Here's an interesting case that came to us recently. A family was purchasing a house when they were advised by their real estate agent that the property was in a flood plain and that we would have to buy flood insurance. How do we know if he is being truthful?

That's a good question. You don't have to take the word either of a mortgage lender or a real estate agent. Instead go right to the Federal Emgergency Management Agency, FEMA. You can contact them at 1-877-336-2627. When you contact them ask for the Mapping Assistance Center. They can tell you for sure whether flood insurance will be required.

Don't forget you can always shop around for different lending institutions, real estate agents, home inspectors or just about anyone involved in the process of buying a home. If you're not comfortable with what you're hearing, find someone else.