Questions You Should Ask When Buying A Home December 21, 2024

How To Find Out If A Home Is In A Flood Zone

How to find out if a home is in a flood zone.

It’s a great question, and one that could save you from a lot of headaches down the road.

Why Flood Zone Information Is So Important

When you’re buying a home, it’s easy to fall in love with the layout, the location, or even the neighborhood. But knowing whether the property is in a flood zone is crucial. Here’s why:

  • Insurance Costs: If the home is in a high-risk flood area, you’ll likely need flood insurance—and it’s not cheap.
  • Safety Concerns: Flooding can cause major damage to your home and belongings.
  • Resale Value: Homes in flood zones can be harder to sell down the line, or you may have to sell at a lower price.

New Jersey Makes It Easier

The good news? New Jersey has stepped up to help buyers like you. The state now requires flood risk information to be included in the Seller’s Property Disclosure. This is a big win for transparency and makes it easier for you to get the facts.

How to Check a Property’s Flood Risk

If you’re looking at a home, here’s how you can find out its flood risk:

  1. Visit the State’s Website: Go to njreal.to/flood-disclosure.
  2. Launch the Tool: Scroll down and click on the “Launch Flood Risk Notification Tool” button.
  3. Fill in the Details: Enter the property’s address and other required info.
  4. Wait for the Report: The system will email you a detailed report. Heads up, it can take a little time since the database is pretty extensive—so hang tight.

A Bit About Me

I’ve been a licensed Realtor® since 2007 and specialize in helping clients buy and sell homes in northern Ocean County and southern Monmouth County. I’ve worked with ERA Byrne Realty in Brick, NJ, for years and have worn a lot of hats in the industry—from Broker/Owner to Broker/Manager. My focus these days is on adult community homes, where I love helping clients find their perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and you deserve to have all the information upfront. By using the tools available and asking the right questions, you can avoid surprises and feel confident in your decision.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, I’d love to help. You can reach me through my website or Facebook page:

Let’s find your dream home together—without any surprises!

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