@Leo Khmelniker  When you say the macro level economy, are you talking about the national/global economy?

Are the national or regional?

What are some nationally known banks that are lenient with their loans?

As a surveyor these are the maps we use to make flood zone determinations.If the structure itself is not in the flood zone, but other parts of the property are, you should not be required to have flood insurance.Feel free to PM me if you have any questions and I will try to help you out - I am in Florida.Here is the link:FEMA's National Flood Hazard Layer (Official)

Sounds like the seller (50's aged women) may be in financial struggle but the home most likely has no mortgage since it has been passed down from her parents who have passed. 

Texas and Dallas lead the nation in company relocations for the past 12 years.  

Nationally, I've talked to PenFed and their HELOCs look very easy to apply for and they offer great rates.EDIT: PenFed is easy to join online. 

Did anyone else get this e mail the other day from the National Association of Realtors wanting to increase dues by $40 dollars?

Chris - I've had similar experiences with the airlines myself, and even got national news coverage once because of a Tweet talking about my experiences.

I have a 2006 National Construction Estimator book that says the contractors cost would be $105 per square for what they call a class A shingle.