When you research sea level rise and the risks it poses, you soon find that there isn’t an easy way to determine if a property experiences sea level rise flooding, if it’s at risk of flooding, or the level and type of financial risks associated with a property. You’d think that you could rely on real estate agents, insurance providers, mortgage providers and other experts to give you guidance, but you can’t. You need to use multiple sources before you decide how to proceed in a real estate transaction.
There are many resources listed in “7 Sea Level Rise Real Estate Questions” that can help buyers, sellers, owners, and real estate agents to assess the risk posed by sea level rise flooding to a given property. Here are some of them:
- A knowledgeable local real estate agent.
- A knowledgeable local mortgage provider.
- A knowledgeable local flood insurance agent.
- A Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report for the property of interest. The report includes flooding-related insurance claims made by property owners, but there are limits to the information provided.
- A knowledgeable local home inspector.
- Government agencies, such as zoning, planning, building and public works.
- A knowledgeable local general contractor.
- A knowledgeable local hydrologist.
- Local media.
- Sellers.
- Neighbors — in private residences and businesses.
- Sea level rise flooding mapping websites, such as ClimateCentral.org and Coast.NOAA.gov, both of which have a wealth of information about sea level rise and the challenge it poses.
- The Natural Resources Defense Council website, which will tell you what’s required on seller’s disclosure in your area of interest.
- Homeowners association or condo association boards.
“7 Sea Level Rise Real Estate Questions” explains how to get the most out of these experts when you’re involved with coastal real estate that may be at risk of sea level rise flooding.