I live 3 miles from the gulf and don't have to worry too much about this shit because I'm 40 ft above sea level. We can build homes in the gulf coast region that stand up to this, we just choose not to because it's more profitable for developers to build ground-level wood-frame homes on flood planes.

I prefer the term "sea boner."

They'll build it all back the exact same way.

Salt Blob

to be fair, if you get any kind of financing for a home at all (I assume most do), the bank will absolutely be making you aware of the flood risks.
Not saying realtors aren't terrible, because jesus christ they are awful, but I think it's gotta be pretty rare for someone to be buying a place completely without being notified at some level before purchase.
Are people REALLY warned enough about what that means? definitely not.

(full disclosure, I'm buying a house on a barrier island near NYC right now, because I'm an idiot, but it's 100 years old and stayed dry through Sandy, so hopefully it won't totally get wiped out before I die)

That's the thing realtors want to put an end to.

Sort of like how gun manufacturers made it so the government couldn't fund research into gun-related health statistics.

Any industry where you need a "broker" or "agent" to navigate the regulations and pitfalls is an industry that needs reform and government oversight. In the case of real estate, it's a captive industry in that the brokers contribute to the complexity of the situation and prevent reform in order to keep their jobs relevant.

redfin is great resource.

I think this backs your point up nicely, Binro, just spotted it and thought of this thread - https://gothamist.com/news/in-nj-landlords-and-home-sellers-dont-h ave-to-warn-you-about-past-floods-bill-would-change-that

"the bank will absolutely be making you aware of the flood risks."

I'm not sure they can, because usually what they will do is look at your topography and everything, but if you own a basement you can still get flooded even if you're on a ridge or a hill.

The floor maps so far have been based on historical records, which are pretty useless during accelerating climate change. "100-year floods" happen every decade, etc.