The '100-year flood' myth that costs buyers thousands

The phrase sounds reassuring. It isn't. A 100-year flood has a 1% chance every single year, and nothing stops two in a row.

Many flooded homes are outside the mapped high-risk zone entirely, because FEMA maps can be years out of date and don't include heavy-rain flooding.

Before you buy, ask for the elevation certificate, past insurance claims, and get a flood insurance quote even if it isn't required.