How to determine cause of flooding?

[Kevin Schultz]

Hi All,

I’ve found a great looking foreclosure property that could go at a steal. After taking a look through the windows (haven’t gotten inside yet), I’m convinced it has flooded. All flooring has been removed, leaving concrete slab. Also, some of the drywall in one of the rooms has been removed down near the floor. I tend to shy away from investing in a property that was flooded from rainwater, but I would have no problem getting in to something that was caused by plumbing. The property doesn’t appear to be any lower than surrounding properties, which have obviously not flooded and are occupied, which makes me wonder if it came from within the structure.

Does anybody have a good way to tell how a house was flooded? Is there a registry or flood insurance claim database somewhere that could be referenced?

What would you do? How would you decide if this was a great BRRRR deal or a future flood disaster?

[Lynn McGeein]

Neighbors are a great resource.  Go by on a weekend morning or evening and see if there is anyone out in the neighborhood who knows about the property.  Call your insurance company and ask them for an insurance quote on the property address or ask them if they can let you know about past claims, although if you're not the owner they may not tell you about past insurance claims.