With hurricanes, heavy thunderstorms, and rising sea levels, flooding is a recurring event in Dorchester, MA. The high risk should encourage everyone to secure flood insurance from Vargas & Vargas Insurance, yet only 23% of properties have coverage. If the high risk isn’t a motivator, surely property owners in the area will disclose flood information to buyers, right?
Does Massachusetts Law Require Flood Disclosure?
Surprisingly, no, it doesn’t. Sellers are not obligated to disclose their home’s flood history to buyers. Astonishingly, they can rebuild in the same spot after flood damage and sell it without informing the buyer. However, if the buyer asks a direct question, the seller must tell the truth. If they lie, the seller will face consequences.
For this reason, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) gives Massachusetts an F on its scorecard for not having laws related to flood disclosure. It is one of 18 states to receive this grade, and it’s unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. The team at Vargas & Vargas Insurance will notify you if it does.
How Can You Discover Flood Damage?
It’s your responsibility to research flood-prone neighborhoods in Dorchester, MA. If the mortgage company, real estate agent, or home inspection report doesn’t discover it or inform you, you must research the home’s flood history before you buy. Flood maps, sea level rise maps, coastal flood risk documents, and elevation maps of the state and city are excellent resources. Real estate websites and comprehensive loss underwriting exchange reports disclosing the home’s history are also helpful.
If you don’t speak up, you are taking a risk that the flood-prone home will flood again without your knowledge. When you secure flood insurance from one of our carriers, asking questions is optional. Flood insurance is the protection that repairs your home and replaces damaged belongings from flood damage. Call, email, or visit our office to speak to an agent about our flood insurance offerings.
