New FEMA Guidelines to take effect 2014

*Did you know that you could save more than $90,000 over 10 years if you were to build your home 3 Feet above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) level?

*Did you know that  a history of (flood) claims could impact on future insurance rates?

*Did you know that approximately 25% of flood insurance claims arise form low to moderate flood risk areas?

” The base flood is a flood with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. The BFE identifies how high the water is likely to rise (also called water surface elevation) in a base flood. The land area of the base flood is called the Special Flood Hazard Area, floodplain or high risk zone. ”  (FEMA Fact Sheet)

If you are living in a moderate to low risk zone, (zones beginning with the letters B, C or X)  you may not require an Elevation Certificate to determine the premium as the rates are not based on elevation.

For more information:

http://www.Floodsmart.gov – re: flood insurance, flood risk for homeowners

http://www.realtor.org/topics/national-flood-insurance-program-nfip

http:/http://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2013/11/realtors-demand-immediate-relief-for-homeowners-impacted-by-unforeseen-and-exponential-increases-in/giswww.westchestergov.com/gismap/default.aspx?OVMAP=&show=1

Mandatory Purchase of Flood Insurance  Guidelines Booklet:

www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2954

Local companies that can assist in your flood insurance policies:

Lawley Insurance .com

Pure.com

http://www.pureinsurance.com/high-net-worth-insurance/insurance-products/flood-solutions

to Order an elevation certificate:

http://www.elevationcert.com/order/order_start.asp

Map Service Center:

http://www.msc.fema.gove/webapp/wcs/stores/serlet/FemaWelcomeView?storeld=10001catalogld=10001&langld=-1

Speak to your Realtor before purchasing a home in a suspected flood zone. He/she will be able to direct you to insurance companies that will better answer your concerns and questions.

Westchester is GREAT!