In the United States, FEMA continues to research and update comprehensive flood maps via The FEMA Flood Map Service Center (MSC) so you and your family can make the best decision for your housing. For the average consumer, however, the FEMA information can be too broad and complicated to fully utilize. 

With that in mind, Realtor.com® has added a feature to for-sale and off-market properties on its site to help consumers better understand flood risk and take necessary precautions.  Properties now display a Flood Factor™ from the First Street Foundation, nonprofit research, and technology group, which is a score between one and 10 that represents its cumulative risk of flooding over a 30-year mortgage. Properties also display their FEMA Flood Zone, providing realtor.com® users with a comprehensive understanding of their flood risk. 

A recent study by First Street Foundation found more Pennsylvania homes are at risk of flooding compared to what the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s data shows. Whether you are in a high-risk zone or not, you may need flood insurance because most homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. If you live in an area with low or moderate flood risk, you are 5 times more likely to experience flood than a fire in your home over the next 30 years. For many, a National Flood Insurance Program’s flood insurance policy could cost less than $400 per year. 

Click HERE to find out if you are in a FEMA Flood Zone and reach out to our team if you would like more information or a recommendation for an insurance company that can help provide flood insurance!