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Max Madden
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Change is coming to FreeFlood...stay tuned!
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Posted on 5/16/2012 9:12:58 AM
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Milpitas CA
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You may want to change the wording in the Flood Zone descriptions to indicate the 1% is the lowest risk for the property in that Special Flood Hazard Area. A low area adjacent to a creek which has a 100% chance of flooding if a rainstorm adds more than just a little water to the creek is likely an A zone with a risk far worse than 1%.which is the minimum risk to be included in an A zone.
Good looking pages. If you ever add Land Surveyor's who generate Elevation Certificates and Letters of Map Amendments for clients within 150 miles of San Jose California to your offerings, let us know and we will sign up our team.
Larry Lincoln, 408 667-4102
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Posted on 3/13/2012 3:33:10 PM
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Milpitas CA
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Looked up my home and found that you are using the old FIRM....been replaced since May 2009. Sorry I can't use your service as a reliable source of the information you offered.
For the client in Kirkland....remind him/her that everyone is in a flood zone, but those in a Special Flood Hazard Area are at high enough risk that no federally backed loans can be made without flood insurance being in place Out of the SFHA, the risk is acceptable to Fanny Mae, but is not 0.
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Posted on 3/13/2012 3:16:57 PM
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701 Benham, Kirkland, IL 60146
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Fema - Floodsmart says this property is in the flood plain. your site says it is not.
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/landing_pages/oneStepFloodRiskAddressSearch.action 1-888-379-9531 Flood Risk Profile Property Address: 701 W Benham St Kirkland, IL 60146 Property Type: Residential THIS PROPERTY IS HIGH-RISK You live in or near a Special Flood Hazard Area
http://www.freeflood.net/default.aspx
This home is not likely to flood. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) declares that there is less than a 1% chance that this home will flood this year. However, there is a risk as this address is close to a flood zone. The address is outside of the flood buffer zone (defined as 200 feet from a flood zone), but it is close enough to warrant a slight risk.
Who is correct? Even with your disclaimer - this could be a class action lawsuit.
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Posted on 3/13/2012 1:17:10 PM
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North Branch of Chicago River in Lake Forest, IL
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Fema's maps now place our property entirely in floodway and will not all any development or construction, which has brought the value to almost nothing....how would we go about having this determination removed/changed or challenged?
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Posted on 3/2/2012 4:51:17 PM
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691 W. Everett Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60045
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Can you please tell me what agency supplies the elevation calculations for the FEMA maps? Also, who actually pays for this work to get done? Thanks for your help.
Deb
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Posted on 3/2/2012 8:50:56 AM
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Chico, California
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The maps for Chico, California have been updated as of January 2011.
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Posted on 2/22/2012 2:39:05 PM
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Max
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Yes, we use Bing maps for the mapping feature. Google charges based on usage, and it would cost us a lot to implement. Unfortunately, we have no control over the quality of Bing maps.
The mapping feature is only for informational purposes, and has no bearing on the accuracy of the flood data.
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Posted on 2/7/2012 4:06:12 PM
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193 County Road 113, Santa Fe, NM 87506
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You may get your data from the feds, but your map is Bing. It seems to put every home in the neighborhood in the arroyo. But in fact, none of them are. If you just look at the map, you see no homes.
Fork over the money for Google. They get it right.
Until then, your information is suspect and can cause many needless worry.
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Posted on 2/4/2012 8:05:27 PM
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713 Gibson Ave
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Your map showing the location of 713 Gibson Ave does not show 713 Gibson Ave. The pointer is aimed at a location several houses south of 713 Gibson Ave.
Please correct the map.
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Posted on 1/30/2012 3:05:52 PM
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Max
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Albert,
We obtain flood geographic information from FEMA, just like everyone else.
In the chase lawsuit, the lender never "lied" about the property's flood status -- the homes in question were actually in flood zones. It's alleged that the lender used this designation unfairly.
Thanks for using Freeflood.com!
Max Madden
President
FreeFlood.com
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Posted on 1/19/2012 6:18:10 AM
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Dimondale, Mi. 48821
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My street address is 10109 Burgandy Blvd.
Your response indicates that "FEMA designates this property is in a 500 year flood plain."
I would be real interested in precisely where you found that interesting little tidbit of information.
We have been forced to buy flood insurance coverage since we bought the home by our lender who maintains that it was FEMA that determined this home to be in a flood zone.
Eight years later and we now know that the lender was lying at the closing.
I dont know if your aware of the class action lawsuits that have either been filed or are in the process of being filed against lenders but there appears to be a very good possiblity of some relief for homeowners. Readers can check chasefloodinsurancelitigation.com or classaction.org.
