The seller tells the buyer's agent that the home has never had flooding issues, but a sump pump is present. What should the buyer's agent do?

• A. Inquire into whether flooding is an issue because the sump pump may indicate past flooding
• B. Dismiss the sump pump as irrelevant
• C. Notify the seller to fix any flood issue before closing
• D. Suggest flooding cannot occur in that area

Answer: (B)

A sump pump signals a potential flood risk or past water intrusion, so the buyer’s agent should investigate rather than ignore it. The presence of a sump pump can indicate groundwater issues or previous flooding in the basement, which are material considerations for a buyer. The agent should ask the seller or listing agent about any flood history, repairs, or flood-related insurance claims, and gather details on the sump pump itself—its age, condition, maintenance, and where the discharge goes, as well as whether there’s a backup power source. This information helps the buyer assess risk, decide whether to request repairs or a price concession, and determine insurance implications.

Dismissing the sump pump as irrelevant ignores a potential risk signal. Asking the seller to fix flood issues before closing or stating that flooding cannot occur in the area are not appropriate first steps; those options either overstep the seller’s obligation or rely on an unfounded assumption about risk.