There is also the need to obtain an elevation certificate, which cost between $400 and $500, to determine flood insurance rates on a home being sold. As of last October, Dennis Weinberg said, the Federal Emergency Management Agency no longer grandfathers in flood insurance rates. “My first question to a homeowner looking to sell is, ‘Do you have an elevation certificate?’” he said.

Amato struck an optimistic note, saying that legislation signed by President Obama last month could protect thousands of New York homeowners from huge flood insurance premium rate hikes under the Biggert Waters act, which removed subsidies that kept federal flood insurance premiums low.

“There were a lot of questions about the flood insurance policies,” Amato said, “but with the new insurance bill that has been passed, that has made people feel a little more confident as well.”