Q: We’re looking to buy a house. On the Michigan seller’s disclosure statement on the second page regarding flood insurance it asks: Do you have flood insurance on the property?

The sellers answered “yes.” I’m somewhat familiar with the area and I’m shocked that flood insurance is required. We checked with our insurance person and they said it would not be required. How can I know for sure?

A: Your insurance company would know. You can also check the flood zone map at the city or township, check with your mortgage company if you’re getting a mortgage and check FEMA’s website.

Sometimes, what I have seen happen, is the sellers get confused with the additional coverage on their homeowner’s insurance policy that covers basement floods from a sewer backup or a failed sump pump.

That is totally different coverage and not flood insurance. (Flood insurance is a separate insurance policy that covers you if your house is located in a flood zone.)

Q: I put an offer in on a condo.

I was notified that the sellers went with another offer and that there were multiple offers. I had no idea that there were multiple offers.

Aren’t the sellers or their agent required to tell buyers that there are multiple offers?

I might have offered more.

A: No, they are not. Sellers and listing agents are not required to notify the buyers and or buyer’s agent about multiple offers.

Your buyer’s agent can inquire if there are any other offers, but the seller side is not required to disclose if there are.

Steve Meyers is a real estate agent/Realtor at Realty Executives Home Towne in Shelby Twp. He can be contacted with questions at 586-997-5480 or email him at Steve@MeyersRealtor.com You also can visit his website at AnswersToRealEstateQuestions.com.