Answer Insurance Questions Before Buyers Ask

For many lake buyers, insurance is one of the biggest unknowns. Sellers who answer those questions early make buyers more confident — and keep deals moving.

Share flood information

Know your flood zone, and gather any flood insurance history you're comfortable sharing, such as the current premium. The Texas seller's disclosure also asks about floodplains, past flooding and flood claims. Answer it accurately.

Find your elevation certificate

If you have an elevation certificate, have it ready. It may help a buyer get a more accurate flood insurance quote. If you don't have one, ask whether getting one makes sense.

Roof records

Share the roof's age, any permits and warranties, and recent inspections.

Claims and repairs

Organize records of past claims and how repairs were made. Professional, documented repairs reassure buyers and their insurers.

Shoreline permits

Have SJRA license and permit records for the dock and bulkhead ready, too.

What is an elevation certificate? A document prepared by a surveyor or engineer showing a building's elevation relative to flood risk. It may help with flood insurance pricing.

What insurance information should a lake home seller share? Flood zone details, any elevation certificate, roof age and records, and documentation of past claims and repairs.