Repair, then decide
If the damage is limited and your flood policy covers it, repairing and staying, or repairing before you sell, may be the better move. Check your policy first.
Selling a house that floods, or could, in Virginia
Where buyers will check your flood risk, what Virginia requires you to disclose, and your options.
No obligation. No pressure. Takes about 2 minutes.
How it works in Virginia
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1
Look up your flood zone
Virginia's flood tool lets you search an address to see whether it's in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Buyers can check FEMA's Flood Map Service Center too. Flooding can happen outside those areas.
Source: Virginia DCR: Virginia Flood Risk Information System
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2
The buyer-beware statement
Virginia's disclosure statement says the owner makes no representation about flood zones. It points buyers to flood certifications, FEMA maps and Virginia's flood tool, and to find out whether flood insurance is required before settlement.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-703
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3
Repeat flood claims must be disclosed
If you know the house is a repetitive risk loss structure, meaning two or more National Flood Insurance Program claims of more than $1,000 were paid in any rolling 10-year period since 1978, you must tell the buyer on the Real Estate Board's form.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-708.2
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4
Disclose before the contract
Required disclosures go to the buyer before the purchase contract is ratified. If they arrive later, the buyer can cancel within 3 days of in-person or electronic delivery, or 5 days after the postmark if mailed, and get the deposit back.
Source: Code of Virginia § 55.1-709
Your real options
Sell for cash
If you're done dealing with the water, a cash sale can close in as little as 7 days with no fees or commissions.
List it with an agent
If the house is repaired and shows well, listing often nets more, even in a flood zone. We show the cash offer next to what listing could net.
See both numbers
Example: a $250,000 home
| Offer | $205,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | $0 |
| Commissions | $0 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| You walk away with | $205,000 |
| In 7 to 14 days | |
| Sale price | $250,000 |
|---|---|
| Repairs | about $8,000 |
| Commissions | about $13,800 |
| Closing and holding | about $6,000 |
| You walk away with | about $222,200 |
| In 60 to 90 days | |
Example only. Your numbers depend on your home and market.
This page explains the general rules. It isn't legal advice. Your documents and situation may differ, so talk to a real estate attorney about your specific case.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell buyers my Virginia house has flooded?
Virginia's standard statement is buyer-beware on flood zones, but if you know the house has had two or more flood insurance claims of more than $1,000 paid in a rolling 10-year period, you must disclose it. An attorney can tell you what else applies.
How can I check whether my house is in a flood zone?
Search the address in Virginia's Flood Risk Information System or FEMA's Flood Map Service Center to see whether it's in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
When do the disclosures have to be given?
Before the purchase contract is ratified. If they come later, the buyer can cancel within 3 days of in-person or electronic delivery, or 5 days after the postmark if mailed.
Who are you?
We are real estate investors based in Baltimore, helping homeowners since 2016. We buy houses directly for cash. We are not a licensed real estate brokerage and do not list homes ourselves; if listing could get you more, we show you the math so you can choose.