Navigating Flood History Information Beyond the Seller's Disclosure
Louisiana REALTORS • April 8, 2021
Louisiana REALTORS® has partnered with the FEMA outreach and DOTD education teams to provide REALTORS® with helpful information regarding flood insurance, disaster preparation and recovery through our monthly
Flood Risk & Recovery Series. In April, FEMA and DOTD were joined by representatives from Baker Donelson to discuss Flood Risk & Flood Insurance Implications in the Louisiana Seller's Disclosure and how that relates to the Obtain & Maintain requirement. Please see below for a few highlights and FAQs that were addressed in the session.
Session Highlights:
- FEMA estimates that over 150,000 households in Louisiana require flood insurance
- The Obtain & Maintain requirement says that if a property owner receives federal financial assistance for a flood loss and the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, then the owner must obtain flood insurance (equal to the amount of FEMA Individual Assistance award) for the property, and insurance must be maintained regardless of change in ownership
- A seller MUST notify a buyer of the requirements to Obtain & Maintain on or before the date of property transfer
- Failure to notify could mean that the buyer may be ineligible to receive future assistance AND/OR that the seller could be responsible for reimbursing the Federal Government for any disaster assistance received by the buyer
- Even though it may not be required in the purchase agreement, the seller is still responsible for notifying of the Obtain & Maintain requirement through an addendum and in the active sale
Tips to Guide & Protect Your Clients:
| BUYERS | SELLERS |
|---|---|
| Get flood insurance, no matter what zone your desired home is in | If receiving a subsidized rate, transfer it to the buyer at closing |
| Do your own research: contact your floodplain administrator, review the home's title/deed for FEMA mitigation grants, review the disclosure and ask the local community | Consider mitigation projects that will reduce the flood risk, and in turn, reduce the premium before putting a property on the market |
| Request the seller's Elevation Certificate | Provide an Elevation Certificate |
| Inquire with seller about previous flooding and require a flood loss history from the seller | Disclose flood history and flood risk information |
| Know the waiting period before the policy will take effect, and see if the seller's policy can be transferred to you |
FAQs:
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Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
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