Homestead and flood on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

On the MS Coast, homestead exemption is requested through your local Tax Assessor's office. Flood is a separate conversation from wind, and storm surge is a flood conversation.

Homestead

Remember, retirees. Mississippi has property taxes and yet, your position may qualify you for low (or no) taxes, if you request it and meet the criteria.

Homestead must be requested through your local Tax Assessor's office. Even a January 3 purchase misses the deadline. Late-year closings (November/December) may get delayed by the holidays. Keep a copy of your closing statement and deed to file for your Homestead. Ask your title closer or closing attorney for specifics to file for your homestead exemption as soon as is practical.

Your County is your tax assessor, your chancery clerk, your homestead filing desk, and often your insurance conversation.

Flood and wind

Zero offers on a coastal property without a preliminary wind and flood quote. Your offer is contingent on acceptable insurance quotes, and you know your go/no-go number.

Flood zones are indicators of risk, and differ from proof of safety. Katrina covenants require flood insurance even on non-flood-zone homes if a prior owner accepted federal recovery aid. Storm surge is a flood conversation. People often conflate the two in hurricane discussions.

Read the exclusions. Inquire if wind is excluded. Wind insurance is now offered by many insurers; however, rates often spike from hurricane activity even in nearby states. MWUA remains the last-resort wind and hail pool in designated coastal counties.

Call or text Micah Tinkler at Double Win Realty, 601.688.4516. Website