While California is known for its golden coasts and mountains, these natural features also carry with them some serious natural risks. That’s why we recommend all homeowners take a hard look at the natural hazard disclosure report (NHD report for short) of any home they are considering buying. In looking over these reports thoroughly, homeowners can then better prepare for the potential threats of the area.

It is California state law for NHD reports to be made available before a home is purchased, and the report outlines the six primary hazard types - a flood hazard zone, high fire h...

Living in California can be a dream come true, but deciding which area and city best fit your needs is the first step in making it a reality. To the north are the ancient redwood forest, sunny beaches run along the coast all the way south, and inland lies desert and mountains. There’s no other state with such variety, and it’s just a matter of personal preference for what kind of features you’d like to live near.
Beneath these beautiful features lie fault lines that are quite active however, and the risk of earthquakes is a real and present one in California, as the state experiences o...

The bustling and beautiful state of California is one of the most desirable places in the world to live, and it’s easy to see why. Its economy alone is large to rank as fifth in the world if California were its own country, so there’s plenty of potential prosperity there in terms of work. Along with the fiscals side of things, there’s the global entertainment capital of Los Angeles, the tech hub of San Francisco, and enough coastline and natural beauty to make anyone smile.

Yet the state is historically hit hard by natural disasters, so much so that it has unique rules and designat...

California has a combination of beaches, mountains, and world-class cities that are hard to beat, and many of its 39 million residents find the state difficult to leave. The Golden State has one of the hottest markets around right now, the average price of a home sits at $717,854, which is about a 22 percent increase since last year. The value of Californian houses has been on an upswing for years, and it seems unlikely to change in the foreseeable future in such an attractive market.

However, there are some very real risks for homeowners living in California, as it is well known to...

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...

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 ...

Looking to finally sell your home in California and turn a profit? While California offers many beautiful must-see sights and scenes, any homeowner knows just how unpredictable the weather patterns are within the state. From earthquakes to floods and fires, homeowners must always be on the lookout for brewing natural disasters.  Lucky for you, California Civil Code requires that all real estate sellers and brokers must provide their clients with an NHD report. This provides peace of mind for both the buyer and the seller. If you’re selling your home, disclosing all the possible hazards in...