we are interested in buying a property which backs on Buffaol Bayou in Houston.We love the backyard and the view

If you want to buy a house and want to ensure that it is not in a flood zone, there are a few steps you can take: Check FEMA Flood Maps: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains flood maps that show areas that are at risk of flooding. You can check these maps online to see if the property you're interested in is located in a flood zone. Look for past flood events: Check with the local government and residents to determine if the area has experienced flooding in the past. This information can be useful in determining if the property is at risk of flooding. Check with a local real estate agent: Local real estate agents are knowledgeable about the area and can help you determine if the property is located in a flood zone. They may also be able to provide you with information on flood insurance rates and requirements. Hire a professional surveyor: If you are still uncertain, you can hire a professional surveyor to evaluate the property and determine if it is located in a flood zone. It's important to note that even if a property is not currently located in a flood zone, it can still be at risk of flooding due to changes in weather patterns and infrastructure developments. It's always a good idea to purchase flood insurance to protect your investment in case of a flood event. ***contact info*** Aziz Qwasme’ (281)818-1931 Zazahtx@gmail.com IG: zaza_living Zaza living llc

I really like Veronica's answer. Depending where you are buying, you are likely paying a good amount of money for that property. Definitely get an elevation certificate to get a better idea for that property. The terrain right next to the bayou can be flat and can also be a little hilly. Reviewing the topography for that particular lot will be of utmost importance.

Good luck!

Good answers have been given about flooding. If you're concerned about the foundation, an inspection should show if there are potential problems there.

The CLUE report and Harris County Flood Control site are both great sources of information. Also try talking to the neighbors. I've found that neighbors generally love to share information about flood related issues. Just because it backs up to Buffalo Bayou doesn't mean it has any more of a chance of flooding than several streets over. Sometimes I find it surprising what is in the flood plain and what is not in the flood plain. Sounds like a great backyard!

You can do several things:
1. Contact your insurance representative and give him/her the property address. (S)he can tell you if flood insurance is required, and can tell you what the CLUE report on that address reveals. If anything.
2. The Harris County Flood Control District website has information and maps of flood prone areas, http://www.hcfcd.org/tsarp.asp?flash=no
You may be able to find a place on this website where you can insert the property address and see where it lies in relation to flood prone areas.
3. Your lender may require an elevation certificate. Talk to your lender about this.
http://www.hcfcd.org/firms.html

4. Review the Seller's Disclosure document carefully.

I hope this helps.

You might checking with the flood control department. I believe they control the flow of water on the bayou from the Addicks Reservoir. The water released is at the damn on Hwy. 6 a few miles south of I-10. I hope this helps.