Fargo-Moorhead REALTORS® Search for Flooding Solutions

When flooding occurs on the Red River of the North, you can find members of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS® on the front lines, helping with emergency responses and efforts to find long-term solutions.

Homeowners in the Fargo-Moorhead area of North Dakota have been victims of devastating flooding almost every year since 1993. In fact, the Red River of the North has exceeded flood stage in 49 of the past 110 years. On top of the devastation that comes with a flooded home, homeowners face higher insurance premiums and a difficult seller’s market.

The Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS® is not content to sit back and wait for others to find solutions.

“The years we have had flooding, our members were front and center, sandbagging to help protect our city,” said the Association’s Executive Vice President Marti Kaiser. “Association staff and volunteers made lunches and brought them out to volunteers. REALTORS® protect their communities.”

Behind the scenes, an Association member has served for some time on a local flood task force that has actively studied the flooding problem in an effort to protect homeowners. After some study, the Association decided to support a recommended diversion program that would channel floodwaters around Fargo.

“REALTORS® have a vested interest in the community they serve,” Kaiser said. “Our members studied the issue, listened to both sides, and decided to support the diversion,” finding it the best solution to a long-term problem.

The Association has not only contributed to the flooding solution, its members are ensuring that homeowners get accurate information.

“REALTORS® are in close communication with lenders and insurance agents in order to pass along the most relevant and accurate information regarding flood insurance to buyers and sellers,” Kaiser said. “We use Facebook, Twitter and a variety of other methods to make sure homeowners have the information they need.”

The Association is also working with the national Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, to help find a solution to flood insurance’s staggering costs.

The Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS® works hard to help find such solutions because it’s the best way to keep its community safe.