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Buying in a Flood Zone?

July 14, 2021

The Mississippi Gulf Coast is a fantastic place to call home. As you drive along the beach you’re sure to fall in love with the beautiful homes overlooking the water. Some assume that homes directly across from the Gulf of Mexico are in a flood zone. However, many lots are above the BFE (Base Flood Elevation) or a home can be raised beyond the BFE with either a chain wall or pilings the making the insurance rates less.

If a home overlooking the Gulf is not for you, there are many gorgeous locations to choose from. It can be discouraging to realize that the beautiful home you’ve fallen in love with is in a flood zone. While it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker, there are some serious considerations to understand before moving forward.

Flood zones are defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and are categorized according to the level of risk. A high-risk area is defined as having a 1+% chance of annual flooding, whereas a low-to-moderate location has a 0.2% or less chance of annual flooding.

FEMA maintains a flood map center where you can research the classification of the location and the level of concern. Zones labeled A and V are the highest risk zones. These are areas that are either coastal or riverside communities. These Special Flood Hazard Areas will have to carry flood insurance and have a 25% chance of serious flooding in a 30-year timeframe. Zones labeled B, C, and X are lower risk.

Flood insurance is available to homeowners in any location. It makes sense that homes located in high-risk areas will pay higher premiums than those in lower-risk zones. In addition to standard homeowner’s insurance, flood insurance can range from a few hundred a year to thousands per year. The good news is that proper flood insurance provides excellent coverage in the event of damage, even providing temporary housing if necessary. Coverages vary, so it’s important to discuss the options with your insurance agent.

There is no reason to dismiss a home simply because it’s located in a flood zone. With views of the Gulf of Mexico, combined with today’s stringent building codes, investing in a beachfront home on the coast is much safer than in the past. Before you make your final decision, it’s important to consider all the implications and costs involved.

If you’re still not looking forward to living in a flood zone, check out our Oak Landing community. The neighborhood does not require flood insurance and is ready for your dream home.

Categorized in: Coast Life, Community

This post was written by Acadian Homes