‘Flood shock is real’: Residents in flood prone Shore Acres selling homes ‘as is’

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — After taking a beating from back-to-back hurricanes, some neighbors in Shore Acres are putting their homes up for sale, at a reduced price.

“I’ve lived in the neighborhood since 1986. I’ve seen many storms. I’ve been through several flooding events. Helene was probably — not probably, but more flooding than I’ve ever seen,” Real Estate broker and President of Shore Acres Civic Association Kevin Batdorf said.

Batdorf said the flooding affected over 80% of homes this time around, leaving residents questioning whether they can stay. Which is also why he said the home that sits on Indianapolis St. is for sale, as is.

“He has life ending disease. He’s going to stay in Portugal,” Batdorf said. “He doesn’t have much time left, and he called and asked if I could sell his property.”

For the homeowner, whose property flooded out, he is selling for lot value, a term for when the house isn’t worth restoring, but the land still holds its value.

“If you calculate the amount they’re selling your property for, plus the insurance amount, it may not make them whole, but it’s not strictly lot value that they’re selling for,” Batdorf said.

For many homeowners, selling has become the only option after yet another destructive storm season.

“Flood shock is real and it’s scary,” Batdorf said.

Homeowners said the hope is for buyers who have the wherewithal to be able to come in and rebuild the homes out of harm’s way.

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