While some people are wondering if they should put their home search on hold during the Coronavirus pandemic, others are taking advantage of low-interest rates and dipping home prices. If you're on the market for a home right now, it's essential you know how to proceed safely.It's a great time to buy, but it's important to avoid endangering homeowners, agents, and others involved in the process. In fact, the California Association of Realtors requires agents to follow strict guidelines during this pandemic. These guidelines include no face-to-face meetings, no in-person listing appointments...

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and real estate has not been left untouched. Some prospective homebuyers are wondering if they should slow down the search, while others are continuing to move forward.Due to the rapidly changing job and family situations, some people have found themselves looking for a new living situation when they never expected to. Whether you're thinking about buying out of necessity or desire, purchasing a home right now is actually not such a bad idea.1) Historically Low Interest Rates While the U.S. economy faces u...

At this point, to say that the coronavirus has been dominating headlines feels like something of an understatement. As the number of areas with significant outbreaks grows and the death toll continues to rise across the globe, it is only natural that people are feeling a sense of anxiety.California is no different. In fact, California was one of the first states to declare a state of emergency after the virus’s confirmed arrival in the United States.While the coronavirus is undoubtedly creating turbulent times for many, this can be even more stressful for prospective homebuyers. After all, ...

Of the many issues related to global warming, few are more alarming — or potentially devastating — than rising sea levels. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the global sea level in 2014 was 2.6 inches higher than it had been in 1993.Continued warming of both the ocean and atmosphere has resulted in sea levels increasing at an average of 1/8 of an inch each year. Some estimates predict an additional one to four-foot rise by the year 2100.While these numbers may sound relatively small, they can have a big impact, particularly for people living in coas...

In California, Spring and Summer are about as close to paradise as you can get. The weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming, and the sunshine makes you want to spend the weekends at the beach. Unfortunately, the beautiful weather during these lovely months brings with it possible natural disaster concerns.It's important to be ready for the disasters that occur during the warmer months as well as plan for future natural disasters that are more common in later months. If you prepare your home for potential disasters you'll be able to enjoy the California paradise in peace.1) Renovate Your...

The home buying process can be long and complicated at times.Not only that, but many home buyers are so excited to finalize the purchase of their dream home that they skip certain steps in the process. The one step that should never be forgotten, though, is a thorough examination of the NHD Report.The NHD Report, or the Natural Hazard Disclosure, informs home owners of the potential hazards that could affect their home in the future. A home is a long-term investment. Many people put an immense amount of money on the line with this purchase. Being well-informed about the risks of this invest...

California is considered one of the most desirable places to live — and why shouldn’t it be? From sun-soaked beaches to the rugged beauty of places like the Redwood Forest or Yosemite, California has plenty of natural beauty to complement the lifestyle of your choosing.While the natural appeal of the state makes it a popular destination for home buyers, California real estate law mandates an extra element that you won’t encounter in any other state: the Natural Hazard Disclosure, or NHD report.What Is the NHD Report? The requirement to provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure report was put into...

Buying a house is a huge decision, and for many, it is the largest financial decision they will make in their lifetime. So you want to make sure you have all the important information before the deal goes through, right? A Natural Hazard Disclosure Report makes sure you are well-informed about the risks in the area of your potential new home. Similarly, once you own a home, you may be thinking of selling one day. The Natural Hazard Disclosure Report will be a factor in determining the value of your property. The NHD report informs potential buyers of whether or not prospective homes are in ...

No matter where you choose to call home, understanding the potential natural hazards your property could face is essential for planning your future living arrangements. This is especially true if your NHD report indicates that your property lies in a very high fire hazard severity zone or wildfire hazard zone. Wildfires are a very real threat to your home in California. The Verisk 2017 Wildfire Risk Analysis report found that over 2 million homes in California were at a “high” or “extreme” risk of wildfire. In 2018 alone, it is estimated that over 22,000 buildings were destroyed in the fire...

For many prospective homebuyers, California remains a dream destination — and for good reason! With beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches and more, there’s plenty to love about living in California.In my experience, however, one thing that buyers aren’t always aware of is the importance of the NHD Report when buying a property. Under the California Civil Code 1103, real estate sellers and brokers are legally required to provide a Natural Hazard Disclosure if a property is located within a hazard area.For some homeowners, learning that a particular property is at higher risk for certain types ...