avoided as much as possible. In the last few years in the height of an epic drought buyers purchased homes without asking any questions. It was a most foolish mistake. It really does not matter if you can buy flood insurance, it is the total inconvenience and threat to your well being when and if it does flood. Lives are disrupted, family heirlooms are lost and yes sometimes family members can die as floods wash through homes in heavy or prolonged downpours.
Years ago in the Atlanta market when we sold homes, a common line inserted into he contracts may have read something like this…
The reason is that in the Atlanta there are still many areas that do not have public sewer or storm drains to move standing water away before it causes any damage. When water cannot be removed quickly before the next rain falls....it taxes the systems around it. Streets flood, bridges wash away, homes are damaged, trees are downed, and neighborhoods become isolated as small bridges wash away. Even if a home appears to escaped much damage, other issues like mold and mildew can appear weeks after, and may not be so easily remedied.
Before you purchase a home, it is good to listen to the advice of your experienced Atlanta buyers agent and real estate professional that can point out the negatives.
Water damage is sometimes unforgiving, and should be avoided as much as possible. In the last few years in the height of an epic drought buyers purchased homes without asking any questions. It was a most foolish mistake. It really does not matter if you can buy flood insurance, it is the total inconvenience and threat to your well being when and if it does flood. Lives are disrupted, family heirlooms are lost and yes sometimes family members can die as floods wash through homes in heavy or prolonged downpours.
Years ago in the Atlanta market when we sold homes, a common line inserted into he contracts may have read something like this…
“This
offer is contingent upon...if the home located at 123 Main Street,
Anytown USA is in a flood zone or requires flood insurance requiring
flood insurance, this contract is null and void...”
The reason is that in the Atlanta there are still many areas that do not have public sewer or storm drains to move standing water away before it causes any damage. When water cannot be removed quickly before the next rain falls....it taxes the systems around it. Streets flood, bridges wash away, homes are damaged, trees are downed, and neighborhoods become isolated as small bridges wash away. Even if a home appears to escaped much damage, other issues like mold and mildew can appear weeks after, and may not be so easily remedied.
Before you purchase a home, it is good to listen to the advice of your experienced Atlanta buyers agent and real estate professional that can point out the negatives.
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Good ideas - crazy rain right now - hope you are staying dry!
20 inches of rain..you must get flash down pours to cause that much extra water to deal with. It has been dry for the last three weeks and after tons of rain all summer long, nice change.
Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services: Need a LFP Realtor? We're doing fine, but many are not as fortunate.
Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY) In the past few weeks, I have seen rains that I have never seen before in my life. Downpours and deluge do not even describe the intensity.
I would start building an ARK if I was you. . .I can't believe you are getting so much rain. .
Hi Jim, excellent post. Let the Buyer Be Aware. You are right. Only an experienced Agent can provide consumers with all pertinent information on a property or location so that they can make an informed decision.
Fernando Herboso Real Estate Maryland, DC and Virginia (Key Realty Group-Foreclosures in Maryland,Rockville MD) It really has been unbelieveable.
Jenny Kotulak Real Estate Broker Oakville Ontario Real Estate (RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage Oakville, Ontario) Thanks. I think so many buyers think that it is an adventure. Well it may be a lot more than they bargained for.
Experienced agent indeed. I would suggest one with a duty of fiduciary.
Hi Jim,
Oh my gosh, the flooding I saw on the news this a.m. was heartbreaking, especially when it comes to loss of life. My best to you all!
It's no tfun to say "I told you so" when so man people's lives are being affected, but you're right, they should have used a Realtor.
Wow another good reason to use a Realtor.
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate Exactley!
Orange Co. Real Estate~Lynda Eisenmann, Broker-Owner, CRS,CRB,GRI,SRES, Brea, CA (Preferred Home Brokers) Some parts of Atlanta Metro were very hard hit. It is tragic.
Rich Cederberg- Albuquerque Real Estate Expert (RE/MAX Elite) Rich, buyers really need to know when they buy a home it isn't all about the 'Bells and whistles!' The reason they say, "A home is the biggest investment of your life!" It's because it is!
Cassi @ Knightyme Video Tours (Knightyme Video Tours) Persons need to use someone that is their advocate. There are many times I've advised a buyer not to buy a home.
Another real tragedy is FEMA should be taking aerial shots to update their flood maps NOW, not look at 10 year old maps or waste time surveying on foot! Part of the problem is all the new development covering land that used to absorb the rain doesn't have adequate storage to hold back significant quantities of water.
Not showing in the news stories is how the new multi billion dollar project to upgrade the CIty of Atlanta sewer system FAILED as the main treatment plant is under water, dumping raw sewage into the river and will require millions in repair! I guess the good news is Alabama and Florida will now be getting all the water from Georgia the next couple days the sued over and a dose of the crap they have been giving Georgians!
phil You nailed it. The sewer system in Atlanta has been a mess the entire time I have lived in GA.
Hello Jim, water damage in homes is indeed very tough to clean and repair -- and often very easy to avoid by not building or buying in a known flood-zone. Such a simple yet essential question to ask. Hope you are safe and dry! John
Alexander-Slocum REMAX Team - Vancouver WA Real Estate (RE/MAX equity group, inc. - Vancouver Washington) Avoidance of buying a home in flood prone areas is the best solution. Many persons rushed in without looking or asking any questions. Very, very foolish!