I am still very interested in that little tidbit of information on our particular property if you have it.
My personal research has convinced me that FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program has considerably more in common with fraud and extortion than insurance.
Your efforts to enlighten the guest to you website is appreciated.
Albert Surink
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Posted on 1/15/2012 8:47:13 AM
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Max
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harpoon -- just because FEMA says a house isn't in a flood zone doesn't mean you won't flood! The designation is only intended to determine how much flood insurance will cost for your property.
If you're not in a flood zone, the insurance is very inexpensive. It's something to consider, especially if your home is near the coasts, or anywhere close to a designated flood zone.
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Posted on 10/11/2011 5:53:49 PM
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harpoon dr. Holiday Florida
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this house has flooded during Hurricane Charlie yet it is listed as "not likely to flood" Double check the results that this site offers.
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Posted on 10/10/2011 11:48:45 AM
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Max
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Gibralter,
In order for you to gain benefit is to get your BFE (base flood elevation) documented with a survey. Armed with this, you can get your property removed from the flood zone.
By doing this, you may qualify for reduced flood insurance through NFIP's Preferred Risk program. Even though you may have raised a few inches above the flood zone, it's still a good idea to make sure you are covered against disaster happening a few inches under you.
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Posted on 9/19/2011 10:05:47 PM
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Gibraltar, Michigan
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I am in an A flood zone. I believe my house was raised 14" in the 80'S. Can this elevation help my flood insurance rate or is this just a benefit to me. Thanks much to anyone that can help.
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Posted on 9/19/2011 1:55:52 PM
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Max Madden
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Jennifer,
This is brand new construction...it takes us a little while to get updates in place; after all, we're doing the whole country! Please support us so that we can continue to do so!
Max
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Posted on 8/26/2011 5:39:59 AM
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Jennifer, TX
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I typed in my client's address, 7812 Gladstone St Houston, TX 77051? , and was not able to find a flood zone. Please update or fix it. It had been worked before with same area 77051
Thank you,
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Posted on 8/26/2011 12:12:33 AM
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Max Madden
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Susan,
FreeFlood.com is an independent operation, graciously supported by users like you. Please be sure to visit our sponsors often, so we can keep our database up to date and accurate.
Regards;
Max
FreeFlood.com
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Posted on 8/13/2011 12:20:54 PM
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Susan, Kansas City
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I see that insurance agents and real estate professionals can advertise on your site. I'm curious to know who sponsors this website. Thanks
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Posted on 8/11/2011 4:31:59 PM
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Sean at 6101 Fordham Way, Sacramento, 95831
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I was trying to find out if my mother was located in a flood zone. Your search tool says she is in flood zone A. However when I searched my own home, your tool says my home at 6101, which is a mile and a half away is also in flood zone A, however, I know that my home is not in flood zone A because my lender did not require me to purchase flood insurance and I am in a sliver in my area that is not in the flood zone. Your search tool is not very accurate...
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Posted on 5/28/2011 8:11:43 AM
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Memphis TN.
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Check the 38107 zip code are we going under?
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Posted on 5/8/2011 8:15:53 PM
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raquel memphis tennessee
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ok thanks max
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Posted on 5/6/2011 4:13:34 PM
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Max Madden
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Raquel: Just because a property isn't in a flood zone doesn't mean it won't flood!
R Ellington: contact your insurance agent -- we don't offer flood insurance, just information.
Max
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Posted on 5/5/2011 10:08:25 PM
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raquel memphis tennessee
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umm everything i put in says Low..but the places i put in are being flooded.. ?? i think its broken
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Posted on 5/5/2011 9:21:08 PM
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r ellington 302 bradford highway milan tn 38358
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how much would flood ins cost for a mobile home valued at 40,000 dollars.my email address is duke 3950 @yahoo .com
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Posted on 5/5/2011 5:54:46 PM
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Van Evans, MetLife Insurance
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I typed in my client's address, 3139 County Road 300 E, Shelbyville, IN 46176, and was not able to find a flood zone.
Thank you,
(317) 390-4660
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Posted on 4/29/2011 1:06:04 PM
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Max
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I believe flood vents will reduce your flood insurance costs, since they reduce damage caused by flowing/sheeting water.
The folks at SmartVents.com have a pretty good program, you might want to give them a look.
Max
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Posted on 3/13/2011 3:45:32 AM
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210 Windward Passage, Slidell, LA 70458
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Are flood vents required on a 15 year old slab house to obtain flood insurance.
