Hello and Welcome to Baker's Blog! 

By now everyone has seen the images of the devastating flooding from of Hurricane Harvey's path. While our thoughts are with the victims for their safety, one cannot help but wonder what the future holds for these people, and how we would deal with such loss. (If you're looking to help with the current efforts for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, here's a link to npr.org's "Here's How You Can Help People Affected By Harvey").

Under current flood insurance rules, most homeowners with mortgages that live in high-risk areas for flooding, called Special Flood Hazard Zones, must buy flood insurance. Unfortunately, most of the Houston area falls outside areas where flood insurance is required and according to a recent AP story it is estimated that fewer than 20% of homeowners with flood damage in Houston's Harris County have flood insurance. Those without coverage will be left applying for federal disaster relief benefits in the form of low-interest loans, paying for repairs on their own, or simply not be able to rebuild.

So what if you aren't in a Special Flood Hazard Zone, or you don't have a mortgage on your home? If it isn't required, should you still purchase flood insurance? Is flood insurance available for renters, too?

Does everyone need flood insurance? The answer is most likely 'no'. But don't make the assumption that you don't, without talking to a qualified individual. You can start with asking your insurance agent and checking out the NFIP website. Review your current policies and ask questions about different scenarios. Am I at risk for flooding from excessive runoff from higher elevations or overflow from rivers, canals, or laterals? Does my current policy cover my belongings if flooding is caused by a city water line break or a sewer back up?

Adding an endorsement to your existing policy will go into effect immediately. But should you decide to add a separate flood insurance policy, there is a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase until your policy goes into effect, with few exceptions. The time to ask is now.

Most everyone knows to get a home inspection when purchasing an existing home. But did you know you can also have home inspections done when building a new home, too?  Not only is it a good idea to have a home inspector present at your final walk-through before closing, but some new construction contracts also allow for progress inspections (foundation, framing, etc.) that can be completed by a home inspector, as well. 

Already in your new home but still in your warranty period?  Great!  If you’re still in your warranty period (typically the first twelve months after construction), it’s a good idea to have a home inspector complete an inspection on your home a couple of weeks before your warranty expires.  Your builder will give you a final opportunity to submit warranty items for repair just before the end of your warranty period.  A home inspection report can give you a comprehensive list of items to submit, from an experienced, professional perspective.

Right now a lot of Buyers and Sellers are waiting until after the year's end to look for or list their home.  It's certainly understandable.  There are Holiday plans, shopping, guests, decorating. So much to do.  Perhaps you're busier at work, too, as your business prepares for year-end. 

But the truth is, people never stop moving.  Maybe someone is being transferred with their employment. Or wanting to get settled before the new semester starts in January.  There are myriad reasons people move during this time of year.

It's true there are fewer Buyers looking right now, but it's also true those Buyers are serious. Sellers who list their home now are competing against fewer listings than in the months after year's end.  If you're concerned about packing up your Holidays, often closing dates can be negotiated as part of the contract.  

Relocation happens.  And it happens regardless of the season.  So if you need to buy, know there are homes out there waiting for you.  And if you want to sell, there's no time like the present.  

Why? Because we never stop moving. 

Are you an urban farmer or looking to become one?  Did you know homes with residential flood irrigation make excellent urban farms? Flood irrigation is the most cost-effective way to deep water your property, flooding yards with 2-3 inches of water each delivery cycle, which penetrates the ground within about three hours.  

You've likely driven through neighborhoods in the valley and seen front yards flooded with water.  That's flood irrigation at work and while not every neighborhood has it, many do. Flood irrigation neighborhoods can be expansive, or consist of only one street.  Most flood irrigation neighborhoods do not have a Home Owner's Association (HOA), and that can be a desirable feature to many home buyers as well.

So when you're relocating, know that flood irrigation can be a great feature to look for in your next home.  And before you find yourself adrift in a flood of listings, give me a call and I'll help you navigate.