Does being In A Flood Zone In Charlotte, NC. Hinder Your Home Sale?

Flood zone maps are sometimes outdated and even at times people start to wonder what FEMA was thinking with some of their flood plains and lines. But in certain parts of the country flooding is unfortunately a natural thing to be concerned about...However; in Charlotte I have not heard of a house that has flooded by natural occurrences. But, there are pockets and neighborhoods in Charlotte, NC. that require flood insurance on homes because there may have been a stream that ran through the back part of the yard years ago that is now dried up or some other natural occurrence. Because what flood mapping does not take into account; unless it has been revised is construction and the changing landscapes of the earth that have occurred. So, you are looking to sell your home and it is in a floodplain that requires flood insurance. Is this going to affect the value you put on the house? Is it going to hinder your chances of selling the house? It might. First, is where it is located in the flood zone is critical. Is it the property that is in the flood zone only or the house in it as well? What flood zone is it in? There are different ratings for the likeliness of it flooding. Have you ever had any issues with water in the home? What about your property? Is it always wet and damp? These are factors and things that can help you sell the house and affect the price you put on the home. I always recommend getting an updated flood map and certification from your insurance company before putting it on the market. This way you can show potential buyers where the house is located in relation to the FEMA flood lines. In addition it shows you have nothing to hide; especially if you have never had an issue with flooding the entire time you lived there. Second, disclose upfront that you are in a flood zone and the premium you pay and have an attachment of the flood map as well. If the house is on a list of potential homes they are considering this may help them look and make a decision on yours.... Third, tell a story about the house and the fact in the X amount of years you lived there you never had any issues come up with flooding (if accurate). Shows where they think the flooding can come from. I had a client that according to the flood map was in a flood zone that required insurance and the "potential flooding area' was his flower bed now. A few pictures and the map helped put buyer’s minds at ease in terms of buying this house..... Charlotte, NC. has areas that might be prone to flooding. I have not come across any yet that have actually flooded or heard of any that have flooded. But still some home owners are required to carry flood insurance and the you can still sell your house in a "flood zone' if you document correctly and explain the situation to potential buyers upfront..... For buyers if the house has never flooded and the chances look so remote; why would you pass up on a home you love and fits your needs and wants for a maybe? Dave diCecco Realtor/Broker Coldwell Banker United ddicecco@cbunited.com Cell:704-519-7895 www.davedicecco.com