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Posted on 3/10/2011 11:32:31 PM
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sue 87 N Hunters Crossing Cir TX 77381
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Both my insurer and another flood analysis site say my home is in zone AE. Your site says it has used an updated map of 1999 which shows it to be in zone X. Could you give me information as to where I will find the updated map please? The ones we are currently using are the FEMA maps of 1996.
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Posted on 2/22/2011 3:52:10 PM
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Max
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Michael,
Have you contacted a surveyor? If you can prove the foundation of the home is of a certain level above the base flood elevation, you have a case. a survey is your first step.
Max
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Posted on 2/14/2011 9:28:24 PM
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134 union ave. & 151 lenox ave Paterson NJ. 07502
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My name is Michael Ciavarella I am a Realtor and attempting to sell both of these homes. both home owners require different levels of flood insurance, but neither have ever been flooded. how can I make sense of this. and how can I have both re certified not to be at risk for flood
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Posted on 2/14/2011 9:23:55 AM
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strongsville, oh
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have lived here for 26 yrs and there is not a river or lake to be found. The only culprit is a drainage pond that is a moderate distance away. We are talking ohio, not louisiana. I think that fema is lining its pockets at the expense of the taxpayers.
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Posted on 2/11/2011 8:45:12 PM
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browns mills nj
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Why is flood insurce more then my home owners and keeps gping up every year i been here for 16 years now and dont even get a puddle in my yard when their is areas 10 min away from me that do get flooded and please tell me why its been 20 years since they servay this area in country lakes
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Posted on 1/13/2011 2:15:18 PM
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Max Madden
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David,
Thanks for using FreeFlood.com.
When you purchased your home, you should have received a flood determination if you took out a mortgage on the property. However, flood zone boundaries can and do change over time, and FEMA can change the determination. So if you refi or sell the property, the new loan may be required to be backed with flood insurance.
About the only recourse you have is to get a surveyor out to your property, and start the process for filing a "Letter of Map Amendment-Out As Shown" document, or a "Letter of Map Amendment." If your community participates in the NFIP (sounds like it does), this is where you will be communicating your documentation of your base flood elevations.
Regards;
Max Madden
Freeflood.com
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Posted on 1/6/2011 10:36:24 PM
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David - from Ma.
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Hi, we sure could use your expert advice. We purchased our home in 2002, we were told it was not in a flood zone and was supplied with a certified certificate saying so. We have refinanced several times without any issues, however, we financed again last year, this time we were told we were in a flood zone and needed to buy very expensive flood insurance, We were put in touch with someone working with FEMA and the explained the it appeared that we may be in a flood zone but our property certainly was elevated high enough not to require insurance. To make a long story short, we had to supply FEMA with elevations and someone was hired to do the work. FEMA reviewed the numbers and will not take us out of the flood zone.
I have several questions,
1. What can I do?
2. Is there an appeal process?
3. We never would have bought this property if we had known it was in a flood zone....even if it is elevated high enough to be considered not to be, primarily for resale reasons. Do I have a case for legal action against the selling Real Estate company which sold us the house?
Any and all information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
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Posted on 12/31/2010 6:27:24 AM
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Max Madden - Freeflood.com
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Sometimes a flood zone touches a property, but the not the house itself. As far as NFIP and FEMA are concerned, these properties are in a flood zone, and a lender will require that you purchase flood insurance.
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Posted on 10/13/2010 5:24:28 PM
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4005 Hartland Road Gasport NY
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I have a similar problem as Jennifer from NY. On the new flood maps approved by my town and made official 9/17/2010 my hose is not in a flood zone but my woods is in a minimal flood zone. On the old 1979 maps my house that was built 1993 could arbitraily be included incorrectly in the flood area. You also indicate I have a low risk of flooding.
I have recently refinanced, and although my building inspector as well as my insurance agents agree with me that I do not need to have the flood insurance, my new lender keeps insisting that I am in a flood zone and forced me to procure dwelling only flood insurance at roughly $900.00 per year. As my first level that they would cover is roughly 16 feet above the highest observed flood level in my woods, I do not see the reason for their demand. I am a professional engineer in NY State since 1988 and my new lender still will not budge that I am in a serious flood zone wit hserious risk of flooding my home.
Please advise.
Thanks.
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Posted on 10/7/2010 9:33:48 AM
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793 Rafael St. Keizer OR 97303
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When I put in my address the designation Flood Zone REV came up. There was no explanation anywhere I could find as to what REV meant. Please advise at my email address. Thanks a lot.
mark@markmanthey.com
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Posted on 10/6/2010 1:40:49 AM
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Jennifer Holmes,NY
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Hello - I am interested in finding out why the online system through freeflood.net shows my home not being in the flood zone and the FEMA map shows I am in the flood zone - is there anyone that can help me with this- Thanks very much
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Posted on 10/1/2010 8:20:24 AM
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Max Madden
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Eileen,
Your house is one of your biggest investments, so it makes sense to protect it. IF you are close to a flood zone, I recommend buying flood insurance! Flood insurance rates are cheapest for homes located in non-flood zones.
