Flood Disclosures Take Center Stage as Massachusetts Faces a Wetter Future
For 35 years, Denise Kress has woken up to the natural beauty of Belle Isle Marsh just beyond her Winthrop backyard. But the marsh, once a peaceful view, has increasingly become an unpredictable force of nature — one capable of swallowing cars, flooding basements, and turning daily life into a never‑ending battle with water.
Kress has endured totaled vehicles, ruined heating systems, and even hotel stays after her basement froze over in 2018. Yet, she remains — comforted by the same marsh that challenges her. Still, she wonders what will happen the day she eventually sells her home.
“I would want the next owner to know,” she says. “People have a right to know.”
A Push for Flood Transparency
As climate conditions worsen, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is pushing a proposal that could reshape property transactions statewide: mandatory flood disclosures. With Massachusetts being one of only 14 states — and just three on the coast — with no disclosure requirements, the goal is simple: ensure buyers understand the risks before signing on the dotted line.
The proposal is part of Healey’s nearly $3 billion environmental bond bill aimed at updating dams, stormwater systems, and coastal defenses. But for real estate professionals, the disclosure requirement is the real game‑changer.
Why Flood Disclosures Matter
Flood histories directly affect insurance rates, property values, and long‑term financial stability. Without disclosures, buyers may unknowingly take on high‑risk properties. Transparency protects consumers while creating a fairer marketplace.
A Divided Real Estate Landscape
Support for the proposal comes from the business community, insurance experts, and municipalities. But one major player remains hesitant: the real estate industry.
The Massachusetts Association of Realtors argues that the rule disrupts the traditional “buyer beware” structure, shifting more responsibility onto sellers. Others believe the focus should be on increasing housing availability before adding major regulatory changes.
Still, economists — including Redfin’s chief economist — say disclosures create a more stable and trustworthy housing market.
Real Lives, Real Consequences
The debate isn’t theoretical. Former Salem homeowner Carole McCauley faced the issue firsthand after a 2011 storm flooded her basement with three feet of water, destroying her sump pumps, water heater, and car. When selling her home later, she did not disclose the flood history.
“I felt like a real jerk,” she admits — an all‑too‑common dilemma when laws don’t require transparency.
A Costly Lesson in a Changing Climate
McCauley says the experience reshaped her understanding of climate change, finances, and personal responsibility. “This isn’t just about science,” she says. “It’s about people’s retirement, their savings… their lives.”
The Road Ahead
Healey’s proposal now enters the legislative arena next year, raising major questions about transparency, safety, and the future of homeownership in a rapidly changing climate.
As one flood expert describes it, avoiding flood disclosure is like playing “a perverse game of musical chairs.” Eventually, someone gets stuck with a home that floods too often to sustain.
What This Means for Real Estate Professionals
Mandatory flood disclosures could reshape Massachusetts’ real estate environment. For anyone pursuing or maintaining their real estate license, understanding these shifts is essential.
At Cameron Academy, we emphasize ethical representation, consumer protection, and staying ahead of industry‑wide changes. For new and seasoned professionals alike, knowledge of flood disclosure laws helps build trust and elevate your practice.
To explore the original reporting behind this story, visit Commonwealth Beacon:
commonwealthbeacon.org
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Cybercrime in 2025 has evolved into a full‑scale service economy, with malware now available through subscription platforms that operate like mainstream tech businesses. Bitsight’s latest analysis reveals explosive growth in Malware‑as‑a‑Service tools, rising attacks across industries like healthcare, finance, tech, and real estate, and a surge in cross‑platform malware and supply‑chain exploits. For professionals in any licensed field, the message is clear: today’s digital landscape demands heightened vigilance, stronger identity security, and proactive defense against an increasingly organized underground threat environment.
A new proptech startup in the UAE, Gllit is redefining how property deals happen by removing agents, eliminating commissions, and integrating AI tools that let users create professional listings in seconds. With a fast, transparent, and direct-to-owner model, Gllit offers a glimpse into the future of global real estate — and a powerful case study for U.S. professionals preparing for tech-driven changes in the industry.
The 2026 housing market is shaping up to be a year of stability with a few surprises. Mortgage rates are expected to hold steady, home price growth is slowing, and yet ownership costs continue to rise due to soaring taxes and insurance. Meanwhile, renting is becoming more attractive as affordability improves and built‑to‑rent communities expand. This breakdown highlights the biggest trends ahead — and what they mean for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals, especially in Florida.
Florida homeowners are facing some of the highest insurance premiums in the nation, with average costs now topping $5,800 per year—about $3,000 above the U.S. average. Many residents report their rates have doubled or even tripled, while more than 40 percent of claims are closed with no payment. As frustration grows, state lawmakers and consumer advocates are pushing for transparency, rate caps, and incentives to help storm‑proof homes. The outcome of these reform efforts could reshape Florida’s real estate market, insurance landscape, and affordability for years to come.
A new global study from Risk.net and SAS reveals that many insurance companies are still making key decisions in isolated silos, despite industry-wide pushes toward data-driven strategies. While most leaders claim to have a clear vision, 38 percent admit they lack a real-time view of risks, revenue and costs. With poor data quality, limited collaboration and outdated processes holding teams back, experts say the industry is poised for a major transformation through AI, analytics and unified strategy—offering lessons for professionals across insurance, real estate, finance and other regulated fields.
Atlanta’s housing market is shifting into a more balanced and predictable phase. Prices have leveled off, inventory has finally caught up, and mortgage rates are easing enough to bring buyers back into the game. With steady demand, growing listings, and only mild price corrections forecasted into 2026, Atlanta remains one of the Southeast’s strongest real estate markets for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.
