As a real estate agent in Skagit County, Washington, understanding flood risk is an important part of helping buyers make informed decisions. With our proximity to rivers, low-lying farmland, and coastal areas, flood insurance can be a critical safeguard—whether it’s required by a lender or chosen for added peace of mind. Even homes that have never experienced flooding may still face risk due to changing weather patterns, snowmelt from the Cascades, and seasonal tides. Educating buyers early about flood zones, insurance options, and long-term protection helps ensure there are no surprises after closing and allows homeowners to fully enjoy everything our region has to offer.
To offer additional insight, local Farmers Insurance agent Adam Thurmond shares his perspective on living in Western Washington and why flood insurance matters:
"I can't imagine a better place to live than here in Western Washington! Having grown up here in Skagit Valley and spending time throughout much of the Puget Sound region, there is no place that I would rather my wife and I raise our family. However, like anywhere, Western Washington poses things to consider when shopping for a home. One of the great attractions of this region is the mild weather that allows us to enjoy all four seasons with very few extreme weather events. One thing to keep in mind; however, when living in this area, is periodic flooding. Much of the Puget Sound area sits in a 100-year flood zone. When financing a home in a 100-year flood zone, there are lender requirements to carry flood insurance. While a large majority of these homes have never flooded, it is important to know that the risk does exist. Based on history, it is usually predictable which areas tend to be the most at risk for flooding, especially along some low-lying areas near the Skagit, Snohomish and Nooksack Rivers. In years when we see increased snow fall in the Cascade Mountains in late fall followed by a warmer stretch of rain, there is an increased likelihood to see creeks and rivers fill up and breach their banks in pockets of these areas. When purchasing on a low-lying coastal area it is important to consider things like the seasonal "King Tide" and potential for tsunamis. While flood insurance is excluded on home owners policies, it can be quite affordable to purchase a flood policy weather it is required by a lender or simply for peace of mind. When working with our clients that have flood insurance needs, I look at several factors and resources to find the client the most cost-effective way to cover those needs. FEMA is a great resource, but is not always the best fit for flood insurance. We work closely with FEMA and several private flood insurance carriers. The best option can vary from one location and from one company to another. This is why we look at all of our options for a given address. It is common to have questions and we always encourage potential buyers in these areas to reach out with questions, concerns and for some historical context. We can never completely predict the future, but we can look back and learn from what we've already experienced. I can be reached at [email protected] or 360 757 7000."
