How can I check flood risk before buying a Central Texas home?

Check the exact address

Use the official FEMA map tools and look at the home’s position, rather than judging risk from the neighborhood name. Ask your local floodplain administrator about questions or local information that need clarification. Map information is one part of understanding a property.

Look beyond a flood-zone label

During your property review, pay attention to drainage patterns, low areas and available information about past water events. Ask questions about any signs of water entry. A map is not a property-condition inspection, and a visual visit does not establish whether a home will flood.

Discuss insurance early

Ask an insurance professional about flood coverage for the specific address and review what the proposed homeowners policy covers. Standard homeowners coverage generally does not cover flood damage. Insurance requirements and coverage choices deserve attention before you are close to completing a purchase.

Bring the information together

Keep the map, disclosures, inspection observations and insurance quote together so unanswered questions are easy to identify. I can help you organize the property questions and direct you to the appropriate local resources. The goal is to make the decision with more than a quick glance at a listing map.