Homes located in low to moderate risk flood zones are not necessarily required to purchase flood insurance. But flood insurance may still be available. A flood zone map search, which can be ordered from the title company as part of Buyer's title searches upon entering into a contract of sale, should provide information on type of flood zone and associated risk. However, this article points out that it is difficult to obtain public information on whether a particular home has flood in the past. Good old fashioned research on historical flooding in a neighborhood, as well as having a home inspector search for signs of water damage and/or mold in the basement or first floor of a house, can provide clues.
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