Regards;
Max Madden
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Posted on 9/18/2010 10:46:53 AM
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Eileen Rizzolo, Nutley, New Jersey
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I am interested in purchasing a house which shows at low risk on your chart, yet, about .3 miles away, about a minute away, the houses are in a high risk. The address I want to purchase is 71 Deer Path Drive, Flanders, NJ - low risk. The house one minute away is 32 Downstream Drive, Flanders, NJ. what do you think I should do?
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Posted on 9/2/2010 5:15:01 PM
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Southwest Georgia
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FEMA updated the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM MAPS) on September 25, 2009. The information on your website states effective FIRM date of 1990. This should be updated to reflect current data, as there have been MANY changes to the flood zones since 1990.
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Posted on 9/1/2010 12:27:38 PM
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Max
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Maria -- your house is probably your biggest investment. Living so close to the beach, and with the weird weather that is happening lately, I think it's a good idea to make sure your home is protected. If you are not in a flood zone, then your yearly premium should be quite affordable.
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Posted on 6/25/2010 4:56:42 PM
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Maria, Milford, CT
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When did Milford, CT get hit with a major flood. I presently live 2600 feet from the beach and my home insurance agent stated I should think about getting it.
What is your opinion?
Thanks,
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Posted on 6/23/2010 7:50:12 PM
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Arlington, Texas
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I was just looking at your website...I am curious about how far back flood data is available..I have personally witnessed a major flood problem at Arlington Lake in Arlington, Texas back in the late 80's...this is a while back..but I just looked up one home I was at due to it belonging to a friend and know it to have been under water. Although this happened the home is shown to be in the "Low" Risk and no prior flood history is listed...No major improvements have been made in the area to stop this from reoccuring and so there has to be at least a moderate risk of recurrance..when it happens...People have to evacuate... it hasn't happened in about 20 years...This doesn't mean it may not happen tomorrow. I know it almost happened again a couple of times but fell a few inches short. My interest is especially due to wanting to purchase in the area...It's impossible to assertain which homes were under water..No one is talking..Any hints?
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Posted on 10/31/2009 1:44:34 AM
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Max
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Kirk,
Send me your address -- max@freeflood.com and I'll see what I can determine.
Thanks
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Posted on 8/17/2009 4:12:51 PM
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Kirk, Suffolk, VA
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none of my neighbors are in flood zone, but my mortgage company is saying that I am in Flood Zone A. Your site says that I am in flood zone X. The FEMA map is sketchy. What do I do to demonstrte I am not in a the flood zone?
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Posted on 8/15/2009 9:07:55 AM
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Max Madden
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Thanks for your comments, Christopher! We're glad to be of service.
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Posted on 4/13/2009 9:33:19 AM
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Christopher Rogers
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I am very glad that this website exists. The municipality that my prospective house is in does not supply elevation or address results for flood plain analysis. This site saved me from needing to get the properrty surveyed. Unfortunately, the house is within a flood plane. Maybe becasue it is on the edge of the plain, I may still get minimal rates on insurance and a good chance of investment/resale of the house if I were to purchace it.
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Posted on 4/10/2009 8:01:33 PM
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D. Titus-1029 Minnetonka rd Severn, MD
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You have my property listed as Flood zone A , when in fact it is comprised of both A and C. The westerly portion is low and is indeed zone A, while the far eastern side where the house is located is well out of the flood plane. Could you please correct your data to reflect this? I have lived here for close to 30 years and never , ever under no storms or hurricane situations has the water backup ( caused by an undersized storm drain culvert) reached the dwelling. I am trying to sell my house and the insurance people rely on your information to set the coverage. Please rectify.
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Posted on 2/15/2009 11:31:46 AM
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Joe Valrico, Fla.33596
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I can not find one property that you have in Valrico? You have a lot in Brandon, (which is just across the street, however none in Valrico.....Why?
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Posted on 8/22/2008 12:03:16 PM
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Cedar Rapids
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thanks for the information, it is very helpful.
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Posted on 8/7/2008 4:21:40 PM
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Pembroke Pines, FL
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I don't know about Montana, but this site is very useful around here. I didn't realize how many nice homes around here are in the flood zone!
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Posted on 7/23/2008 11:17:44 AM
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