What to Do If Your House Flooded: A Guide for Flagstaff Sellers & Buyers

Flagstaff has seen serious flash flooding after wildfires burned the slopes above town, including the 2019 Museum Fire and 2022 Pipeline Fire, with damage in areas like Timberline and along the Rio de Flag. Whether you are selling a home that flooded or buying one that might have, here is what you need to know.

Right after a flood

• Safety first: stay out of floodwater and have the power and gas checked before going back in.

• Document everything with photos and video before cleanup, plus a list of damaged items.

• Call your insurance company right away. Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flooding. Flood coverage is a separate policy.

• Dry out fast: professional water mitigation in the first 24 to 48 hours helps prevent mold.

• Keep every report and receipt. You will need them for insurance and for future buyers.

If you are selling

• Disclose it. Arizona’s Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement (SPDS) asks about flooding and water damage, and sellers must disclose known material facts.

• Show the fix: mitigation reports, repair invoices, mold clearance testing, and any drainage or flood-protection improvements.

• Price it right: I compare recent sales and explain how buyers and their lenders will look at the history.

• Check the flood zone: FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center shows mapped flood zones, and lenders typically require flood insurance for homes in high-risk zones. Flooding can also happen outside mapped zones, especially below burn scars.

• Read the SPDS closely and ask the seller for repair records and an insurance claims history (often called a CLUE report).

• Inspect for water: a full home inspection, plus mold or sewer-line inspections if you see signs of past water.

• Do not wait on flood insurance: National Flood Insurance Program policies generally have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts, with limited exceptions such as a policy required for a loan closing.

• Know the local risk: burn-scar areas can flood for years after a fire. Coconino County has built flood-control projects in the Pipeline Fire burn scar, and I can help you research any specific street.

This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Talk with your insurance agent and, if needed, a real estate attorney about your situation.

Selling a home with a flood history, or buying in Flagstaff? Call/text Michael Vallee at 480-848-5780 | Real Broker, LLC. Below are Flagstaff homes for sale. Click Save Search for new listings, and I will check the flood zone and history on any home you like.