Buy or not to buy, House in AE flood zone in Harrison, New York.

Seeker
Home Buyer
10528

Hi, we are looking into a house in 10528 and liked it. The problem is that it is in an AE flood zone, this is 3 bedroom house with full unfinished basement. We really need utilize the basement to make a bedroom and a playing room had we buy it. We are really concerning the flooding situation. The water did get into the basement (1-2 feet) a few years ago while many house in this area suffered, especially those nearby a river or brook. And the flood insurance is very expensive, $3000 plus based on the elevation certificate. That's about $50000-$60000 buying power for us to buy the houses which don't need flood insurance.
The good part of this house is that location is very good, close to school,park,train, and quite neiberhood, and we might get it at a bargin price.
Can anybody give us some suggestions? Thanks in advance

Answers (4)
Christopher Pag...
Agent
10591

I personally wouldn't want to live in a flood zone. I can imgaine the worry everytime it rains, especially if I have things of value in my basement. Not only the water damage but the possibility of mold scares me. When I'm home I want to be home, enjoy my home and have a few less things to worry about. You should definitely look into the severity of the flooding in the area, some homes may be in the zone but not have much of a problem. It really comes down to what you are willing to settle for.

Sincerely,

Christopher Pagli
Licensed Associate Broker
Accredited Buyer Representative
914.406.9023

Tue Sep 29 2009, 05:43
Ann Marie Damas...
Agent
Harrison, NY

I've lived in Harrison since 1992. The only time we had an issue with water in the basement is during the Nor'Easter 2 1/2 yrs ago. Its depends on where in Harrison on whether this will be an ongoing issue for you.
There are parts of Harrison, mostly in/around downtown that do have ongoing issues. If this house is in a flood plain, the cost of flood insurance does need to be factored in. What needs to be asked is whether this is something that you are willing to deal with, financially as well as dealing with regular clean ups that may become an issue. Not to mention any health issues that may arise as a result. Sometimes a bargain, isnt a bargain.
If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Ann Marie Damashek
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Weichert, Realtors
914-833-0800 x 208

Mon Sep 28 2009, 20:34
AnneMarie Encar...
Broker
Westchester County, NY

When did it flood there....two years ago when areas that NEVER flooded, flooded during the Noreaster? It was a very rare thing for some of the areas that flooded during that time....was this one of them? Try to find out those answers and it may help you decide.

Mon Sep 28 2009, 20:08
Patrick Thies
Agent
Elmhurst, IL
FIRST ANSWER

Is the expense of flood insurance worth it to you? Is the bedroom going to be for your children? Do you want to take a chance with that? Don't forget the expense to fix the bedroom and finished area should it flood not to mention health issues with possible mold growing in the walls when it floods. Is it worth the bargain price?

Mon Sep 28 2009, 19:55

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