Realtor.com® Flood Risk Data Tool
Louisiana REALTORS • September 14, 2020
For REALTORS®, more knowledge is more power.
Realtor.com® recently released a new tool on its platform - an addition that enables you to see the flood risk of both for-sale and off-market properties. The tool combines data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the First Street Foundation's Flood Factor™
feature to produce a risk score ranging from 1 (minimal risk) to 10 (extreme risk) and an indication of whether that risk is increasing, decreasing or constant over the next 30 years.
This new tool allows REALTORS® to:
In addition, a graph shows the cumulative risk of flooding for a property over the typical 30-year period of ownership, along with the FEMA-categorized flood zone for the property, and whether flood insurance is required.
This information can be used by REALTORS® to provide additional context, guidance and insights to your buying and selling clients.
This new tool allows REALTORS® to:
- Make this risk an early part of the home search discussion.
- Enable buyers to factor this risk into their evaluation of a property.
- Incentivize owners to make necessary home improvements to mitigate flood risk.
- Help buyers and owners ensure they have adequate insurance coverage.
- Reduce the likelihood that a home sale is derailed by unexpected flood risk information late into a transaction.
Here's how the data from both sources (FEMA and Flood Factor™) will work together to help you as a trusted REALTOR®:
| Flood Factor™ | FEMA |
|---|---|
| Provides accurate, property-level flood risk information | Provides detailed, community-wide flood risk information |
| Incorporates current and future environmental changes | Maps the 100-year flood zone and indicates whether a property is "in or out" of this zone |
| Maps multiple flood zones and risk levels | Does not provide information specific to individual properties |
| Includes more flood scores, such as heavy rainfall | Based on site-specific, engineering studies, but limited to two risks (riverine and storm surge) |
| Nationwide coverage and updated quarterly | Used by community regulators, banks and lenders |
| Assesses historic flood patterns and projects future risk | Assesses historic flood patterns |
Check out these helpful NAR resources:
- Is My Home in a Flood Zone?
- Don't Fear Flood Data; Here's How It Helps Clients
- Pivot in Place (a 3-minute video of NAR's 2020 VP of Association Affairs discussing the new feature)
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
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!
