A buyer asks a Georgia licensee to interpret a FEMA flood zone map and determine whether the property is at risk of flooding. The licensee has no specialized training in flood mapping or hydrology. How should the licensee handle this request?
Correct Answer
A) Describe the flood zone designation shown on the map and direct the buyer to FEMA or a qualified professional for authoritative interpretation
Under BRRETA (O.C.G.A. Title 10, Chapter 6A) and Georgia practice standards, licensees should present factual information such as the flood zone designation but must not offer unsupported personal interpretations of technical data outside their expertise. The proper course is to describe what the available records show and refer consumers to authoritative sources — such as FEMA, surveyors, or engineers — for professional interpretation of flood risk, mold assessments, structural evaluations, and similar technical matters.
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