I am a structural designer-CAD drafter able to complete permit drawings and design structures (elevated slabs, driveways, residential additions, decks [steel and wood]).

Ideally you want to pick a house that you can have a few different exterior elevation options yet the interior remains basically the same.

You have to have elevation readings to see where the low areas are.

Your monthly is only going up a couple hundred bucks.Obviously, we missed the low housing prices and they are now at elevated levels, but does that price appreciation even matter at this point?

It could be something as simple as the front elevation is not appealing to buyers.

We had to make a few changes to stay under the FEMA 50% damage rule or we would have to elevate it.

Whole house sprinkler and alarm as well as an elevator.

We have 4 nice seasons of equal duration -- we get a few light snowfalls in the winter, springtime is mild, temps are moderate in the summer due to the elevation, and the fall season is especially enchanting.  

A pool or a hotub in many cases would be seen as luxury amentities; These are features that elevate the property's value or appeal and aren't typically considered necessary for basic living.

Look into getting a base flood elevation certificate 2.