Land surveying documents are necessary for any real estate transaction; however, it is also important that buyers and lenders familiarize themselves with flood insurance requirements. Seeking the expertise of a professional land surveyor to prepare an Elevation Certificate and/or Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) may avoid postponing the closing date if otherwise overlooked.
If you find yourself in any of the following situations, it pays to get in touch early with a professional land surveyor (also known in some areas as a registered land surveyor).
- Buyers and lenders who want to close real estate transactions on time and minimize flood insurance rates.
- Existing property owners who want to challenge potential increases in flood insurance rates.
- Property owners who don’t want to obtain flood insurance because they believe they can prove that their home or business is at a higher elevation than what FEMA’s current flood plain maps indicate.
Recently, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has been increasing their rates on flood insurance, mostly due to flooding events in various areas of the U.S. Many property owners are receiving letters from FEMA indicating that their rates will increase significantly unless they are able to produce an Elevation Certificate. Often a homeowner will find out that they need a Flood Elevation Certificate or a LOMA well after applying for a mortgage. When this happens there isn’t much time to get the information to the lender prior to the scheduled closing date.
Here’s the good news. When a buyer or lender learns from FEMA that an elevation certificate and/or LOMA is needed, raSmith is ready to respond. Our staff is able to produce these documents rather quickly. raSmith has the experience and know-how to quickly and accurately complete a survey including all necessary flood certifications and documentation, ensuring a smooth real estate transaction for all involved parties. It’s a win-win-win for the seller, the buyer and the lender.
For more information, contact Steve Southwell, professional land surveyor, at 262-317-3246 or steve.southwell@rasmith.com. Steve has more than 30 years of land surveying experience, the last 18 with raSmith.
