Home Selling and Home Buying in Fire Prone Areas

By Sheryl Landrum
Home Worth Columnist

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On Sunday, July 6, 2008, the San Diego Union Tribune's headlines asked: "Is Fire Season Out of Control?" In wake of the 1,780 Northern California fires that have been burning since June, it is hard not to think so. California has always been plagued by fires; usually, however, the fires start in the fall. Now, with another year of drought on top of increased populations, the potential loss of lives and homes is staggering for 2008. While this is tragic enough, as fire seasons become more volatile they also put more pressure on those looking at refinancing, selling, or buying a home. Why is this so?

Home Buying and Refinancing Can Be Difficult When You Can't Find Homeowner's Insurance

In 2003 and again in 2007 when San Diego homeowners looked to buy, refinance, or re-build their homes in fire-damaged areas, they were stalled. Not only did insures need to verify that structures in fire areas still existed, many of the home insurers flatly refused to insure houses in fire-damaged areas. Those homeowners who did find home insurance were unpleasantly surprised to find that the cost was at a premium. Not only were home values high, now the price of home insurance was as well. So, before you fall in love with a home, find out what insurers require or prefer in properties. Chances are they will tell you they prefer:

• Stucco houses.
• Tile roofs.
• Alarm systems that include fire.
• Close proximity to a fire station.
• Indoor overhead sprinklers.
• Tile, concrete, and other non-flammable surfaces around and in the home.
• Good clearance around the home's perimeter from brush, trees, flammable structures, etc.
• Landscaping that is fire retardant.

Home Selling and Home Improvement Tips in Fire Areas Should Also Be Noted

If you are considering selling your home or making changes in your home to increase its value, fire awareness tips such as the ones above will help you as well. Keep your home free of fire-attracting debris from your roof down to your fences and maintain a distance between structures and flammable landscaping. Many houses that have been saved during fire season are those that had ice plant or other fire repellant ground covering around the home's proximity.

For home sellers and home buyers alike, if you have any questions on what you should do to help keep your home safe from fire, call your insurance agent and your local fire department for fire prevention advice. It just may save more than your home--it could save your life.

Source:
The San Diego Union Tribune, July 6, 2008.

About the Author
Sheryl Landrum is a Senior Loan Officer with First Capital Mortgage of San Diego at the Prudential Realty Office in Bonsall, California.