Does anyone know if there is any record/database or way to find out if a house has previously flooded? I know a seller is required to disclose it, but is there any record of it documented?
Your insurance agent can run a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Evaluation, CLUE Report,, on the claims history for a property. In addition to the seller’s disclosure this is one way to uncover whether a property ever flooded. If the property was listed in MLS after a flood incident the past listing remarks may comment about whether or not the property flooded. All Realtors have access to the property archive report for each listing that is in the MLS. Hope these suggestions help.
Recommend to ask your insurance agent to run claims history on the house you are willing to purchase. Also, sometimes seller's disclosure mention flood claims or any other.
Hi John, As an investor myself, I have found some 'back door data' you can look into to verify this. It is not straight forward but there is some information available if you know where to look. Feel free to contact me at francois@cozy-homes.com / 713 397 8857
I just attended flood area changes class yesterday and someone did pose this question. Per instruction, there is no way to find out if a house got flooded and how many times unless the owner discloses it.
Chris Coldwell Bankers www.ChrisRealEstatePro.com 832.859.8698
Hi John, If you are looking into a particular area or address I can provide you with a list of homes in that area that are currently for sale and its flooding status since Harvey. Since Harvey, agents that list homes must answer if the home flooded during that time. In addition, the Sellers Disclosure for most residential sales that is required by the Texas Real Estate Commission will indicate if the home was flooded while the homeowners were living there. Previous flooded homes would be available through a C.L.U.E. report that underwriters use to file previous claims. If you need to talk to an insurance agent underwriter let me know and I will connect you.
Unfortunately there really isn't much other than relying on the current sellers disclosure. With that said, the disclosure is only regarding, "What the seller is actually aware of". So if you are looking at a home that may have flooded in Allison and current seller purchased after, they may or may not have actual knowledge of the previous flooding outside of what was disclosed to them when they purchased the home. If you are really concerned, the current owner of the home can call NFIP and request a full history of flood claims for the property. This will give a full history of flood claims filed, but must be ordered by current owner and will not show any previous flooding that was not claimed. If the current owner has flood insurance, your insurance provider will be able to search that current policy holder information. For a more extensive history the NFIP is the only option. Seller can call 866-395-7496.