Shouldn't Home Buyers Know the Risks?

Most people are still examining houses for how they look, the size, the layout, the proximity to schools--the thought of a flood is far from their mind.  But, it should be top of mind in my opinion, otherwise the rest of the considerations really don't matter--do they?

Finally there is one online realty website that is beginning to provide flood risk information on properties listed on their website, see this NPR story, Major Real Estate Website Now Shows Flood Risk. Should They All?

The flood mapping system is not perfect by any means, but I believe in not letting perfection get in the way of progress. Yes, there are issues with flood mapping. Yes, there are areas "outside of the flood zone" that can flood--ask all those people around Houston that had several instances of wet feet in recent years. 

And, the other online companies who list real estate are thinking profits over transparency and throwing up all the excuses for not taking action. I have to commend Realtor.com for being a leader in making this move towards risk transparency for the people they serve. 

Texas and Louisiana are about to get a significant dose of water from Hurricane Laura, both in rainfall and storm surge. I see that Hurricane Laura has almost reached Category 5 status for wind speed.