{"id":102574,"date":"2025-06-27T13:49:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T20:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=102574"},"modified":"2025-06-27T13:49:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T20:49:56","slug":"buying-a-house-in-a-flood-zone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-house-in-a-flood-zone\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a House in a Flood Zone: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Key takeaways:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a house in a flood zone comes with financial and safety risks, including high insurance costs, property damage, and potential resale challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flood insurance is essential \u2013 and often required \u2013 if the home is in a high-risk area.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There can be advantages like lower purchase prices and waterfront locations, but they should be weighed carefully against the risks.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do your research early. Check flood maps, review the property\u2019s flood history, and ask the right questions before making an offer.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a house in a flood zone can come with serious risks. From higher insurance costs to potential damage and resale challenges, there are a lot of factors to weigh. But if your dream house on the lake happens to be in a flood zone, it doesn\u2019t have to be a deal breaker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll go over what flood zones are, the pros and cons of buying in one, and what to consider before making an offer. Whether you\u2019re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/near-me\/houses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">renting a house<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or living in an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apartment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, understanding how flood zones affect properties can help you make a smarter, safer choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-102577 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"A flooded street with cars driving through the water. Many houses in this flood zone have water in their driveways or coming up to the house itself. \" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/flood-zone_shutterstock_2473665583.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is a flood zone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A flood zone is a geographic area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with a specific level of risk for flooding. The FEMA flood zones range from high-risk to low-risk. They are assigned based on factors like weather patterns, elevation, and historical flood data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are the highest risk zones, and have over a 1% chance of flooding annually. While 1% may not seem like a high percentage, this adds up to a one in four chance of flooding over the course of a 30-year mortgage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you check if a house is in a flood zone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The easiest way to find out if you\u2019re buying a house in a flood zone is by checking the address on FEMA\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/msc.fema.gov\/portal\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flood Map Service Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Flood zone details may also appear in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-a-sellers-disclosure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seller\u2019s disclosure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but this isn\u2019t a requirement for every state.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to do your own <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/due-diligence-real-estate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">due diligence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to understand your risk. Even homes outside a SFHA can still be at risk for flooding. Consult multiple sources, like county records, elevation maps, and a home\u2019s claim history for the most accurate picture and updated flood information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Pro tip: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re looking at Redfin\u2019s real estate listings, you can view climate risks, flood zones, and more in the property details.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start research early in the home buying process to make sure you start your search in areas that match your comfort level with risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read more:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/is-my-house-in-a-flood-zone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is My House In A Flood Zone?\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-102578 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205-1120x630.jpg\" alt=\"Two people with high waterproof boots walk through a flooded street in a neighborhood in a flood zone. \" width=\"1120\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205-1120x630.jpg 1120w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205-267x150.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205-533x300.jpg 533w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/walking-through-flood_shutterstock_2162978205.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1120px) 100vw, 1120px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6 risks to consider when buying a house in a flood zone\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The risks of buying a home in a flood zone should not be considered lightly. Be sure to carefully review some of the highest risks listed below before proceeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expensive flood insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Depending on the level of risk, flood insurance can be extremely costly, especially in coastal states, homes at lower elevations, and regions prone to hurricanes. Make sure to factor this into your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/how-much-house-can-i-afford\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home affordability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> calculations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Different types of flooding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A river swell and a hurricane are very different events, but both can end up flooding your home and causing serious damage. Knowing what to expect will help you prepare your home and yourself for a major event.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Extensive damage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/floodriskamerica.com\/blog\/how-one-inch-of-flood-water-can-cause-thousands-of-dollars-in-damages\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even an inch of water can cost thousands of dollars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in repairs. Flooring, drywall, and electrical systems may all need replacing in the event of a flood, not to mention furniture and personal items.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Difficult to resell<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Flood risks can lower a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/what-is-my-home-worth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home\u2019s value<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to associated risks and insurance costs, and buying in a flood zone might be a tricky investment to sell later on.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Evacuation and safety concerns<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Severe flooding can force you to evacuate, so having an emergency plan is essential when living in a flood-prone area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Emotional distress<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: With the added risks comes additional stress. Flooding can take a toll on your mental health\u2014causing stress, anxiety, and emotional strain, especially if you experience a major loss.