Houston Realtors Halt Flood Risk Data on Listings After Member Pushback

The Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) has reversed a recent move to display flood risk scores on property listings, following concerns raised by members across the region. The policy shift has sparked debate within the real estate community and raised questions about how buyers access critical flood-related information in Houston, a city where flood history significantly shapes housing decisions.

HAR had begun incorporating third-party flood risk data into its listings earlier this year. The data relied on predictive modeling to estimate the likelihood of future flooding, rather than historical or FEMA-based floodplain classifications. While supporters said the scores would help buyers understand potential vulnerability, many realtors pushed back, citing worries about accuracy, potential liability, and inconsistencies between the model-based estimates and official government maps.

After several weeks of feedback, HAR opted to remove the scores and reassess whether the information should return in a modified format. Listing agents still retain the option to share flood-related details individually, including whether a property has previously flooded or requires flood insurance.

Why It Matters for Houston Homebuyers

Flooding remains one of the most consequential risks for homeowners in the Houston area. Buyers often weigh floodplain status, insurance costs, and drainage infrastructure as part of their decision process. Without a standardized system for reporting flood risk data, realtors must lean on their own disclosures and encourage clients to independently verify risk through FEMA maps and other tools.

The removal of HAR’s flood risk feature raises broader questions for the industry. Supporters of the original feature argue that climate-driven flooding patterns are evolving and that traditional mapping may not fully reflect future risk. Opponents say automated risk scores could alarm buyers unnecessarily or misrepresent the true likelihood of flooding.

What’s Next

HAR leaders have indicated they will continue evaluating options for delivering flood and environmental data in ways that balance transparency with accuracy. Future updates may involve refining the data sources, improving clarity in how risk scores are calculated, or offering multiple risk assessment tools.

For now, Houston homebuyers and sellers should continue relying on a combination of FEMA flood zones, property disclosures, and insurance guidance when evaluating flood exposure.

This article is a summary of reporting by ABC13 Houston. Read the full story here.