Flood Zone Determinations

American Flood Research, Inc. prides itself in providing the most accurate flood information available without sacrificing turnaround time. We know that accurate, complete and timely information is the key to keeping you, the lender, free from the liability and disruptions caused by flood related problems.  American Flood Research has developed proprietary software in conjunction with the latest mapping technologies to shorten turnaround time to meet lender needs. Although our technological developments deliver speed, American Flood Research's methods will not sacrifice accuracy. Our software was developed to assist our researchers in making the flood determination or determining thatadditional research is required before a determination can be made. Our methodologies have always involved highly trained professional researchers to make the final determination as to whether the property is affected by areas of special flood hazards. It is this methodology that sets us apart from the competition and has enabled us to grow largely through referrals from our existing clientele.

Getting started with American Flood Research, Inc. has never been easier. When you are ready to begin, you can order flood determinations via our web site or simply fax your request. Volume users may utilize a loan origination software interface to eliminate duplicate data entry. No matter what method you use, you can count on American Flood Research, Inc. to deliver accurate and timely flood information coupled with outstanding customer service.

Life of Loan Coverage
Each Life of Loan Certificate of Determination will have Life of Loan coverage. After issuance of a Certificate of Determination with Life of Loan coverage, American Flood Research, Inc. will notify the lender or servicer of all status changes as result of a FEMA map revision , and when applicable, a change in the NFIP participation status of a community. Life of Loan coverage is assignable and shall transfer to the benefit of the assignee provided that at the time of such assignment American Flood Research, Inc. is notified in writing.

One Time Coverage
One Time Coverage will entitle the lender client to flood information which is current at time of request only. Therefore, in the event of a physical map revision and or a change in the NFIP participation status of a community, notification will not be provided. 

Portfolio Review Services

Tracking Services 
Tracking Services pertain to portfolios whereby the original flood zone determinations were not issued by American Flood Research, Inc. The service provides a monitoring function for the loans moving forward. From the date of receipt,  American Flood Research, Inc. will track for status changes resulting from a FEMA map revision, and or a change in the NFIP participation status of a community. American Flood Research, Inc. will then advise the client of of all such revisions, and each revision carries Life of Loan coverage.

Scan Option
The "scan option" is designed to identify loans in or near special flood hazard areas (SFHA) by using an NFIP database. This option will reduce the overall flood risk associated with your portfolio, but will not eliminate the risk entirely. The scan is based on probability and as a result it will not identify every property located in a special flood hazard area. The identified loans will be researched and a new certificate with fully transferable Life of Loan coverage will be issued.

Portfolio Review
A complete review of your loan portfolio is recommended when the lender believes a large portion of the lender's portfolio is at risk. A Certificate of Determination will be completed for each loan submitted as part of the "portfolio review." At the lender's option, each such Certificate of Determination shall have freely assignable Life of Loan coverage or only one-time coverage.

HMDA Census Tract Information
Provide census tract information in accordance with the Home Mortgage Disclosure ACT (HMDA). This information includes State, County, Metropolitan Statistical Area and Census Tract data. 

American Flood Research, Inc. (AFR) prides itself in providing the most accurate flood information available through efficient ordering platforms. Flood determinations can be ordered via:

• AFR's Internet Ordering Website
• Fannie Mae's DU on the Web (eliminating duplicate key entry)
• Loan Origination Software Integration
• Fax

AFR maximizes the benefits of technology not only to make ordering easy, but also to maximize efficiencies in our research department. However, unlike most of our competitors, AFR uses technology within its limits in the research process to ensure accuracy is not sacrificed. Our proprietary software was developed to complete a determination or assist our researchers to determine if additional research is required. This combination of researcher and technology also makes AFR extremely proficient regarding new construction loans, rural loans or property bordering a floodplain. AFR's exacting research methods allow flood determinations to be made to the improvements, NOT just to the property boundary. This level of accuracy avoids unnecessarily requiring flood insurance on loans where a portion of property is affected by a floodplain, but the structure is not. AFR's research methodology, unparalleled commitment to accuracy and customer service sets AFR apart from the competition. We truly understand that your satisfaction is our future.

AFR's Summary of Key Benefits:

• Accuracy (AFR selected by Fannie Mae as auditor for monthly quality control)
• Ease in ordering (see ordering methods listed above)
• Rapid Turnaround Time
• Flood Zone Determinations made to the structure
• AFR's Guarantee backed by $10 Million in Errors & Omissions Insurance
• Lender access to working maps
• No subcontracting of services
• Reporting Capabilities
• Service, Service and more Service!

To begin experiencing the customer service and accuracy you have been missing, or to learn more about AFR, simply call us at 1-800-995-8667 or e-mail a marketing representative specializing in your area, or visit us online by clicking American Flood Research, Inc.