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read more:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-to-do-after-a-flood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Do After a Flood: 10 Essential Steps for Homeowners<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-102576 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991-957x630.jpg\" alt=\"Houses and autumn trees reflect in the water from a lake, which might be a perk of buying a house in a flood zone. \" width=\"957\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991-957x630.jpg 957w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991-300x198.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991-1024x674.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991-768x506.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991-228x150.jpg 228w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991-456x300.jpg 456w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/fall-on-the-water_shutterstock_1403578991.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 957px) 100vw, 957px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there any advantages to buying a house in a flood zone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the risks, there can be some good reasons to buy a house in a flood zone, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lower purchase prices<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Even though this is considered a risk for resale, you can take advantage of the lower prices as a buyer. You may be able to afford buying a home in a flood zone that would be out of your budget otherwise.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Less competition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: There may be fewer buyers interested in homes in flood zones, so you won\u2019t have as much to worry about when it comes to bids.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Waterfront property<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you\u2019re someone who dreams of sunny beachfront properties or enjoying your morning coffee with a view of a lake, you\u2019re probably more willing to accept the potential <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.floodsmart.gov\/flood-zones-and-maps\/what-is-my-flood-risk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flood risks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and invest in the insurance costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you still get a mortgage on a house in a flood zone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, getting a mortgage on a house in a flood zone is very similar to getting a mortgage anywhere else. However, if the house is in a SFHA, your lender will likely require you to purchase flood insurance before approving the loan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some government loans also have specific requirements for high-risk properties. Be sure to review these carefully before beginning your home search.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you need flood insurance?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re buying a home in a flood zone, you absolutely need flood insurance. Even if your lender doesn\u2019t require it, traditional homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. You\u2019ll want to check with your provider or look into other options, like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/flood-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to get a quote. Knowing what you\u2019ll pay for monthly insurance before making an offer will help you budget your mortgage costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt; Read more:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/what-does-flood-insurance-cover\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does Flood Insurance Cover?<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important questions to ask before buying\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While you might have some answers from the seller\u2019s disclosure or your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, make sure to ask and answer some of these important questions to best prepare yourself for buying a house in a flood zone:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the classification of the flood zone in this area?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Has the property flooded before?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the claim history of the property?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How often does the property flood?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the estimated cost for flood insurance in this area?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What has the community or government done to protect the area and mitigate floods?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What has been done to the property to mitigate floods?\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-102579 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"Waterfront properties on a lake, which might be a reason someone would want to buy a house in a flood zone. \" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/waterfront-properties_shutterstock_1183692736.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying in a flood zone is a personal decision<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no one answer when considering whether or not you should buy a house in a flood zone. The risks, costs, and stress are real, but\u00a0 it\u2019s not always a deal breaker. With proper precautions, flood protection, and often lower prices, it could still be the right move, especially if living near the water is your dream. Ultimately, the decision depends on what\u2019s best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs about buying a home in a flood zone\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I buy a house in a flood zone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Whether or not you should buy a house in a flood zone is a personal decision on whether the risks outweigh the benefits. Carefully reviewing the zone\u2019s classifications and understanding the preventative measures required or already in place is essential. And if the added cost of flood insurance pushes you outside of your ideal budget, it might be time to move on.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can the flood zone be changed?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, the flood zone can be changed. FEMA regularly reviews flood maps and data, and climate change has made more changes necessary over the years. Just because a house isn\u2019t currently in a high risk area doesn\u2019t mean it won\u2019t change. You can also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/flood-maps\/change-your-flood-zone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">request to change your flood zone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if you believe your house was incorrectly zoned in a SFHA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will homeowners insurance cover a flood?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, standard home insurance does not cover floods of any kind. You will need a separate policy for flood insurance. Look into whether your area can be covered by the federally funded NFIP. Private insurance companies also offer options for coverage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I find out if a home has flooded before?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since not every state requires that a seller\u2019s disclosure includes floods, it\u2019s important to do some of your own research. Search local government records or past insurance claims, check for signs of water damage, or talk to neighbors to get a personal perspective on\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;\">neighborhood <\/span>flood risks.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do I protect the house from floods?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"yoast-text-mark\" style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; background-color: #ffffff;\">Flood insurance is the number one way to assure your home<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span>and your wallet<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014<\/span>are protected in the event of a flood. Learning more ways to <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-your-home-from-flood-damage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">protect your home from floods<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prevent or minimize damage can also save you stress and cost you less in the long run.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re considering buying a house in a flood zone, there are several important factors to consider and prepare for. 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