How To Avoid Buying a Poorly Repaired Flood-Damaged Home

By Andrew Duncan

Andrew Duncan is the Founder, CEO and Co-Owner of Tampa’s Best Real Estate Agent Team, The Duncan Duo, the Host of The Duncan Duo Real Estate Show Sundays at 10am on 970AM WFLA. As the team’s Founder, CEO & Co-Owner, Andrew’s focus is on the growth of the company, marketing and promotion initiatives as well as motivating and coaching the team’s agents and leadership.

Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Melton have caused lasting damage across Tampa Bay. These storms have left many homes with flood damage, and the effects are still being felt today. For anyone looking to buy a home in 2025, the aftermath of these storms could affect your plans. Even if a house seems fine on the outside, hidden damage from flooding may cause problems that are costly to fix. It’s important to know what to look for to avoid buying a home that may have been poorly repaired after the storms.

Here are three things to keep in mind when buying a home that could have been affected by flooding:

1. Review property disclosures. You must always review the property disclosures provided by the seller. While these documents should give you an overview of the property’s history, it’s important to keep in mind that sellers don’t always provide the full picture. Use the disclosures as a starting point but verify the information through other means.

2. Hire a home inspector. Hire a professional home inspector to thoroughly assess the property for signs of flood damage. A good inspector will look for mold, poorly repaired drywall, and any water damage to wood floors. It’s crucial to make sure they are proactive in identifying any issues related to the storm that might have been overlooked.

3. Verify repair costs before buying. Before you finalize the deal, make sure to verify how much it will cost to repair any flood-related damage. FEMA regulations dictate that if the damage to a structure exceeds 50% of its value, it could be difficult to get permits for repairs, and the property may need to be raised. Make sure that the repairs needed fall below this threshold to avoid future complications.

When considering a home purchase in an area impacted by flooding, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure you’re not inheriting costly repairs or hidden damages. Without proper checks, you might end up with more than you bargained for. If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at 813-955-1079 or send an email to andrew@theduncanduo.com. I’m here to help you every step of the way.