Everyone lives in an area with some measure of flood risk, according to Gilbert Giron, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, who this month led a webinar for Texas REALTORS®. In fact, a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) provided by FEMA does not contain “no-risk” areas. The line on a FIRM shows the boundary of Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) for insurance purposes, but it does not predict where floods can happen or the full risk of flooding.

Giron explained the terminology behind a number of concepts related to flooding, flood insurance, and included in new flood-related questions on the Seller’s Disclosure Notice (TXR 1406). The burden to fill out the Seller’s Disclosure Notice rests with homeowners, but as a REALTOR®, you benefit from being able to understand the concepts contained in the form.

Download the slides from the webinar or view a video of the entire presentation for more information.