Houston Realtors Reverse Course on Adding Flood Risk to Home Listings

A plan to include flood-risk information on home listings across Houston has been shelved after strong pushback from local real estate professionals. The proposal, backed by the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), would have introduced a numeric flood-risk score to every property listed on the Multiple Listing Service. The initiative aimed to give buyers clearer insight into long-term environmental and financial risks.

Instead, concerns from agents about accuracy, liability, and market perception led HAR to pull the measure before it reached full implementation.

Initially, the organization explored using data from a national climate analytics firm to help potential buyers better understand flood exposure—an issue that remains top of mind across the region. The Houston area has endured multiple catastrophic weather events in recent years, including Hurricane Harvey and recurring seasonal flooding. For many residents, understanding those risks is a core part of the homebuying process.

Why the Proposal Was Withdrawn

Real estate agents raised several issues with the flood scoring system. Many argued that the tool could misrepresent a property's true risk based on broad modeling rather than parcel-specific engineering data. Others expressed concern that an inaccurate score could unfairly stigmatize certain homes or neighborhoods.

Industry leaders also noted the potential for increased liability if buyers made decisions based on information later found to be incomplete or inconsistent with official sources. Texas already requires sellers to disclose known flood history, and many agents direct buyers to FEMA maps and city data for deeper research.

HAR ultimately concluded that adding a proprietary score might complicate, rather than improve, transparency.

What This Means for Houston Buyers and Sellers

The reversal leaves flood-risk research in the hands of buyers, who often rely on agents, engineers, and insurers for guidance. While the region has made strides in flood mitigation, from major infrastructure projects to updated building codes, risk remains a central factor in property decisions.

Real estate experts say the conversation is far from over. Many expect future efforts to improve environmental transparency, whether through industry-led tools or state-level policy changes. As climate conditions evolve, homebuyers are asking more questions, and brokers are adapting.

For now, Houston-area listings will continue without the proposed flood score, and agents will use the existing mix of maps, historical data, and insurance insights to inform clients.

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