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HD 1786

An Act enhancing homebuyer awareness by providing notice to persons purchasing property in a flood zone

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Walsh

Massachusetts bill requiring sellers to notify homebuyers in writing if property is located in a flood zone to ensure informed purchasing decisions.

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Bill Summary · HD 1786

Legislative bill overview

HD 1786 requires property sellers or their agents to provide written notice to prospective homebuyers when a property is located in a flood zone. The bill aims to ensure that buyers have explicit awareness of flood risk before completing a purchase, establishing a clear disclosure requirement in Massachusetts real estate transactions.

Why is this important

Flood risk is a significant financial and safety concern for homeowners, yet many buyers may not be aware their property lies in a designated flood zone. This disclosure requirement could prevent costly surprises after purchase and reduce insurance disputes, while also encouraging more informed decision-making in real estate markets increasingly affected by climate change and extreme weather events.

Potential points of contention

  • Property value concerns: Mandatory flood zone disclosure may reduce property values or make homes harder to sell, creating resistance from real estate industry stakeholders and current homeowners
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's effectiveness depends on how "flood zone" is defined—whether it includes only FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas or broader climate-based flood risk assessments
  • Implementation burden: Sellers, agents, and title companies would bear compliance responsibility, requiring systems to verify flood zone status and timing questions about when disclosure occurs in the transaction process

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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