When the rain hit Salt Lake City earlier this month, it wasn’t just another storm. It was the city’s rainiest day since 1901, flooding dozens of homes in Rose Park and Westpointe. Streets turned into streams, yards filled with debris, and entire blocks were underwater. For many homeowners, the flood left more than mud behind — it left unanswered questions about insurance, rebuilding, and property boundaries. That’s where a property survey comes in. If you’ve filed an insurance claim after a disaster, you’ve probably noticed that insurers now ask for new surveys before processing payouts or approving repairs. It might sound like another piece of paperwork, but after a major storm, an updated property survey can be the key to moving your claim — and your recovery — forward. When Floods Rewrite the Map Floods don’t just damage buildings; they change the land itself. Soil shifts, boundaries move, and drainage patterns alter. Corners that once marked property lines can get buried, washed a...
B uying or selling a home is stressful enough, but now there’s a new twist: the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has officially lapsed. As of September 30, 2025, no new NFIP flood insurance policies or renewals can be issued until Congress takes action. That means if your property is in a FEMA flood zone, your closing could stall. Here’s where an elevation certificate comes in. This single document, prepared by a licensed surveyor, can make the difference between a deal collapsing and a deal closing. With coastal flood advisories already active in Duval County this week, buyers and lenders are paying closer attention than ever to flood risk. If you’re in the middle of a transaction, the certificate might be your fastest way forward. Why the NFIP Lapse Hits Jacksonville Closings Hard The NFIP isn’t just another government program; it’s the backbone of flood coverage across the country. Lenders who issue federally backed mortgages cannot close on properties in flood zones without...